Two Vancouver police officers were set on fire Thursday in the city’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood. Read More
As VPD was arresting the suspect, police allege he used a flammable substance to set the officers’ uniforms on fire.
As VPD was arresting the suspect, police allege he used a flammable substance to set the officers’ uniforms on fire.
Article content
Two Vancouver police officers were set on fire Thursday in the city’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood.
Article content
Article content
VPD Const. Tania Visintin said Friday that the officers were doing foot patrols near East Hastings and Carrall streets when they tried to detain a man for jaywalking. The man, who was wanted B.C.-wide for 10 different offences, tried to run away, but the officers pursued him, said Visintin.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
As they were arresting the man, police allege he used a flammable substance to set the officers’ uniforms on fire. He then ran, according to cops.
Article content
Sunrise
Article content
Visintin said the officers radioed for assistance and put out the fires themselves. More officers responded and the man was taken into custody a short distance away.
Article content
One officer was treated by paramedics and is recovering at home. The second officer didn’t sustain physical injuries, she added.
Article content
The suspect, a 40-year-old Vancouver man, received treatment at hospital for burns and is now in jail.
Article content
The VPD is recommending several new charges, including assaulting a police officer with a weapon, obstructing a police officer, and breaching a release order.
Article content
More than 35 VPD officers have been assaulted on duty since the beginning of 2025 — a 25 per cent increase over the same period last year.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content