200 residents urged to 'not live in fear' in arson-plagued Bouctouche

Bouctouche RCMP have laid several more charges in connection with a string of fires and acts of vandalism that have unsettled the small community in southeastern New Brunswick.

One youth is charged with the arson of the Kent County Gun Club and the other youth faces multiple charges of arson in connection with the gun club fire, fires at two houses in St.-Marie-de-Kent, and the fire at a church on MacNair Road and one vehicle theft charge, RCMP said Friday morning.

Two female youths have also been charged with several counts of arson and other related offences, bringing the total to seven people facing charges.

The latest charges come after 200 people showed up for a public meeting in Bouctouche on Thursday night, after three youths and two adults were charged with various counts of arson, mischief and theft of gas.

For several weeks, people have been on edge as about a dozen fires were started at homes, sheds, a church and the restaurant area of the iconic Le Pays de la Sagouine tourist attraction.

Police estimate damage at more than $3 million, with $2 million alone attributed to the destruction at Le Pays de la Sagouine.

Inspector asks community for help

Insp. Michel Saurette told residents at the public meeting at the local high school, which was also hit in the wave of vandalism, that the RCMP needs more help from the public in an attempt to end the destruction.

"Don't live in fear; this is your community," Saurette said. "You don't like these people in your community, do something about it. Help me do something do about it."

Three people had been arrested before the meeting started. Midway through the meeting, Saurette told those in attendance that his officers had arrested someone else, in the fire that destroyed the Kent County Gun Club.

Antoine Bastarache, president of the local club, had mixed reactions about the RCMP's statement.

"Well we're happy to a certain extent, but it doesn't give us what we had before," Bastarache said.

The RCMP is asking people in the area to contact them or Crime Stoppers.

One resident, Daniel Panbrun, said the community has heard it must work together to prevent crimes.

"I think this was long over due," Panbrun said. "In fact, I think it should have been done a couple of weeks ago but very positive."