Video shows arson suspect who allegedly caused thousands of dollars in damage to Chinese Cultural Centre
Police have released video of a suspected arsonist who allegedly caused thousands of dollars in smoke and water damage to a building in Vancouver's Chinatown last weekend.
The second-alarm blaze broke out in the back lane of the Chinese Cultural Centre just before 5 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Vancouver Police Department.
"Arson investigators from our Major Crime Section have been working since Sunday to collect evidence in this case, and we're now releasing these images with hopes someone recognizes the suspect," Const. Tania Visintin said in a news release Thursday.
"This fire caused extensive smoke and water damage to the building, and it has been extremely upsetting to the community. Thankfully, no one was injured," Visintin added.
Board chair of the cultural centre, Fred Kwok, was nearby when he heard the commotion, which alerted him to the blaze.
“Within a few minutes, from a distance, I saw fire burning violently,” Kwok said. “This looked to me like something highly combustible that created such a big fire.”
But the area that was targeted didn’t have anything highly-combustible, just some shredded paper and items ready for the trash, he said.
VPD said officers worked with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services to investigate the cause of the fire, and launched a criminal investigation after determining that it was deliberately set.
Video from the scene appears to show one woman allegedly setting the fire.
Those who work in the cultural centre and the neighbouring Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden said the back alley sees small fires frequently and other acts of vandalism, but this time, it feels more violating.
“There's footage confirming that it pretty much looks like it was intentional, which is very concerning, especially attacking our cultural institutions -- and we're already been under attack,” said Lorraine Lowe, executive director of the classical Chinese garden, alluding to the rash of property crime in the neighbourhood since the pandemic.
Since the cultural centre has sustained extensive damage, the fire has impacted its operations. It’s unclear when the centre will fully reopen.
Anyone who recognizes the woman, or who has information related to the blaze, is asked to contact investigators at 604-717-2541 or to make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.