In a startling turn of events, a 78-year-old man, identified as Thien Ngo, has been charged with multiple offenses following a minivan fire outside Vancouver City Hall. The fire, which erupted on a Sunday evening, prompted a swift response from local authorities and firefighters.

The incident unfolded when a 911 caller reported witnessing a man igniting the minivan near City Hall's main entrance. Firefighters attending the scene discovered approximately 100 litres of unignited gasoline within the vehicle, raising concerns about the potential for an even more catastrophic incident.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, the shocking nature of the event left residents and officials alike searching for answers. As of now, the motive for Ngo’s actions remains unclear, and investigators are piecing together a timeline of events.

Sgt. Steve Addison of the Vancouver Police Department assured the public that they believe this was an isolated incident, with the suspect acting independently. Witnesses have added to the intrigue; one onlooker, Janna Bentley, noted that she observed Ngo kneeling beside the blazing vehicle, seemingly unfazed by the chaos. “He was very calm when the police put handcuffs on him,” she recounted. “He didn’t try to get away or anything.”

Ngo is facing serious charges, including arson to property, possession of explosives, possession of incendiary material, and mischief. As of Monday afternoon, he remains in police custody, and further investigations are ongoing.

This incident raises critical questions about safety in urban environments and the potential for similar events. As this story develops, residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Stay tuned for updates on this perplexing case.