Keremeos RCMP were called to the Riverbed Bistro in Keremeos last Thursday, May 26 after receiving a report of an arson in progress.
According to police, witnesses saw bistro owner Iderjit Chima pouring gasoline around the perimeter of the building while threatening to set it on fire.
Two male employees at the business intervened to stop Chima who fled the scene on foot after committing an assault on a family member.
Police caught up with Chima at his residence and arrested him, charging him with two counts of attempted arson, one count of assault and one count of uttering threats.
The restaurant, which was open and serving customers at the time, also contained four apartments located upstairs that were also occupied.
The only injuries were minor and were sustained by the victim of the assault.