Campbell River RCMP is investigating an incident after a young man was set on fire in the Campbell River area on Tuesday morning.
In a police report issued on Wednesday, RCMP said that the incident took place at around 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 22, in the trails underneath the bridges over the Campbell River.
Police say that “fisherman who were out to drop an early line in the river” located a man in the parking lot of The Brick. The man was suffering from severe burns to his back, says the report.
BC Ambulance Services responded to the scene and were able to transport the 20-year-old Campbell River man to a local hospital, where he was treated for his very serious, but non-life-threatening burns, say police.
After an initial investigation conducted by the Major Crimes Unit, officers believe that the man was deliberately set on fire while he was sleeping on the island underneath the highway bridge.
According to police, the man managed to shed his burning clothing and get to the parking lot for help, following the incident. It was later determined by police that some of his possessions had been removed from the area he was sleeping as well.
Setting someone on fire is truly an egregious offence,
said Cst Maury Tyre. Nobody, no matter what their situation in life deserves to be treated in such a horrendous manner. We at the Campbell River RCMP intend to use our resources to locate the individual/individuals responsible for this incident and hold them legally accountable. We truly wish this young man a speedy recovery.
An investigation is ongoing and police are looking to speak to anyone who may have been a witness or have information regarding the incident. The public can connect with Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221 and reference File 2020-12211.
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