The owner of the former Hansen’s Hotel is breathing a sigh of relief after arson charges were pressed last Tuesday against a 65-year-old man in connection to the fire that razed the historic hotel.
Lynette Hansen says she was aware that police had identified a suspect soon after the May 1 fire, but she has been waiting since then for RCMP to press charges.
“I’m glad that they finally put the charges forward and at least now, he can deal with the headache that we’ve been dealing with,” she said of the suspect. Since the fire, Hansen has been unable to recoup any money from insurance claims due to the fact charges had yet to be laid, and has been left paying costs associated with a hotel that no longer exists, a major source of stress for her.
Zeidan Salem “Jack” Ammar, the person who leased space to run the restaurant Jack’s Place out of Hansen’s Hotel, is facing one count of arson to property and six counts of arson endangering life.
“There’s significant physical evidence that links him to the scene and witness testimony,” said Const. Paul Britton of the St. Paul RCMP. He explained the reason it took six months for charges to be pressed is because RCMP have to conduct the best possible investigation to ensure a conviction. RCMP utilized general investigation units out of Edmonton and conducted statement analyses with the help of members trained in such investigative tactics to lay the charges, he said, adding, “That all takes time in tapping the expertise.”
Ammar, who is currently residing in Edmonton, will be served with a summons and should appear in St. Paul Provincial Court in the second week of January 2011, said Britton.
As for Hansen, she is hoping that now that charges have been pressed, her insurance claims should move forward. She would like to rebuild in St. Paul, potentially in the spring or summer of 2011.
