New West police have arrested a suspect in connection to last week’s suspicious fire at the New Westminster Tennis Club.
After a fire caused extensive damage to the clubhouse in Tipperary Park on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 20, the New Westminster Police Department’s major crime unit took control of the investigation, with help from its forensic identification unit. The teams collected evidence and interviewed witnesses.
According to a NWPD news release, police identified a suspect within about 24 hours — with the help of some alert residents.
On the evening of Saturday, Feb. 22, a suspect was arrested without incident after police received a call about a suspicious person loitering near an underground parking garage in the downtown, said the police department.
“We are able to identify suspects and make arrests because community members provide critical information,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver, media relations officer. “In this case, a call regarding suspicious activity near an underground parking garage led us to an arrest in connection with the fire investigation. That tip made all the difference.”
The New Westminster Police Department told the Record it is considering an arson charge related to the fire.
New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services was called to the tennis club about 10:26 p.m. on Thursday and arrived to find flames and heavy smoke coming out of the first floor of the building.
Dustin Matson, an assistant fire chief with New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services, said the building sustained “fairly significant damage” in the fire. While the clubhouse suffered some significant exterior and interior damage, he said firefighters’ efforts likely saved the structure from being destroyed.
The New Westminster Tennis Club, which was founded in the 1890s on Carnarvon Street, has been located in Tipperary Park since 1901. A members’ only club that’s located on city-owned land, it provides its members with access to four tennis courts, leagues, and social events.
