PEI RCMP Major Crime Unit and the RCMP Provincial General Investigation Section have charged two individuals in connection with the arsons that occurred in Scotchfort, Donaldston, and Stanhope this past weekend.
On Monday, November 27, 2023, 19-year-old Dakota Ellis was charged with arson in relation to the incident at a residence in Scotchfort. Ellis was remanded in custody and will be facing additional charges in relation to the cottage fires in Donaldston and Stanhope.
A second individual, a youth who cannot be named, was arrested and appeared in court today charged with three counts including break, enter and arson in relation to the cottage fires in Donaldston and Stanhope.
"This investigation required a significant surge of initial and investigational responses, including resources from the Fire Commissioner's Office, local Fire Departments, and specialty policing resources within the RCMP," said PEI RCMP Acting Commanding Officer Superintendent Kevin Lewis. "These arsons have greatly impacted individuals and invoked fear into our communities, and these charges will hopefully bring some sense of closure to this crime spree," added Lewis.
PEI RCMP Major Crime Unit and RCMP Provincial General Investigation Section are continuing the investigation.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call Queens District RCMP at 902-368-9300 or PEI Crime Stoppers at 1-877-222-TIPS (8477).