Two charged in connection to fires at Kitchener-Waterloo Walmart stores

Two arrested for K-W Walmart fires From CTV Kitchener’s Carmen Wong: Two people are facing arson charges after a series of fires at Kitchener-Waterloo Walmarts.

KITCHENER — The Waterloo Regional Police Service has arrested two people in connection to a series of fires set at Walmart stores in Kitchener and Waterloo that caused millions of dollars in damage.

Police made the arrests around 5:30 p.m., announced them later that night, and on Sunday revealed that a 21-year-old man from Paris, Ont. and a young person have been charged. Neither have been named.

"Tips from the public along with eye witnesses led to the arrest of these individuals," said Const. Ashley Dietrich of WRPS.

The two now face several offences, including arson, disregard for human life, and discharging a false fire alarm.

The fires were reported Tuesday night at three locations: Ottawa Street South and Fischer Hallman Road in Kitchener, Ottawa Street North and River Road in Kitchener, and Bridgeport Road East and Weber Street South in Waterloo.

Police have previously stated that the fires were started in the toilet paper and paper towel aisles. Damage to the three locations is estimated at $12 million.

"The details leading up to those incidents are still part of the ongoing investigation," said Dietrich.

In a statement, Walmart Canada says they are aware of the arrests.

"We're doing everything we can to reopen the stores," the statement reads. "We need to ensure the store is safe and up to the standards our Kitchener and Waterloo customers expect and deserve.

"There are no specific target reopening dates at this point."

Further investigation by police revealed the two reportedly pulled fire alarms at other retail stores in Cambridge and Brantford.

Police say they are not looking for any more suspects, but expect additional charges to be laid.

Anyone who may have witnesses the incidents is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777 or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

With reporting from CTV Kitchener's Carmen Wong