Saskatoon police seek person of interest in Avenue E fire

Saskatoon police are asking for help identifying a person or people seen on security video prowling near a home on Avenue E North hours before a suspicious fire that killed a dog.

The fire broke out at a house in the 300 block of Avenue E North shortly after 4:30 a.m. on Oct. 16, the Saskatoon Police Service said. No one was hurt, but a dog was later found dead inside, and investigators deemed the fire suspicious.

On Thursday, Oct. 22, the police general investigations section released still images and said a person or people can be seen on several surveillance cameras prowling in the area between about 8:15 p.m. on Oct. 15 and 4:30 a.m. on Oct. 16, shortly before the fire.

“It is unconfirmed if it is the same or separate persons; however, investigators believe the shoes to be the same,” police said.

The fire started on the home’s front porch and caused an estimated $250,000 in damage, 650 CKOM reported, citing Saskatoon Fire. One person living in the home got out safely, and crews had the blaze under control about 48 minutes after it was reported.

Police and a fire investigator are still working to determine the cause. Investigators have also asked residents in the area to submit any security video recorded between midnight and 5 a.m. on Oct. 16.

Anyone who can identify the person or people in the images is asked to call Saskatoon police at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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