Victoria police are hoping to identify a man who is suspected of starting a fire at Ricky’s All Day Grill last summer.
The arson occurred just after 3 a.m. on June 16, causing extensive damage to the building.
Some 22 firefighters, three fire engines and two ladders were called to the fire, which caused an estimated $1.5 million to $2 million in damage, according to VicPD.
At the time, workers at the restaurant described the fire as “devastating.”
“The current owners there have been there since 2016 and built up really strong relationships with everybody,” said employee Raymond Ho from the restaurant’s head office on June 16.
“So when we saw the fire and what was happening, it was pretty devastating,” he said.
The fire at Ricky’s All Day Grill on June 16 was the first in a series of arsons in downtown Victoria.
In September, a man was arrested for four arsons in the city, but police later confirmed that the man was not a suspect in the Ricky’s blaze.
SEE ALSO: Crews at former Ricky’s damage gas line, roads reopen
New suspect
On Wednesday, police released surveillance photos of a man who is a suspect in the Ricky’s fire.
Investigators say a video shows the man throwing a “lit object” through the windows of the restaurant.
The man is believed to be white with a medium build and short hair. At the time, he was wearing all-black clothing, including a black hat, black jacket, black gloves and a square, black backpack with white writing on it.
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The suspect is shown. (VicPD)
The suspect is shown. (VicPD)
Anyone with information on the suspect or the fire is asked to call the E-Comm Report Desk at 250-995-7654 extension 1.
Tips can also be sent anonymously to Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers online or at 1-800-222-8477.
With files from CHEK’s Laura Brougham
Adam Chan
