The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is searching for a suspect who lit a man’s pants on fire in an unprovoked attack in the early morning of Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Witnesses and those with dash-cam footage are asked to provide any information they may have.
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Unprovoked Attack: Pants Set on Fire in Vancouver
According to the VPD’s news release, a 57-year-old man was sitting alone on a park bench near Beach Avenue and Davie Street at approximately 12:43am. It was then that an unknown suspect approached him.
“Without warning or provocation, the suspect threw a liquid accelerant onto the victim’s pant leg and ignited it with a lighter before fleeing the scene. No words or threats were exchanged prior to the assault,” explains the VPD.
The victim successfully stamped out the fire, and was not injured in the attack. While police immediately conducted a search of the area, the suspect was not located.
The suspect was described as approximately five foot eight inches to five foot ten inches tall with an average build. He was also wearing dark clothing and white around his neck.
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“This was a completely unprovoked, random attack, and we urgently need anyone with information or dash-cam footage to call the non-emergency line immediately at 604-717-3321,” said Constable Darren Wong.
