Arson Squad detectives have extradited a man from Queensland and charged him over an alleged arson attack in the state’s Far North Coast earlier this month.
About 3.40am on Thursday 9 March 2023, officers from Richmond Police District were called to a tobacconist on Barker Street, Casino, following reports of a fire.
Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze; however, the building sustained significant damage.
Local police established a crime scene and commenced initial inquiries, before the matter was referred to the State Crime Command’s Financial Crimes Squad’s Arson Unit for investigation under Strike Force Tobacco.
The next day (Friday 10 March 2023), local police were called to Barker Street after a man was reported loitering in a rear yard.
Upon arrival, police spoke with a 38-year-old man, and noticed he was suffering severe burns to a significant portion of his body, including his legs, hands, arms, face, and torso.
He was taken to Lismore Base Hospital under police guard, before officers discontinued his arrest and he was transferred to Royal Brisbane Hospital for further treatment to extensive burns.
Following further inquiries, a 38-year old man was arrested by Queensland Police and taken to Brisbane Watch House yesterday (Monday 27 March 2023).
Strike force detectives then travelled to Brisbane and attended Brisbane Magistrates Court where they applied for, and were granted, the man’s extradition to NSW.
He was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged with damage property by fire.
The South Grafton man was refused bail to appear at Tweed Heads Local Court later today (Tuesday 28 March 2023).
