Two men charged in arson of their own business

The Calgary Police Service Arson Unit has charged two people in relation to an arson that occurred last year.

At approximately 2:25 a.m., on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2015, an alarm was triggered indicating a break in at a business in the 6000 block of 6 Street S.E. A report of a fire at the same address came in shortly after.

The Calgary Fire Department responded to fight the fire and protect neighbouring businesses from further damage. The building was deemed unstable and damage was estimated at $500,000.

Members of the CPS Arson Unit attended the scene and located evidence indicating the fire was suspicious in nature.

Following an eight-month investigation, two of the three business owners were charged with arson and insurance fraud offences in relation to the fire.

Nicolas Rocco GALLIPOLI, 28, of Sundre, Alta., is charged with arson damage to property, arson damage to own property risking others and arson for a fraudulent purpose.

Mario Rocco GALLIPOLI, 62, of Sundre, Alta., father of Nicolas GALLIPOLI, is charged with one count of fraud over $5,000.

They will next appear in court on Friday, April 29, 2016.