Nanaimo RCMP have arrested the two 16-year-old boys accused of starting a fire at a Nanaimo gas station on Saturday, causing thousands of dollars in damage.
The first underage suspect was arrested at a south Nanaimo residence on Sunday, while the second boy was found and arrested in Ladysmith on Monday.
They cannot be identified due to their age, but the pair has been charged with arson, robbery, arson damaging property, and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
According to Nanaimo RCMP, two teenagers were allegedly shoplifting from the the Circle K Convenience Store and Gas Station on Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo just after 9 p.m. on Saturday when one of the suspects discharged a tube flare at an employee as they were leaving.
Nanaimo fire crews were called to the scene and extinguished the blaze.
The flare, which narrowly missed the clerk, ignited merchandise and caused a fire that resulted in extensive structural damage inside and outside the store. The business is now boarded up with plywood.
The two suspects remain in police custody as the investigation into the incident continues.
