Arson in Rigaud: a teenager appeared in court

After being met and detained by the Sûreté du Québec in connection with the arson attack on a Rigaud residence on the night of Monday August 28, the main suspect in the case, a teenager, officially appeared in court on Monday. 

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Arson ravages Rigaud single-family home

Rigaud fire: a teenager may be the prime suspect

It was in the afternoon, a few hours after the crime, that the young man was brought before the court to answer charges of arson. His court appearance took place at the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield courthouse. 

"Originally, he was supposed to appear before the Youth Court, but it will be up to the prosecutor to decide how to proceed with the case," indicated Sûreté du Québec spokesman Louis-Philippe Ruel earlier this morning. 

Sûreté du Québec specialists and investigators combed the scene following the crime on Monday.  

"He was originally scheduled to appear before the Youth Court, but it will be up to the prosecutor to decide how to proceed with the case," said Sûreté du Québec spokesman Louis-Philippe Ruel earlier this morning. 

The case could be transferred to the Criminal and Penal Chamber in the coming weeks, depending on the accused's background or age. The decision will be made by the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions.

Sûreté du Québec specialists and investigators combed the scene following the crime on Monday. 

"As far as the link between the young man and the family involved is concerned, you will understand that no element will be divulged since we are dealing here with a minor," confirmed Sûreté du Québec officer Louis-Philippe Ruel on Monday. 

The case could be transferred to the Criminal and Penal Division in the coming weeks, depending on the accused's antecedents or age. The Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions will make the decision.

The teenager was apprehended by police in a parking lot not far from the scene, while riding his bicycle.

Shortly before 12:30 a.m. on Monday morning, a fire engulfed a single-family home on rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste Est in Rigaud. Within minutes of the 9-1-1 call being placed, flames were shooting out of the second-floor windows.When firefighters arrived, they were informed that someone might be inside the residence. A search began. It was not until 45 minutes later that police reported that they had located the person in question.