(Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge man charged with arson, weapons offences

Sep 22, 2025 | 12:00 PM

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) has laid charges in connection with a house fire on the north side.

Around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, officers received a report that a man, armed with a knife, entered a row house on the 800 block of 20 Street North.

He was reportedly seen pouring gasoline throughout the property.

The residents in the affected homes got out safely, and smoke was seen coming from the upstairs window of the unit.

LPS says the man was inside that unit, refused to comply with police directions, and refused to leave.

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The neighbouring units were evacuated as a precaution.

The fire was extinguished, and the man was taken into custody.

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services says the cause of the fire is under investigation, but the fire and smoke damage were extensive.

The suspect was treated for smoke inhalation, but no other injuries were reported.

Kenneth Townsend, 32, of Lethbridge, is charged with four counts of arson to property disregard for human life, and one count each of arson to property, possession of incendiary material, possession of an offensive weapon dangerous to the public, resisting a peace officer and five counts of failing to comply with the conditions of an undertaking, including a prohibition from attending the residence.

Following a bail hearing, Townsend was remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 23, 2025.