RICHMOND RCMP’s 2020 serial arson investigation has resulted in a guilty plea by the suspect. On May 6, Megan Wells pled guilty to arson causing damage to property.

Between January 2020 and August 2020, Richmond RCMP investigated a series of 22 arsons that occurred throughout the City of Richmond. These arsons primarily targeted bushes, hedges and garbage cans in residential areas. Due to the apparent serial nature of the arsons, Richmond RCMP created a dedicated investigative task force.

The task force initiated a 10-month long investigation, during which time more fires were linked to the initially unidentified serial arsonist. This investigative process included working collaboratively with Richmond Fire Rescue fire investigators. Throughout the course of the investigations, Richmond RCMP issued multiple media releases requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect. In late 2020 the task force established a person of interest.

On July 14, 2021, Wells was arrested and a search warrant was executed on her residence.

“These arsons garnered significant attention and concern within our community partially due to heightened awareness and concerns around wildfires in the province. Fortunately, each of the fires was extinguished quickly; however, the potential risk posed to our community was significant,” said Chief Superintendent Dave Chauhan, Officer-in-Charge of Richmond RCMP, on Tuesday. “I commend our officers for their dedication and thorough investigative work, which led to the identification and conviction of the serial arsonist.”