iN VIDEO: Footage released of brazen arsonist in Oliver pot shop blaze
The owner of an Oliver cannabis store has released video footage of a brazen arson attack that took place last week.
The closed-circuit television footage shows a person wearing a mask get into the cannabis store, splash gasoline around and light it, before making a hasty retreat.
The fire completely gutted the store, located outside of Oliver of the Osoyoos Indian Band, Feb. 22.
The Pot Doctor Health and Wellness Centre had been located at the site on Highway 97 North for one year.
Store owner Chris Dawe told iNFOnews.ca along with the store, he had another pre-built trailer ready to open as another store at a different location that was also destroyed.
Dawe's insurance won't cover the cost of the blaze and the business owner has set up an online fundraiser.
"We're just looking for help... anyone who wants to support us we would just appreciate it at the highest level," Dawe said.
Dawe said the arsonist broke through a heavy-duty security door, which he thought was impenetrable to get into the store.
"He walked in sprayed the perimeter of my store with gasoline and walked out, nothing was stolen, nothing was touched," Dawe said. "It was a targeted attack, one would assume because nothing was stolen."
Dawe described the arson as "absolutely unprovoked."
The owner-operator, who also owns another cannabis store in Penticton, won't say how much the damage has cost him, but points out it's a lot more than the $50,000 goal of the fundraiser.
Anyone with any information about the fire should contact the Oliver RCMP at 250-498-3422.
The online fundraiser can be found here.
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