Vancouver – A 78-year-old suspect has been charged with multiple criminal offences after a minivan was set on fire 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 Code of Canada charges against Thien Ngo:

  • Mischief, contrary to Section 430(4)
  • Possession of explosives with intent to endanger life or cause damage to property, contrary to Section 81
  • Possession of an incendiary material, incendiary device or explosive substance, contrary to Section 436.1
  • Arson to property, contrary to Section 434.1

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