by Kevin Diakiw
The man is shown late at night, splashing gasoline from a jerrycan on a home in West Vancouver.
He then lights it and takes off, which was all caught on video released Friday by police, who believe the man caught on tape is responsible for attacks on people connected with the Justice Institute of B.C.
In 2011, there were a total of 13 shootings and arsons targeting people with ties to the Justice Institute, which trains police, paramedics and emergency first responders.
One of the more recent attacks took place in Surrey.
On Jan. 7, at 2:30 a.m., a package exploded on the doorstep of a home in the 8300 block of 151 Street. It didn’t cause any injuries and caused very little damage to the residence.
The residents of the home put the fire out themselves and called 911.
It was the third time in the last year the home, now fitted with closed circuit TV cameras, was targeted.
Police say the home was also subject to an arson attack in April 2011 and a drive-by shooting of a vehicle the following month.
In the West Vancouver arson, police are looking for a man with a slim build who was wearing light-coloured ball cap and a two-toned jacket with a dark chest.
Investigators have identified several additional suspects directly involved in the arsons and shootings.
“We believe that one of these suspects may have sustained burns while setting a fire in Surrey on Nov. 2, 2011,” said RCMP Sgt. Peter Thiessen in a news release.
Police are also asking someone who emailed them to get in contact with them again.
“That person clearly has more information regarding these offences and has yet to contact us.” said Thiessen. “We encourage that emailer to contact us at 604-598-4326 or by email at arsoninfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.”
Police ask the public to be vigilant, and to immediately report any suspicious activity to their local police. If you have any information about these crimes and wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.