An elderly man charged with lighting a minivan on fire outside Vancouver City Hall on Sunday, Oct. 6 has been released on bail to Vancouver General Hospital for mental health care.
Vancouver Fire Rescue Services responded to reports of a vehicle on fire at 453 W 12th Ave at 5:15 p.m. Two fire engines and six hazmat vehicles were dispatched to the scene, Capt. Matthew Trudeau said.
A section of 12th Avenue between Cambie and Yukon streets was closed while crews battled the blaze and the Vancouver Police Department responded to the scene.
Emergency responders discovered 100 litres of unburned gasoline canisters inside the car. No one was injured.
Police arrested the suspect and believed it was an isolated incident and that he acted alone.
Thien Hiep Ngo, 78, was charged with mischief, possession of explosives with intent to endanger life or cause property damage, possession of an incendiary material, incendiary device or explosive substance, and arson to property, according to a news release.
Ngo’s case was the subject of a lengthy bail hearing on Oct. 8 before Vancouver Provincial Court Judge Patricia Stark.
The contents of such hearings are covered by a publication ban.
Prosecutor Sharon McCartan told Stark that the Crown sought Ngo’s detention.
Defence lawyer Sonia Luck, however, sought his release.
When Stark outlined the conditions of his release, he bowed after it was interpreted for him.
When she asked if he understood the conditions, he said, “I agree.”
