THE RCMP has confirmed a fire that damaged a home in West Vancouver early Friday morning was an arson linked to an ongoing investigation involving the Justice Institute and a former ICBC employee.
Police and fire crews received an emergency call about a fire in the 1000-block of Lawson Avenue early Friday morning at about 2:40 a.m. The fire was extinguished by West Vancouver Fire and Rescue, but not before extensive damage was done to the front of the home.
One person was taken to hospital. Police have not released information on whether there was anyone else home at the time.
West Vancouver Police officers quickly determined the fire had been deliberately set.
Sgt. Peter Thiessen, spokesman for the Lower Mainland District RCMP, said police have now confirmed the West Vancouver arson is linked a much wider investigation of arsons and shootings linked to students and instructors at the Justice Institute.
Thiessen refused to say exactly how the occupants of the home are linked to the Justice Institute but stressed they are not linked to any criminal activity.
Thiessen said the victim in this case is the 14th person to be targeted.
In September, the RCMP said victims of shootings and arsons to both homes and vehicles were either current or former staff or students of Justice Institute, which trains police, paramedics and sheriffs.
The RCMP have said the investigation has revealed a link to an ICBC employee who allegedly used the system there to access personal information about 65 people, including the 14 who have been targeted.
Thiessen said police have been in contact with all 65 people whose personal information was compromised and have advised them on their safety.
Just days before, a similar attempted arson at a Surrey home was linked to the ongoing investigation. Police were called to the home, in the 8300-block of 151 Street, just after 2:30 a.m. Saturday after a suspicious package left on the front door exploded, starting a small fire. Residents quickly extinguished the blaze and no one was injured.
Thiessen noted at the time it is the third time that house had been targeted.
The West Vancouver home has not been targeted before, he said.
Thiessen said the investigation remains a top priority.
jseyd@nsnews.com
