Rhodos restaurant targeted by Arsonists

One of Prince Rupert's favourite eateries was the target of an arson this past week. Prince Rupert Fire Rescue responded to a call to Rodhos restaurant on 2nd Avenue last Monday, as the establishment was the victim of a suspected deliberately set blaze.

While the Fire Department did its work in putting out the fire, the RCMP began its investigation into what caused the blaze. As the night progressed it was discovered that local bar patrons had cornered to Two youngsters aged 14 and 12. Further investigation including the use of video surveillance resulted in the two being arrested on charges of arson, with the fourteen year old also picking up a charge of resisting arrest.

No injuries were reported due to the blaze as the restaurant was closed this week. So far there's no dollar value available yet as far as damage goes, as the owners of the restaurant were out of town at the time of the blaze.

The Daily News provided further details on the fire in Friday's paper.

Arson suspected in blaze
By Patrick Witwicki
The Daily News
Friday, April 27, 2007

It is not often that the investigation of a fire is solved in one night, but that may be the case after a suspected arson at Rodho’s restaurant on Monday night.

At 9:30 p.m., RCMP received a call that Rodho’s was on fire, and along with the Prince Rupert fire department, quickly attended the scene.

“A passerby noticed the fire and called the fire department, who then were able to put out the fire,” said Const. Steve Richards, media relations for the Prince Rupert RCMP.

Investigators believe the fire may have been deliberately set and they have two prime suspects in the suspected arson — a 14-year-old male and a 12-year-old male — who were allegedly found at the scene by passers by and held there for police officers.

The fire started as the Vancouver Canucks-Dallas Stars Game 7 had ended — meaning bar patrons next door at the Rupert Pub were in the process of heading outside — the fire was quickly reported, and contained to Rodho’s, and did not spread to the adjacent buildings or businesses.

“Maybe we’re lucky it wasn’t set later,” said Richards.

The two suspects were on scene watching the fire, said Richards.

“When we arrived, they were observed watching,” said Richards, who added that it is common for arsonists to want to watch the fire they’ve lit burn. “And after getting statements from various people, we were able to arrest them.”

He said the investigation was also helped by video surveillance.

Both suspects are being charged with arson (causing damage to property), and the 14-year-old is also being charged with resisting arrest.

RCMP is reporting extensive damage was sustained by Rodho’s, but no estimate of the cost of repairs was available at press time.

The business happened to be closed this past week.

The restaurant’s owners were on their holidays.