Smash & Fire Suspect Was On Meth

Court officials say drug use was a factor when a man crashed into a 7-Eleven in Salmon Arm, poured out gas, and lit the store on fire.

37 year old Kenneth Laforge is charged with mischief and arson after the August incident that caused major damage, but no injuries.

A court report says the suspect was suffering from a psychiatric disorder caused by crystal meth at the time.

The finding could lead to Laforge’s lawyer arguing his client was not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder.