Richmond RCMP seek arson suspect whose pants caught fire

The suspects were seen approaching a business on foot before lighting an object on fire.

Richmond RCMP are asking for the public’s help in identifying suspects in an alleged arson case.

Officers responded to a commercial alarm around 4:30 a.m. April 24 in the 2600 block of Simpson Road, between River and Bridgeport roads, and discovered a broken window and a small fire.

Evidence was found that the fire was intentionally set, Richmond RCMP said in a news release.

CCTV footage from the area showed two unidentified men wearing masks approaching the building, breaking the window and setting an object on fire.

One of the suspect’s pants caught fire and his mask came off as the two tried to put it out.

The male suspect is described as a white male, 40 to 50 years old, of average build, with long, dirty blond, slicked back hair.

He was wearing a dark-colored, long-sleeved crew-neck shirt and beige/charcoal beige pants.

Given the nature of the fire, there is a high probability that this suspect suffered lower body injuries. said Corporal Adriana O’Malley, Richmond RCMP media relations officer.

We are asking anyone who recognises this man or has information about this investigation to contact us.

The second suspect is described as a man in his 20s to 30s, with a medium to tan complexion and an athletic build.

He was wearing a dark-colored balaclava, black/dark jogging pants with blue stripes on the side, dark-colored gloves, a dark hoodie, and Nike high-top sneakers.

Both suspects fled the scene on foot, one heading north on Simpson Road and the other heading east along the railroad tracks.

The Richmond RCMP General Investigation Service is working on the case, which is active and ongoing.

Anyone with information or who can identify the suspects is asked to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212, quoting file number 2024-12713, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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