Edmonton police have issued a warrant for a man, who is wanted on a number of charges – after a fire tore through a southside apartment building over the weekend.
Police are searching for Zachary Holland, 25, who is wanted on 13 charges, including attempted murder, and four counts of arson causing injury.
The warrant was issued partially in connection to the fire that broke out in an apartment building in Old Strathcona Sunday.
Firefighters were called to the four-story apartment block located at 85 Avenue and 99 Street at about 3 am Sunday.
The fire was under control within an hour – but left about $500,000 in damages.
Officials said four people were taken to hospital: one woman was suffering from burns to 25 percent of her body, and three men were treated for smoke inhalation.
Investigators said the fire started in a second floor suite – in the bedroom, it’s believed a fight had been taking place at the time the fire started.
The cause of the blaze is still unknown, but the fire is considered suspicious.
As for the suspect, police said the man has a long history of violence.
“[Some of the] other charges [are] for an incident that occurred on March 24, where he was charged with aggravated assault, criminal negligence, choking, kidnapping – where he’s alleged to have dragged his then-girlfriend behind his car on the Whitemud freeway,” Edmonton Police Service spokesperson Scott Pattison said.
Holland is believed to have fled to Calgary – and police have notified border officials.
Police ask anyone who comes into contact with Holland to be cautious, and to call the Edmonton Police Service non-emergency line at 780-423-4567, or their local police department, immediately.
With files from David Ewasuk
