The latest intended victim in a series of attacks targeting people connected to the Justice Institute of B.C. appears to be former West Vancouver police chief Scott Armstrong.
Armstrong once lived in a house in the 1000-block of Lawson Avenue in West Vancouver that was targeted by an arsonist at about 2: 40 a.m. Friday.
The house had recently sold, with the ownership transfer taking place Jan. 3, according to the land title registry. As of Friday, Armstrong's name was still listed as owner on the B.C. Assessment Authority records, which are not as up-to-date.
RCMP Sgt. Peter Thiessen wouldn't release the name of the intended victim of Friday's arson attack, but confirmed the person was on a list of 65 individuals linked to the Justice Institute whose personal information was illegally accessed by a former ICBC claims adjuster now under criminal investigation.
"I want to emphasize that the residents of this home are not affiliated with any criminal activity whatsoever," Thiessen said.
Fourteen of those on the list have now been victimized by arson attacks, explosive devices and drive-by shootings over the last several months.
Just last weekend a Surrey house was attacked for the third time in a year when someone left an explosive device, which started a small fire, on the front steps. An earlier fire damaged the house last April, followed by a drive-by shooting in May 2011.
The Surrey house, in the 8300-block of 151 Street, was also identified as being on the list of addresses that were illegally accessed by the former ICBC worker.
Thiessen said Friday that investigators are making progress in their probe.
"This investigation remains a top priority for us, and police continue to gather evidence," he said.
West Vancouver firefighters quickly brought Friday's blaze under control, limiting damage to the front of the house, Thiessen said.
"Upon arrival, West Vancouver officers quickly determined that the fire was intentionally set."
Thiessen said the fact the perpetrator would strike again so soon after the Surrey fire and despite media coverage and police warnings "is very concerning to us.
"That speaks to the person or people we're dealing with who don't seem concerned with any of that public, police or media pressure."
He said police are working to develop a list of possible suspects.
"We are not commenting on who might be on the list or even whether anyone is on it yet," Thiessen said.
Nor have police ruled out any possible motive at this point, including a possible link to gangs or organized crime.
Police have spoken to all the people whose information was accessed, Thiessen said.
"We have provided them with information and the best advice about ensuring their personal and family safety," he said. "We are very fortunate that no one has been hurt."
RCMP investigators have released few details about how those targeted are connected to the New Westminster post-secondary institution that trains police, sheriffs and jail guards.
But they have said the victims have no connection to criminal activity.
When the attacks were first revealed at a news conference in September, police said some victims were either current or former staff or students of the Justice Institute, while others had much looser links to the school.
Last month, police announced that the former ICBC employee appeared to have a role in providing personal information on those targeted. The employee was fired at the end of August, though has not yet been charged criminally.
Vancouver South MLA Kash Heed, another former West Vancouver police chief who has also taught courses at the Justice Institute, said the attacks are the topic of discussion in the law enforcement community.
"These are disturbing attacks. You'd think that they'd be able to analyze what has taken place here and have some probable suspects," Heed said.
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