A Red Deer man was sentenced to two years in prison for robbing and setting fire to the north-side Canadian Tire store in 2024.
Scott William Sumyk, 44, was convicted of two counts of committing arson with a disregard to human life in Red Deer Court of Justice on May 1. All other charges were withdrawn.
The fire happened on the evening of April 5, 2023. At about 8:40 pm, RCMP were called to assist Red Deer Emergency Services with the investigation of a fire at the store at 67th Street and Gaetz Avenue.
It took nearly 20 firefighters more than four hours to fight the blaze that filled the entire building with smoke. The store was closed for about four months to allow for extensive renovations.
Investigators said at the time the fire appeared to have been started inside the store. Police released surveillance images and requested the public’s help in locating a suspect.
On May 15, 2023, Red Deer RCMP General Investigative Section (GIS) arrested Sumyk and charged him.
As part of his sentence, Sumyk is prohibited from possessing any weapons for 10 years.