Man charged with arson after house doused in gasoline

A 31-year-old man is facing charges after police say he attempted to light a house on fire with gasoline Wednesday evening.

Police were called around 6 p.m. to the 100 block of Shaftsbury Place in Meadowgreen.

By the time officers arrived, the suspect had fled after being confronted by the homeowner. Police observed an empty jerrycan next to the fire-damaged home.

The suspect, known to the homeowner, was later located and arrested without incident at a home in the 3300 block of Centennial Drive.

He is charged with arson and disregard for human life.

Arsons have been a problem in the city this year with a 50 per cent increase since January