The Lethbridge Police Service has laid charges in connection to a downtown hotel fire, April 12, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Man charged in connection to downtown Lethbridge hotel fire

Apr 12, 2023 | 12:27 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) has apprehended a man after a downtown hotel was destroyed in a fire.

On Feb. 24, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) was called to a blaze at the vacant Lethbridge Hotel on the corner of Fifth Street and Second Avenue South.

Much of the building and a portion of the front facade were later demolished due to ice buildup as a result of firefighting efforts during the extreme cold weather.

Due to asbestos contamination, fire investigators determined that the fire was man-made and suspicious in nature.

A suspect was identified and arrested on April 6.

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Michael Big Swan, 29, of Lethbridge, is charged with shopbreaking/commit arson. He remains in custody.

Police say the Lethbridge Hotel site has been returned to the possession of the property owner, who is responsible for any further demolition or restoration. Sidewalks and parking in the immediate area are open with the exception of a section on the north side of the hotel between 4 and 5 Street South.

LPS also provided an update on a separate fire at the historic Bow on Tong building on the 300 block of Second Avenue South that occurred on Jan. 31. The fire has been deemed to be suspicious and police say a person of interest has been identified, but there is insufficient evidence to support criminal charges.

At this time, police say “There is no evidence to suggest any connection between the Lethbridge Hotel and Bow on Tong fires.”

The investigation has been concluded, pending new evidence or information that comes forward.