A Winnipeg man has been arrested after allegedly using an incendiary device to start a fire at downtown social club. According to the Winnipeg Police Service, the incident took place around 2:30 a.m. on Sept. 11 at a social club in the 400 block of Notre Dame. Police claim a man placed an incendiary device along the club’s back exterior wall. A citizen then saw the resulting fire and managed to extinguish it before it could spread. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived. Police note there were several people inside the business at the time, but no one was hurt. When officers arrived at the scene, they secured the device and determined that it was an “improvised incendiary device.” The device was taken to a secure location and safely disposed. The major crimes unit took over the investigation and identified a suspect, who was arrested on Sept. 12. A 59-year-old man has been charged with placing or throwing an incendiary device, making or possessing an explosive substance to endanger life or cause serious damage to property, and possession of incendiary material. The suspect is in custody, and the charges have not been proven in court. Investigators also searched the suspect’s home and business where they seized a laptop, incendiary chemicals and a 2025 Toyota Tacoma allegedly used in the commission of the offence. Officers have determined the parties involved are known to each other through the business community. Police do not believe the incident is extortion related. The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.
