Two youth from Elsipogtog First Nation have been arrested in connection with an arson in the community.
On November 10, 2022, at approximately 4:50 a.m., members of the Richibucto RCMP, Elsipogtog RCMP, and Elsipogtog First Nation Fire Services responded to a report of a fire at a youth centre on Big Cove Road in Elsipogtog First Nation. The youth centre was completely destroyed by the fire. Through a subsequent investigation, the fire was deemed suspicious.
Later the same day, police arrested a 12-year-old girl in connection with the investigation.
On November 11, a second 12-year-old girl was arrested. Both girls were later released, and are scheduled to appear in Elsipogtog Provincial Court in March 2023.
"The Elsipogtog Youth Centre has been an integral part of our community for more than 20 years," said Chief Aaren Sock of Elsipogtog First Nation. "We are currently in discussion with our youth support staff and various departments to determine the steps necessary to ensure that youth services can continue during this time."
"We recognize that this is a very significant loss to the community, and we'd like to thank the community for their assistance with this investigation," said Sgt. Pierre-Luc Hache of the Elsipogtog RCMP detachment. "Thanks to information provided by community members, we were able to quickly identify the individuals responsible for the fire."
The investigation is ongoing.