A Nanoose Bay man has been charged with arson after allegedly trying to burn down a house after being thrown out of a party on the weekend.
Richard James Thompson, 19, had been attending a house party on Wellington Road in Nanaimo Saturday night, when he was told to leave.
Police allege Thompson attempted to exact revenge by setting the house on fire, throwing a lit object into a pile of clothes in the home’s laundry room.
The fire spread quickly and filled the house with smoke. The party guests were able to snuff out the fire, but not before it left significant damage.
Besides the party people, an 18-month-old baby was in the house at the time.
Police were called to the scene and they were able to track down three men believed to be responsible. Two of the suspects were later released.
Thompson was charged with one count of arson with disregard for human life and arson to property.
Thompson made an initial court appearance in Nanaimo Monday, where he was ordered to be remanded in custody until his next court date, slated for March 15. — Neil Horner