Suspect sought in Calgary cathedral fire

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) is on the hunt for a man who deliberately started a fire and assaulted two men at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary.

Firefighters and the CPS were called at approximately 2:30 a.m. local time on May 19 to combat the blaze at the cathedral.

According to the CPS statement, “two staff members heard a commotion outside, they opened a door to the back of the church when a man aggressively charged at them. The two men were able to close the door and get to safety while the man continued to attempt to gain entry into the church. The men called 911 and the fire was extinguished upon the Calgary Fire Department’s arrival.”

The suspect is described as a man approximately six-feet tall, 180 pounds, between the ages of 35 to 45 with a bald or shaved head. Photos of the man were captured on security camera and made public as police request the public’s assistance in identifying this man.

The CPS’ Hate Crime Prevention Team is investigating the incident to “determine if hate motivation is a factor.”

Cristina Marcil, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Calgary, told media that the diocese is actively cooperating with the investigation.

Information can be shared with Calgary police at (403) 266-1234. Anonymous tips can be shared with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crime stoppers.org.