Winnipeg police have arrested and charged a 59-year-old man after an improvised incendiary device was placed outside AQ Sauna on Notre Dame Avenue earlier this month. The Winnipeg Police Service stated that a bystander extinguished the fire before it could spread, and no injuries were reported among the several patrons inside the business at the time.
Arrest and Charges Filed Following Incendiary Device Discovery
Erik Lymen Olson, 59, was arrested on Sept. 12 and remains detained in police custody following the incident, which occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Sept. 11. According to the Winnipeg Police Service, the suspect left the device along the rear exterior wall of the business, formerly known as Aquarius, and fled in a vehicle before authorities were notified.
Tactical and bomb units responded to the scene, safely removing the improvised incendiary device for disposal at another location. A laptop computer, incendiary chemicals, and a pickup truck thought to have been utilized in the alleged crimes were confiscated by investigators during later searches of Olson’s business and residence.
Olson is charged with several offenses, which include possession of incendiary material, making or possessing an explosive substance to endanger life or cause serious damage to property, and placing or throwing an incendiary device. Court records show that Olson has appeared in bail court three times since Sept. 17.
Did You Know? AQ Sauna was originally known as Aquarius, the site of a fatal 2009 fire where two men—Steven Yablonski, 23, of Winnipeg and Robert Clark, 62, of Saskatchewan—died of smoke inhalation after a morning blaze on Oct. 11. Following a trial in 2015, a man was found not guilty of two counts of manslaughter connected to that historical fire.
Motive and Investigation Details
Police investigators believe that Olson knew the sauna’s owners through the business community, though officials stated the incident is not believed to be related to extortion. Authorities continue to review the case as it proceeds through the court system.
The Winnipeg Police Service has asked anyone with information about the Sept. 11 incident to contact investigators directly at 204-986-6219. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 204-786-8477 or by reaching out online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What business was targeted in this incident?
The device was placed outside AQ Sauna on Notre Dame Avenue, which was originally known as Aquarius.
Was anyone injured during the incident?
No injuries were reported, as a bystander spotted the fire and extinguished it before it could spread, despite several patrons being inside the business at the time.
What items were seized during the police searches?
Investigators seized a laptop computer, incendiary chemicals, and a pickup truck from Olson’s home and business.
What steps should community members take if they have information regarding the events at AQ Sauna?
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