OkotoksOnline
An Okotoks man is facing arson, theft, and firearm charges after a suspicious house fire in Vulcan County sparked a multi-agency investigation.
Vulcan RCMP responded to a house fire on July 31. After they confirmed the house's occupants were unharmed, it was discovered that a vehicle and several firearms had been stolen from the property.
The next day, on Aug. 1, Olds RCMP received reports of a man setting small fires in the middle of the road. Officers recovered the stolen vehicle and some of the firearms, though the suspect had fled on foot into a nearby field.
Following a joint investigation by Vulcan RCMP, Olds RCMP, and fire investigators, Luke Peterson of Okotoks and a second suspect were arrested in Vulcan on Aug. 13.
Peterson faces the following charges from the Vulcan RCMP:
- Arson
- Theft of a Motor Vehicle
- Break and Enter and theft (x2)
- Theft over $5000
Olds RCMP placed a separate set of charges:
- Possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized (x2)
- Possession of a firearm obtained by offence (x2)
- Possess weapon dangerous to the public (x2)
- Careless storage of a firearm (x2)
- Possess property obtained by crime (x2)
Peterson remains in custody and is set to appear in court in Lethbridge on Aug. 21, 2025.
The second suspect, who also faces arson and theft charges, has been released on documents to appear in court on Oct. 8.
Police say she cannot be named because her charges have not yet been sworn before the courts.