On Sept. 23, 2024, at approximately 5:05 a.m. it was reported to police that a fire was intentionally set on a vehicle on a property in the Holyrood neighbourhood in the area of 77 Street and 95 Avenue. No injuries were reported, and police located a handwritten note demanding a Bitcoin money transfer that was left on the property’s doorstep. An investigation into this fire was initiated by police.
On Oct. 13, 2024, at approximately 3:30 a.m., it was reported that a fire was deliberately set in the Cloverdale neighbourhood at a home in the area of 95 Street and 97 Avenue. Initial investigations determined it to be an arson. Notes with similar handwriting to September’s fire were found at neighbouring homes. Thankfully, the four occupants inside the home were able to escape without injury.
On Oct 19, 2024 at approximately 2:00 a.m, it was reported to police that a second fire was intentionally set at the same home as the September fire in Holyrood. No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished prior to the loss of the home. Investigations determined it to be linked to the two previous arsons.
Finbar Hughes, 21, is wanted for arson with disregard for human life, extortion, and possession of an incendiary material to commit arson in connection to the three fires.
Hughes is also wanted in Calgary for similar offences.