Victoria Police have arrested Matthew Brian Petker, 32, for allegedly starting a fire that injured several people and damaged a hotel in downtown Victoria last week.
At around 8:30 p.m. on November 5, police attended a suite at the Capital City Centre Hotel on Douglas at Discovery Street where after man “in crisis” called police.
While they were at the hotel, officers noticed a fire within the suite.
As the fire spread, police began evacuating nearly 100 people from building while firefighters battled the blaze.
During the evacuation process, police found and apprehended Petker, who they believed started the fire.
The suspect and four other people were taken to hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Several others, including officers on scene, were treated for non-life-threatening injuries related to smoke inhalation.
Petker has been charged with arson with disregard for human life, and arson causing property damage.
Police are now looking to speak to anyone who was injured in the fire, and believe there are other victims out there that have not yet spoken to officers.
Anyone who was in the building at the time of the fire and has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact VicPD at (250) 995-7654. Press 1 to speak with the Report Desk.
To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.victoriabuzz.com/2020/11/man-arrested-for-allegedly-starting-hotel-fire-in-downtown-victoria-last-week/&media=https://www.victoriabuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/fire-e1604645015578.png&description=At around 8:30 p.m. on November 5, police attended a suite at the Capital City Centre Hotel on Douglas at Discovery Street where after man "in crisis" called police.){kind=link}