1 p.m., Oct. 9
A 57-year-old suspect in a Coquitlam arson case was arrested this weekend, RCMP say.
Jin Ming Han was taken into police custody without incident at a Port Coquitlam residence on Saturday (Oct. 8) after Mounties responded to reports of his possible location.
Han was sought after a house was intentionally set ablaze around 6:30 a.m. on Friday (Oct. 7) in the city centre area near Durant Drive and Johnson Street.
Two women escaped the flames and were taken to hospital, including one that suffered serious injuries, according to RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins.
"This was a disturbing and potentially fatal incident that occurred in our community, and we are thankful to all who assisted in ensuring the suspect was arrested," she said in an update today (Oct. 9).
It's believed Han and the victims are known to each other, and Coquitlam RCMP Victim Services is now working those impacted by the incident.
Hodgins explains officers are still investigating the circumstances of the incident and "the suspect’s alleged involvement."
She adds no charges have been recommended to BC Prosecution Services at this time.
Anyone with more information about the house fire is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file-number 2022-26568.
5:15 p.m., Oct. 7
A 57-year-old man is being sought in connection to a Coquitlam arson investigation after a family's home was set ablaze this morning (Oct. 7).
A woman also suffered serious injuries and was one of two that escaped the flames, which investigators have since determined to be a deliberate act.
Now, RCMP are asking for help in finding Jin Ming Han, who, if seen, should not be approached.
In a release, spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins says police responded to a 9-1-1 report around 6:30 a.m. on Friday from a concerned neighbour in the city centre area.
Part of the home — located near Durant Drive and Johnson Street — was on fire when officers arrived at the scene.
Firefighters were quickly able to extinguish the flames and paramedics transported two women that escaped to local hospital.
Hodgins says investigators believe all parties involved are known to each other and Han could be travelling in one of two vehicles.
"We are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Jin Ming Han who is believed to driving either a Blue 2003 Mercedes with BCL: 986MXP or a White 2007 Chevrolet express van with BCL: EH5088," she explains.
"If Jin Ming Han or either of these vehicles are located, please do not approach and dial 9-1-1 immediately."
Hodgins adds the Coquitlam RCMP investigational support team has taken lead on the case.
Han is described as:
- Asian
- 5'5"
- 154 pounds
- Slim build
- Black hair
- Brown eyes
Anyone with more information on Han or his whereabouts, or details about the house fire, is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file-number 2022-26568.
