UPDATE: Dauphin RCMP located Alexander Koski Friday in the area of 6th Ave. S.W. and 2nd St. S.W. at around 11:30 a.m.
They say that he was taken into custody without incident.
The original article published on October 25, 2022, at 9:26 a.m. follows:
Early this morning, the Dauphin RCMP responded to a report of a break-and-enter at Parkview Lodge on 2nd Ave. NE.
When they arrived, officers found a small fire in the building and called the Dauphin Fire Department to attend to the fire while the RCMP helped evacuate citizens. The cause of the fire was determined to be arson. The fire was contained and there were no reported injuries reported.
Police have identified 21-year-old Alexander Koski of Dauphin as the suspect, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Koski is being charged with Arson with Disregard for Human Life and Mischief over $5000. He's described as 5’11”, approximately 165 lbs, with brown hair, and brown eyes.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Alexander Koski, should contact the Dauphin RCMP at 204-622-5050, call Manitoba Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online here.
The Dauphin Fire Department also provided an incident report for last night's fire, which can be found below.
At approximately 3:30 am today (Tuesday October 25), DFD was dispatched for a report of fire alarms sounding at 29-2nd Avenue NE (Parkview Lodge). On arrival fire fighters were met by RCMP who reported there was a fire located in the common area/dining room.
Fire fighters located a small fire but encountered heavy smoke conditions indicating a second fire nearby. Upon searching the area, they found a storage room located off the kitchen engulfed in fire. While crews worked to extinguish the flames, additional fire fighters worked floor by floor to evacuate the tenants of all 11 floors.
Following evacuation, fire fighters found smoke and heat had extended to the apartment located above the kitchen, there was no fire extension to the area. The tenant of the affected apartment has been relocated and is being assisted by the Canadian Red Cross.
The fire is suspicious in nature and is ruled as incendiary (arson). The RCMP, MB Office of the Fire Commissioner and DFD continue to investigate. If you have any information related to the person(s) responsible for this fire, please contact the RCMP at 204-622-5050.
