Two police officers were set on fire while arresting a wanted man in the Downtown Eastside.
The 40-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been released, was wanted BC-wide for 10 different offences.
According to the Vancouver Police Department, the incident took place on Thursday night near East Hastings St. and Carrall St. Officers on foot patrol noticed the man jay-walking and attempted to detain him.
He fled on foot, and a chase ensued. When the officers caught up with him, he "used a flammable substance" to set their uniforms on fire. While they dealt with that and called for backup, he got away, and was finally apprehended by the responding officers.
One of the victims was treated by paramedics on scene and is now recovering at home, while the second did not sustain any physical injuries. The suspect was taken to jail after receiving treatment for burns he inflicted on himself.
A number of charges are being pursued in addition to those for which he had outstanding warrants. They include assaulting a police officer with a weapon, obstructing a police officer, and breaching a release order.
