SPS investigates early-morning arson at Surrey motel

Surrey Police Service (SPS) is investigating an arson at Surrey’s Linda Vista Motel on the morning of Oct. 13. The fire damaged part of the motel with fire and smoke, police said.

Just after 4:45 a.m., SPS frontline officers responded to calls about a fire at the motel in the 6400-block of King George Boulevard. Surrey Fire Services was already there, fighting a blaze in the lobby. Police said a man entered the lobby, allegedly threatened staff and then set the area on fire. No injuries have been confirmed, and police do not believe motel guests were displaced.

The suspect left before Surrey Fire Services and SPS arrived. He is described as a man in his 20s, possibly South Asian, White or Hispanic, about six feet tall and of large build, wearing dark-coloured clothing. He may have left the area in a vehicle, but police do not have a vehicle description.

SPS’s Major Crime Unit and an arson investigator are working with Surrey Fire Services fire investigators to examine the scene and gather evidence. The investigation is in its early stages, and the motive has not been determined.

SPS asks anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to contact its non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 26-110091 (SP). This includes drivers in the area at the time who may have dashcam footage.