MEDICINE HAT, AB — A 32-year-old woman remains in hospital and a 41-year-old man is in custody after fire ripped through a home in the Flats Friday night.
Emergency crews were called to a home in the 1100 block of Bridge Street SE, just after 5:30 p.m.
A woman had managed to escape with significant burns to her body.
A Go Fund Me page identifies the woman as Elizabeth Smith.
Chad Stadnicki, 41, is facing several charges in connection to the fire.
Staff Sergeant Cory Both said officers made an arrest late Friday night and have determined the fire was deliberately set.
Stadnicki is known to police and has been charged with aggravated assault and arson in connection to the fire.
Both said it’s possible the charges could be upgraded to something more serious, such as attempted murder, and added that the investigation isn’t over yet.
“If they feel a need, based on the evidence that’s available to them, the charges can be upgraded but we’re not there yet,” he said.
Both said Smith was transported to Calgary and is in the intensive care unit.
He said she has burns to a large portion of her upper body, including her face and neck, adding they’re serious but not life-threatening.
He said police are still investigating how the two know each other.
“The nature of their relationship is pretty limited right now,” he said. “We do know they were known to each other, they were associates, and we don’t have any history of violence between them at this point but we have a lot to learn yet.”
Stadnicki is being held in custody. He’s expected to make a court appearance on Tuesday.
