_0.jpeg)
A 49-year-old man has been arrested after deliberately setting two separate fires in Winnipeg on Friday, one at his own home and another at a downtown office building, according to the Winnipeg Police Service.
According to a release from the WPS, Jonathan Roger Hein walked into police headquarters around 4:50 p.m. on Friday, August 29 and told officers he had started both fires earlier that afternoon.
Police say the first fire happened at Hein's residence in the 200 block of Pritchard Avenue at 2:42 p.m.
Hein allegedly poured gasoline inside the home before lighting it, triggering an explosion that "blew him out of the residence." The fire quickly spread to a neighbouring home, prompting the evacuation of residents.
No injuries were reported, but Hein's house was deemed a total loss.
After fleeing the scene, Hein reportedly purchased more gasoline and travelled to an office building in the 300 block of Donald Street. At 4:13 p.m., he allegedly ignited a fire in the lobby, forcing employees to evacuate. The lobby sustained significant damage, but again, no injuries occurred.
Roughly 20 minutes later, Hein turned himself in at police headquarters, where he was arrested. The Major Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation.
Hein is now facing four charges: two counts of arson with disregard for human life, and two counts of arson causing damage to property.
Police say he has been detained in custody and is not currently a suspect in any other arsons. There have been several arsons recently in the Exchange District, which remain under investigation.