Vancouver Police today released new security video and are asking for the public’s help to identity a suspect in the video who is believed to be responsible for a recent arson in East Vancouver that caused more than $100,000 in damage.
Just after 3 p.m. on August 21, the suspect is seen in the video walking in the east lane of Nanaimo Street at Copley Street, when he puts his hand into a dry hedge behind a residence and walks away, south down the lane. Moments later, the hedge erupts into flames.
Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services responded to the fire and put out the blaze, but it destroyed a hedge, two garages with vehicles inside, and a utility pole. Fortunately, no one was injured.
“Setting a fire, in a residential neighborhood in the height of such a dry summer, was reckless and dangerous,” says Sergeant Jason Robillard, VPD. “We are eager to identify this suspect as soon as possible.”
The suspect is described as an Aboriginal man, in his late 20s to early 30s. He has a slim build and is about 5’10” tall. The suspect has a tattoo on the left side of his neck and may have tattoos on his arms.
Anyone with information about this arson is asked to call investigators at 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. Police are asking the public to call 9-1-1 if they notice any suspicious activity.
