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Victims Sought After Hotel Arson

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Date Published: 13 Nov 2020, Last Updated: 15 May 2025

Date: Friday November 13, 2020File: 20-44176Victoria, BC – Detectives with VicPD’s Major Crimes Unit are asking to speak with victims after an arson at the Capital City Centre Hotel last week. Investigators believe they have not yet been in contact with everyone who was injured in the incident and need to speak with them.Shortly before 8:30 p.m. on November 5th, Patrol officers responded to a suite at the Capital City Centre Hotel in the 1900-block of Douglas Street after a man in crisis called police. While on scene, officers witnessed a fire within the suite which prompted an emergency police entry. Officers evacuated nearly 100 tenants from the building and Victoria Fire Department firefighters attended and fought the fire. During the evacuation, officers located and apprehended the man who they believe was responsible for starting the fire.Matthew Brian Petker, 32, has been charged with arson with disregard for human life, and arson causing property damage.Five people, including the accused, were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Several others, including officers on scene, were treated for non-life-threatening injuries related to smoke inhalation.Detectives are seeking any additional victims from the fire on November 5th to come forward at this time.If you were a victim in this incident, you are asked to call our non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654. Press 1 to speak with the Report Desk. To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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