RCMP can't comment whether arrest related to B.C. pipeline bombings

RCMP couldn't comment whether the man is a person of interest in the case but did say that they have not asked the Crown to lay any charges related to the bombings.

Police arrested 21-year-old Ian Lloyd Gladue of Kelly Lake, B.C., in Grande Prairie, Alta., on Thursday.

Sgt. Tim Shields said officers encountered Gladue in the course of their investigation into the bombings of two EnCana (TSX:ECA) pipelines near Dawson Creek earlier this month. Police said he was wanted on five outstanding warrants unrelated to the pipeline incidents.

"At this point, we are not able to say whether or not he is a person of interest or a suspect in the investigation (into the explosions)," Shields said in an interview Friday.

"According to the federal Privacy Act, we are not able to identify any person unless they're charged with an offence, and at this point he is not charged and investigators aren't asking for new charges."

Shields issued a statement earlier that said the arrest doesn't represent a "break" in the case.

Gladue is in custody in Dawson Creek and is due to appear in court Monday.

He is charged with failing to comply with conditions of his bail and two counts of obstructing a police officer in Chetwynd, B.C.

He is also charged with one count each of sexual assault and uttering threats for incidents that took place in Kelly Lake, an aboriginal community located near the sites of the two explosions.

Shields said investigators have crossed into Alberta because the second blast site was just a few hundred metres from the B.C.-Alberta boundary.

Investigators with the RCMP's national anti-terrorism unit have wrapped up their work at the scene of the two blasts but continue their investigation. They set up a dedicated telephone tip line for the case.

"The tips from the public were at a fast pace originally, especially at a time when the offences occurred, but as is normal in cases like this, they start to taper off over time," said Shields.

"And even though we are following up on some leads, we are still asking for help from the public."

It's not clear what motivated the attacks, but the letter sent to local media called oil and gas companies "terrorists" that are "endangering our families."

Oil and gas companies operating in the area have insisted they have a positive relationship with locals, and both they and police say the attacks weren't preceded by other cases of vandalism.

But some residents have expressed concern over the growing industry, particularly sour gas, which contains the highly toxic substance hydrogen sulphide.

Last summer, residents of Kelly Lake held a road block to protest oil and gas activity in the region.

But Cliff Calliou, chief of the Kelly Lake band, sent out a news release last week denouncing the attacks.

"Our people are living with anxiety and are uneasy with the unknown of whether there may be further destruction that may cause a fatal blow-out," Calliou said in the release.

"We wish to reassure the public that we do not support illegal activity or unlawful acts of violence that would involve or endanger the lives of people. I can assure you the citizens of Kelly Lake would never be involved in such actions ."