NEW Westminster Police said on Tuesday that they had made an arrest in connection to a suspicious fire at the New Westminster Tennis Club. The fire occurred on February 20 at approximately 10:15 p.m. and caused extensive damage to the building.

The Major Crime Unit assumed control of the investigation, and with the assistance of the Forensic Identification Unit, the teams collected evidence and interviewed witnesses. Within approximately 24 hours a suspect had been identified.

On February 22, he was arrested without incident in connection to a call about a suspicious person loitering near an underground parking garage.

“We are able to identify suspects and make arrests because community members provide critical information,” said Media Relations Officer Sgt. Andrew Leaver, “In this case, a call regarding suspicious activity near an underground parking garage led us to an arrest in connection with the fire investigation. That tip made all the difference.”

The investigation is ongoing.