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Richmond RCMP searching for arson suspect whose pants caught on fire

Suspects were seen approaching a business on foot before lighting an object on fire.
richmond-arson-suspects
Richmond RCMP is looking to identify two suspects related to an arson case early this year.

Richmond RCMP is asking for the public's help in identifying suspects in an alleged arson case.

Police officers responded to a business alarm around 4:30 a.m. on April 24 in the 2600-block of Simpson Road, between River and Bridgeport roads, and found a broken window and a small fire.

There was evidence found that showed the fire had been intentionally set, according to Richmond RCMP in a media release.

Video surveillance from the area showed two unidentified men wearing masks walking up to the building, smashing the window and lighting an object on fire.

One of the suspect's pants caught on fire and his mask came off while the two were trying to put it out.

This male suspect is described as a 40 to 50-year-old Caucasian male, medium build with slicked back, long, dirty blond hair.

He was wearing a dark long-sleeved crew neck shirt and charred beige/tan-coloured pants.

Based on the nature of the fire there’s a high probability that this suspect sustained injuries to his lower body, said Cpl. Adriana O’Malley, Richmond RCMP media relations officer.

We are asking anyone who recognizes this man or has information about this investigation to contact us.

The second suspect is described as a late-20s to late-30s male with a medium complexion or tanned and an athletic build.

He was wearing a dark-coloured balaclava, black/dark joggers-style pants with blue stripes down the side, dark-coloured gloves, a dark hoody and Nike high-top sneakers.

Both suspects left the scene on foot with one heading north on Simpson Road and the other heading east along the railroad tracks.

Richmond RCMP's general investigation department is working on the case, which is active and ongoing.

Anyone with information or who can identify the suspects should contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 quoting file number 2024-12713 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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