An individual has been charged in relation to the bale fires taking place around Macklin, just days after the reward was increased to over $26,000.
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The Unity RCMP shared the following update on Wednesday morning.
"Officers continued to investigate by analyzing evidence, including surveillance video. As a result, on August 26, 2024, police officers arrested 25-year-old Logan Sieben from Macklin in relation to this investigation."
Sieben will now appear in Unity Provincial Court on November 18, 2024, facing the following charges:
- one count, arson causing mischief, Section 434, Criminal Code;
- one count, arson with intent to defraud, Section 435(1), Criminal Code; and
- one count, theft under $5000, Section 334, Criminal Code.
The Unity RCMP began investigating back at the end of July, giving credit to the public for help in a few different areas.
“Within the last month we responded to over 15 reports of deliberately set hay bale and grass fires,” says Cpl. Christopher Neufeld of Unity RCMP. “These fires resulted in property loss and greatly impacted our local farmers. Thanks to the diligent work of our RCMP investigators and our partnership and collaboration with Macklin Fire Department, we have now made an arrest and laid charges.”
Although unique, police want this situation to serve as a reminder.
"To help prevent being a victim of these types of property crimes, Unity/Macklin RCMP advise farmers or land owners to transport hay bales to locations where monitoring can happen, if possible. Please report any suspicious people or vehicles to police as soon as possible."
The Macklin RCMP also assisted with the case.