Key Takeaways
- Police say a stranger allegedly set a 57-year-old man’s pant leg on fire near Beach Avenue and Davie Street.
- The victim stamped out the flames himself and police say he was not physically injured.
- The suspect remains unidentified, and Vancouver Police are seeking information and relevant video.
A Quiet Night on a Park Bench Turned Bizarre
A 57-year-old man was sitting alone on a park bench in Vancouver when police say a stranger suddenly approached him and allegedly set his pant leg on fire.
According to Vancouver Police, the incident happened around 12:43 a.m. near Beach Avenue and Davie Street.
Investigators say the victim did not appear to know the attacker and there was no obvious confrontation before the incident.
Police are describing the attack as unprovoked.
Police Say an Accelerant Was Used
Investigators say the unknown suspect allegedly poured a liquid accelerant onto the man’s pant leg before igniting it with a lighter.
The victim reacted quickly and managed to stamp out the flames himself.
Despite the disturbing nature of the attack, police say the 57-year-old was not physically injured.
The suspect, however, left the area and remains outstanding.
Police Are Looking for the Attacker
Vancouver Police are now investigating and searching for the person responsible.
The unusual incident adds to several recent cases in Vancouver involving alleged stranger attacks.
Just days earlier, police appealed for information after a female tourist was allegedly pushed into traffic in the Downtown Eastside and, in a separate incident, a man was stabbed multiple times in the neck. Both suspects remained outstanding when police issued their October 5 update. (Vancouver Police Department)
Why This Case Stands Out
Random attacks are difficult to predict because there may be little or no interaction between the victim and attacker beforehand.
In this case, what could have become a serious burn incident ended without physical injury largely because the victim was able to extinguish the flames quickly.
Police have not publicly identified a suspect, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information or relevant video from the area around the time of the incident should contact Vancouver Police.
All allegations regarding the unidentified suspect remain allegations unless proven in court.
Image source - Twikup Illustration