An early morning blaze meant to destroy a Richmond business turned tables on the perpetrators, as one arsonist caught aflame.
Daily Mail reported that during an arson at a Richmond business, an attacker inadvertently set himself on fire, exposing his identity on security footage.
The calamity unfolded around 4:30 a.m. at a business location on Simpson Road. Two masked suspects broke in and vandalized the property before attempting to initiate a fire.
In a dire twist, one of the man’s pants ignited during the arson, causing his mask to fall and unveiling his face to the video surveillance.
Richmond Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have now been provided with a clear image aiding their investigation.
Based on this footage, police describe the unmasked suspect as a Caucasian male, approximately 40 to 50 years old, with slicked-back, long, dirty blonde hair and a medium build.
Unmasked Arsonist Likely Sustained Injuries
Corporal Adriana O’Maloney, the Media Relations Officer for Richmond RCMP, emphasized the accident’s likely physical consequences for the suspect.
Based on the nature of the fire, there’s a high probability that this suspect sustained injuries to his lower body. We are asking anyone who recognizes this man or has information about this investigation to contact us.
The other accomplice, a man in his late 20s to early 30s, managed to avoid the flames. He is noted for his athletic build and a medium complexion, last seen donning a dark-colored outfit, which included dark joggers with blue stripes and distinctive Nike Jordan high-top sneakers.
After starting the fire, the two fled the premises, one heading north on Simpson Road and the other east along nearby railroad tracks.
Community Assistance Sought in Arson Investigation
The incident has prompted police to appeal to the public for assistance. They hope to trace the suspects’ further movements or discover any subsequent injuries treated that might tie back to the incident.
Police are treating the fire not simply as property damage but as a significant felony that endangered lives and could have resulted in far greater personal and property loss.
The RCMP has issued an official request through file number 2024-12713 for anyone with information about the event or the suspects to come forward.
Conclusion
The bizarre twist in this arson attempt not only handed Richmond RCMP important leads through exposed surveillance footage but also served as a cautionary tale about the risks criminals face from their actions. It also underscores the effectiveness of community and police collaboration in preventing and solving crime.
