On August 9, 2024, at approximately 1:00am, the Oak Bay Police Department were dispatched to a report of a fire at a business located in the 2000 block of Oak Bay Avenue, Oak Bay British Columbia.

Oak Bay Police quickly arrived on scene and were informed by two staff members that they had been inside the business after closing time and heard someone near the front doors of the business. They went to investigate and saw flames outside the front door of the building. Staff acted quickly and put the fire out with a fire extinguisher.

CCTV footage from the outside entrance of the business was reviewed by officers. The video showed what appears to be a white male wearing a dark colored balaclava, denim jacket, camo patterned pants, red running shoes and camo styled backpack pouring a liquid over the front steps and front door mat of the business and lighting the liquid on fire. The suspect then left the scene on foot (photos attached).

Fortunately, there was no damage to the building, and no one was injured.

This incident could have resulted in a catastrophic outcome had it not been for the quick actions of the employees within the business.

Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the male suspected of deliberately setting this fire.

Anyone who has information about this incident or who may be able to assist police in identifying this suspect is asked to contact Oak Bay Police at 250 592-2424 or contact Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.