Nanaimo RCMP have released the name of a man charged in connection with a series of fires along the Nanaimo Parkway earlier this week.
Kevin Macey-Gerard, a 35-year-old individual, was apprehended on Tuesday, July 4th, while firefighters were actively working to extinguish the flames.
RCMP confirmed that Macey-Gerard is facing charges of arson and mischief related to the incidents.
Additionally, he is also being charged with an unrelated break-and-enter offense from a separate incident on June 15th.
Following his arrest, Macey-Gerard was held in police custody. A bail hearing took place on Thursday, July 6th, during which the charges were formally laid against him.
Traffic Alert – our @IAFF905 Firefighters are battling multiple Wildfires in the Parkway and Northfield area. Please avoid the area. We have multiple trucks on the roads. @cityofnanaimo pic.twitter.com/zvwnO9TaVT
— Nanaimo Fire Rescue (@NanaimoFire) July 4, 2023
As a result, he has been remanded into police custody pending further legal proceedings.
Macey-Gerard’s next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, July 11th, at Nanaimo Provincial Court.
The fires set along the Nanaimo Parkway prompted the closure of the highway to ensure the safety of both motorists and emergency personnel.
The closure allowed firefighters to effectively combat the blazes and prevent further damage to the area.
“Investigators are extremely thankful for the information provided by witnesses that ultimately lead to the timely arrest of a suspect,” said Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
Fortunately, no injuries or structural damage have been reported as a result of the fires.
