Burnaby RCMP asking Tesla driver to come forward in investigation of suspected arson
Posted November 21, 2024 7:51 pm.
Last Updated November 21, 2024 7:52 pm.
Some residents of a Burnaby apartment building are still displaced after a fire destroyed their home early Tuesday morning.
The RCMP says it is investigating the fire as a possible arson and is asking the driver of a Tesla — seen driving by the building shortly after the fire started — to come forward.
Police say they responded to the apartment complex in the area of Jersey Avenue and Kingsway in South Burnaby just after 12:30 a.m.
They have spoken to witnesses and gone through video surveillance, which showed the Tesla driving by.
“We believe the driver, and any other occupants, of the vehicle that was travelling north on Jersey Avenue as the fire was ignited, may have witnessed a very significant portion of the incident and had a good look at the suspects,” said Corp. Mike Kalanj.
“If you were in this vehicle, which is believed to be a Tesla, please come forward and speak to our investigators.”
According to the Burnaby Fire Chief, over 100 people have been displaced and 51 units are no longer inhabitable.
Displaced residents have been working with a restoration company, trying to collect important belongings, valuables, and documents. Not all families have been able to gather their belongings, however, because some units are too dangerous to enter.
Christian Lim’s family, whose unit is next to the entrance where the suspected fire started, has been unable to recover their belongings.
“We lost a lot of memories in our home,” Lim said.
“There was no chance for us to get to the main exit, so we jumped off our balcony. First my kids and my wife then I had to jump. So now I’m in crutches.”
Manuel Chavez, his wife, two children — aged 5 and 2 — and his dog are now left without a home. They have no fire insurance, and a friend started a GoFundMe to help them get back on their feet.
“We lost everything. Everything we are trying to build after three years is gone,” said Chavez.
“The saddest thing is my kid is asking how Santa Claus will come if they don’t have a Christmas tree. So the first thing we are going to buy is a tree.”
The Burnaby RCMP is asking the Tesla driver and anyone in the area between Kingsway and Jersey between midnight and 1 a.m. and who may have dashcam footage to call them at 604-646-9999 and quote file number 2024-39891.
