Police release video of suspect in Vancouver synagogue arson

Police inVancouverhave released video showing a man who is believed to have set fire to the front entrance of a synagogue in May.

The security video shows a man wearing a dark jacket, light ball cap and a medical face mask approaching the front steps of the Schara Tzedeck synagogue on Vancouver's Oak Street on May 30 with a time stamp of 9:41 p.m. PT.

The man is carrying a clear bottle with liquid inside, and he unscrews the cap before disappearing from the frame.

Less than a minute later, there is a bright flash and the video shows the man walking quickly down the synagogue stairs and onto the street.

A second video showingthe front entrance from a different angle shows orange flames flaringup as the man walks away.

The police statement says investigators are looking to speak with anyone who might recognize the suspect in the video, as well as the driver of a beige or silver minivan that was seen in the area at the time of the fire.

WATCH | Rabbi and police ask for help in identifying arson suspect:

Vancouver police and rabbi ask for help to find arson suspect

1 month ago

Duration 1:53

The Vancouver Police Department has released surveillance video of a person believed to have set fire to the front entrance of the Schara Tzedeck synagogue last month. CBCs Tanya Fletcher is joining us with more on the investigation.

Rabbi Andrew Rosenblatt has said people were inside the synagogue after services that same nightwhen they heard a "bang" outside.

He said a passerby alerted them that their building was on fire, before a member of the congregation put out the flames with his jacket.