VANCOUVER Police on Wednesday released video of a man who is believed to have set fire to the front entrance of the Schara Tzedeck Synagogue last month, and are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect to call police.
The entrance of the synagogue, on Oak Street at West 18th Avenue, was set on fire on May 30 at around 10 p.m. by someone who poured accelerant outside the front door. The fire was put out by members of the synagogue before it could spread or cause significant property damage.
“Our Major Crime Section immediately launched an investigation, and we have continued to collect and analyze evidence with hopes of identifying the person who committed this crime,” said Constable Tania Visintin. “Today, we are releasing security video of the suspect, and we’re asking anyone who can help us identify him to come forward.”
The suspect was wearing a white ball cap, a dark grey jacket, black shorts, and a surgical face mask at the time of the crime. Video released by VPD shows the man walking toward the front entrance of the synagogue with a bottle of liquid, then fleeing down the front steps after the fire was lit.
Police are also looking to speak to the driver of a beige or silver minivan that was seen in the area at the time of the crime.
Anyone with information is asked to call VPD’s Major Crime Section at 604-717-2541.
