Police seek to identify suspect in southeast arson

We are asking for the public’s help to identify a woman believed to be responsible for an arson that destroyed a detached garage and vehicle.

On Saturday, July 18, 2026, at approximately 12:25 p.m., Calgary Police Service (CPS) officers on patrol observed heavy smoke coming from a residential area near 17 Avenue and 42 Street S.E. After locating the fire in a detached garage in the 1800 block of 42 Street S.E., officers secured the scene and evacuated nearby residents.

Investigators believe the suspect approached the detached garage, lit a piece of paper on fire and placed it under the garage door, causing approximately $50,000 in damages.

The suspect is described as a woman between 16 and 24 years old, approximately 5'4" tall, with a slim build. At the time of the incident, she was wearing an all-black tracksuit, a black baseball cap and white shoes, and was carrying a black-and-pink backpack. The suspect is believed to frequent the Forest Lawn community.

As the suspect may be a youth, the Youth Criminal Justice Act prohibits the release of identifying images. 

Anyone with information about this incident or the identity of the suspect is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods: 

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips

Case # CA2631830/3940