VANCOUVER Police have one man in custody after an arson closed a Downtown Eastside grocery store on Monday.
At approximately 5:30 p.m., a man walked into Nester’s at 333 Abbott Street and lit a fire. Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services attended and put out the flames. Fortunately, no one was injured. The fire, smoke, and water caused extensive damage to the store.
One man is in VPD custody, and investigators are recommending charges of arson to Crown Counsel. The man’s name is not being released pending charge approval.
VANCOUVER Mayor Ken Sim on Tuesday said in a statement: “I want to thank the Vancouver Police Department and Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services for their swift response to yesterday’s fire at Nesters Market in Gastown. Because of their professionalism and quick action, no one was injured.
“This incident is deeply concerning. An individual is now in custody after allegedly setting a fire inside the store in what police have indicated was an attempted theft. We are told this individual is well-known to VPD. This raises serious questions about repeat offenders, and underscores why cities like Vancouver have been calling on senior levels of government to do more. We need stronger action, and we need it now.
“Let me be clear: businesses and residents in our city deserve to feel safe. Incidents like this undermine confidence, threaten livelihoods, and disrupt essential services.
“This is exactly why the City is moving forward with new investments in public safety, including the establishment of the new police District 5, and a modern training academy for the VPD at at the Woodwards complex. These investments are about ensuring our officers have the resources, capacity, and support they need to respond effectively and keep people safe.
“We have been in contact with representatives from Nesters Market, and we appreciate their commitment to the community during this challenging time. They are working hard to reopen as soon as possible, and we thank them for their continued service to the neighbourhood.
“The City will continue to support our partners and advocate for the changes needed to address repeat offenders and improve public safety for all Vancouverites.”
