Vancouver police Thursday released new security video and are asking for the public’s help in identifying an arson suspect.
In the video, which was captured by two different cameras at around 3 p.m. on Aug. 21, the suspect can be seen walking down the east lane of Nanaimo Street at Copely Street. He walks past a hedge, then stops, turns back and puts his hand in a tall hedge. He walks away and moments later the hedge erupts in flames.
The fire quickly overtakes the hedge and spreads to a nearby garage. Firefighters responded and put out the blaze but not before it destroyed the hedge, two garages with vehicles inside and a utility pole. No one was injured but the fire caused more than $100,000 in damage.
“Setting a fire in a residential neighbourhood in the height of such a dry summer was reckless and dangerous,” VPD media relations officer Sgt. Jason Robillard said.
Police are looking for this suspect in a case of arson in an East Van neighbourhood. Photos courtesy Vancouver Police Department
The suspect is described as an Aboriginal man, in his late 20s to early 30s, about 5’10” tall with a slim build. He has a tattoo on the left side of his neck and may have tattoos on his arms.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call investigators at 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
Police are also asking the public to call 911 if they notice any suspicious activity.
