Alleged arsonist charged for lighting car fire at Vancouver City Hall

A 78-year-old suspect has been charged with multiple criminal offences after a minivan was set on fire on Sunday night outside Vancouver City Hall.

Vancouver Police responded around 5:15 p.m. after a 9-1-1 caller reported seeing a man ignite a vehicle near the front entrance of City Hall, at Cambie Street and West 12 Avenue.

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services extinguished the fire, however, police and firefighters were forced to shut down roads near City Hall for hours after several containers of unignited gasoline were discovered inside the vehicle.

The alleged arsonist was arrested by police and is currently in custody.

BC Prosecution Service has now approved the following criminal charges against Thien Ngo:

  • Mischief
  • Possession of explosives with intent to endanger life or cause damage to property
  • Possession of an incendiary material, incendiary device or explosive substance
  • Arson to property

Police said they believe this was an isolated incident and that the suspect acted alone.