Vancouver man's pant leg set on fire in unprovoked attack near Davie Street
Police search for suspect who threw liquid accelerant onto 57-year-old at park bench early Wednesday; no injuries reported.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
A 57-year-old man was attacked at a park bench near Beach Avenue and Davie Street at approximately 12:43 a.m. Wednesday when someone threw a liquid accelerant on his pant leg and ignited it with a lighter. The man stamped out the fire and was not injured.
Vancouver Police say the attack was random and unprovoked—no words or threats were exchanged before the suspect fled the scene. Officers searched the area immediately but did not locate the suspect.
The suspect is described as approximately 5'8" to 5'10" tall with an average build, wearing dark clothing and something white around his neck. Constable Darren Wong said police urgently need anyone with information or dash-cam footage to call the non-emergency line at 604-717-3321.
The facts
What happened to the man near Davie Street?
A 57-year-old man was attacked at a park bench near Beach Avenue and Davie Street at approximately 12:43 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, when someone threw a liquid accelerant on his pant leg and set it on fire with a lighter. He stamped out the fire and was not injured.
How is Vancouver Police describing the suspect?
The suspect is approximately 5'8" to 5'10" tall with an average build, wearing dark clothing and something white around his neck. Police say the attack was random and unprovoked, and the suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.
How can people help Vancouver Police with this case?
Anyone with information or dash-cam footage can call the Vancouver Police non-emergency line at 604-717-3321.
