Arrest made in suspicious New Westminster tennis club fire

The New Westminster Tennis Club is seen after a Thursday night fire in this image handed out by police.

Police in New Westminster have identified and arrested a suspect in a suspicious fire that caused extensive damage to the city’s tennis club.

The blaze broke out on Feb. 20 at around 10:15 p.m. and the New Westminster Police Department issued an appeal for information the next day.

Investigators with the Major Crimes Unit took charge of the case and the male suspect – who has not yet been charged or publicly named – was identified within 24 hours of the fire, according to an update from police Tuesday.

“We are able to identify suspects and make arrests because community members provide critical information,” spokesperson Sgt. Andrew Leaver said.

“In this case, a call regarding suspicious activity near an underground parking garage led us to an arrest in connection with the fire investigation. That tip made all the difference.”

Authorities did not indicate whether the suspect was in custody, and said the investigation is ongoing.