Vancouver police say a man will be charged with breaking and entering after apparently attempting to break into a BC Hydro substation in Chinatown Friday night.
Police were called to the scene shortly after midnight for reports of a man trying to climb the fence around the station near Keefer and Union streets.
When officers arrived, the man was at the top of the fence. VPD Sgt. Brian Montague told CTV News the man reached out and touched a transformer, prompting “a loud explosion” that sent him falling to the ground on fire.
Officers used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames, then used bolt cutters to make it through the fence and reach the man, Montague said.
The suspect had visible second-degree burns all over his torso, but was able to walk out of the station. He was transported to hospital in stable condition.
Once he is released, he will be charged with breaking and entering, Montague said.
