7-Eleven arson suspect ordered to stand trial

A man accused of causing a fire that destroyed a 7-Eleven in Salmon Arm, has been ordered to stand trial.

Thirty-nine-year-old Kenneth LaForge is facing four charges including two of arson and one of mischief after a vehicle was driven into the store in August 2018.

LaForge is accused of pouring gas and lighting the store on fire. The damage was so extensive, the building was torn down.

No one was injured in the incident. At the time of the incident, a witness said the car blocked the store’s front exit on Highway 1. Four people escaped the flames through the building’s back door.