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Police release footage of suspect in arson at Abbotsford Bottle Depot

Investigators appeal for possible witnesses to come forward with information

Investigators looking into an arson that occurred Thursday, May 20 at a bottle depot in Abbotsford are appealing for possible witnesses to come forward.

The fire occurred at about 4:15 a.m. that day in the 33200 block of Walsh Avenue, just east of Ware Street. A patrol officer who heard an explosion came across a dumpster fire at the location and at the Abbotsford Bottle Depot across the street.

Investigators say they found numerous locations in the area where the suspect lit small fires.

They have now released CCTV footage, which shows the suspect walking away from the dumpster just as a fire breaks out, and crossing the parking lot to a second dumpster.

The footage then cuts to the person walking to the front of the Cyrus Centre building at the corner of Walsh Avenue and Ware Street and then crossing Ware. The suspect is carrying several items, including a bucket, and walks with a “noticeable gait,” police said.

They said other footage, which they haven’t released, shows that at 4:07 a.m., a white truck was travelling south on Ware Street. Police say it’s possible the occupants of the vehicle might have seen the suspect fleeing the scene of the fire.

The footage also showed a man walking south on Ware Street at the same time and another person in the area peering into garbage bins, both of whom also might have seen the suspect.

The Abbotsford Police Department said they would like to speak to these individuals or others who might have information. They can call 604-859-5225.

RELATED: Early morning fire lights up Abbotsford Bottle Depot



vhopes@abbynews.com

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A screengrab of surveillance video released by police shows the suspect in an arson that took place May 20 at the Abbotsford Bottle Depot on Walsh Avenue.
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A fire damaged the Abbotsford Bottle Depot on Walsh Avenue on May 20. (Tyson Heggie photo)


Vikki Hopes

About the Author: Vikki Hopes

I have been a journalist for almost 40 years, and have been at the Abbotsford News since 1991.
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