RCMP called to keep the peace, resulting in one male being arrested for arson

The local RCMP were called on October 1, to maintain the peace during the removal of unwanted squatters on a private property located near the intersection of 98 Street and 102 Avenue in Fort St. John, resulting in an arrest.

The responding police were met by two unwanted individuals as well as the property owner who was attempting to assist them with removing the unwanted individuals from the property, including their belongings.

According to the media release, one of the unwanted individuals became erratic and aggressive unexpectedly, breaking and setting fire to their own possessions in the backyard.

The local RCMP were able to talk to the individual and de-escalate the situation, with the individual eventually surrendering to the police. Both individuals were eventually arrested and removed from the property.

The BC Ambulance Service and Fort St. John Fire Service responded, and the fire was extinguished shortly thereafter.

Trevor Olfert was detained for court and is facing a charge of Arson Causing Damage to His Own Property, while the other individual was released.

“This was a situation where emotions ran high and the situation suddenly took a sudden turn for the worse,” said Constable Chad Neustaeter, Fort St John RCMP Media Relations Officer. “Fortunately, the attending officers successfully utilized their de-escalation training and were able to peacefully arrest Olfert thereby protecting the property and the immediate neighbourhood from a potentially devastating incident.”

Olfert was held in police custody until October 2, 2024, and was released by the courts on a Release Order with a requirement to return to court on October 7, 2024.