Residents in Colwood were jolted awake by a loud explosion in the early hours of Thursday after two vehicles caught fire in a quiet neighborhood. Police have confirmed that the incident was a deliberate act and are appealing to the public for help in identifying the suspect. The West Shore RCMP said they received reports of two cars on fire on the 3300 block of Painter Road at about 1:25 a.m. Neighbors who heard the blast rushed to their windows to see flames consuming the vehicles.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a black 2021 Cadillac XT4 and a black 2011 Cadillac CTS fully engulfed in flames. Fire crews from Colwood Fire Rescue quickly responded and managed to bring the blaze under control. Despite the severity of the fire, no injuries were reported. Both cars, however, were left with extensive damage. Several residents reported hearing a loud bang just before the vehicles burst into flames. The sound was strong enough to wake people in nearby homes, creating confusion and fear in the usually quiet neighborhood. Police say these accounts align with their timeline of events.
Sergeant Kevin Shaw of the West Shore RCMP Serious Crimes Unit described the situation as troubling but reassured residents that the wider public is not believed to be at risk. He confirmed that investigators consider the incident a targeted attack. Shaw explained that while these types of crimes are concerning, police have no reason to believe the general public is in danger.
Police have launched a search for a male suspect seen fleeing the scene shortly after the fires started. He is described as approximately six feet tall with a slim build. At the time of the incident, he was dressed in dark clothing. Officers are urging anyone with information to come forward. Authorities have asked people who live in or around the area to review their home surveillance footage or dashcam recordings taken between 1 a.m. and 1:45 a.m. on September 4. Any detail, no matter how small, could help in piecing together the suspect’s movements before and after the explosion.
The Colwood car fire explosion has sparked concern among residents, many of whom were startled by the noise and intensity of the flames. Local authorities stressed that although the attack appears to have been aimed at specific vehicles, they are taking the matter very seriously. Arson cases in residential areas often lead to heightened anxiety, especially when explosions are involved. Police are increasing patrols in the neighborhood to reassure residents and to gather further evidence.
Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the attack and whether the suspect had any connection to the vehicle owners. The destruction of two Cadillacs, both high-value vehicles, suggests the incident may have been personal in nature. Police are conducting forensic examinations of the site and gathering witness statements to build a clearer picture of the events. They are also in contact with fire investigators to analyze the cause and method used to ignite the vehicles.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the West Shore RCMP detachment directly. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers. The incident has left the community shaken, but police are confident they will track down the suspect responsible for the deliberate fires. Residents are being reminded to remain alert, report suspicious activity, and cooperate with investigators as the case develops.
