Investigating Suspicious Fire During Arrest of Barricaded Male

NEWS RELEASE
May 20 2019
Official News Release Download

AbbyPD Investigating Suspicious Fire During Arrest of Barricaded Male

This morning at 10:32 am, Abbotsford Police Officers attended a residence in the 31700 block of Southdale Cres to conduct a follow up with a female victim from a domestic violence investigation. While the officers were inside the residence, they learned that the male suspect from the domestic investigation was inside the home, breaching his court ordered conditions to have no contact with the female and to not attend her residence.

The AbbyPD officers ensured the female victim, her 11 year old child and the basement
suite tenants were safely removed from their home while police contained the residence to arrest the male. The male suspect was classified as a barricaded male and the Abbotsford Emergency Response Team and Crisis Negotiators were called out to assist.

At 1:49 pm the Emergency Response Team officers containing the residence observed an exterior window break and could observe smoke and fire inside the master bedroom. The lone barricaded male then exited the residence and was taken into police custody. The male suffered from smoke inhalation and was transported to hospital for treatment. No other persons were injured.

Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service responded to the partially engulfed residence, which
sustained extensive damage. Fire Investigators will continue to assist with the
investigation.

The 35 year old male remains in police custody facing Breach of an Undertaking charges. Abbotsford Police Major Crime Detectives, the Forensics Identification Unit and Fire Rescue Investigators will continue to investigate the cause of the suspicious fire.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-
5225, to text APD at 222973 (abbypd) or to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Abby PD file: 19-21064
Release #1

Cst Jody Thomas..………………………………………………….... Phone (604) 864-4899
Abbotsford Police Media Relations Officer………………………[email protected]
2838 Justice Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 3P5 ……….……………...Fax: (604) 859-2527