Police identify suspect after Surrey, B.C., man lit on fire

Police have identified a suspect after a man was lit on fire near Surrey Central station earlier this month.

On Aug. 2, just after 1 p.m. PT, police were called to SNS Currency Exchange in Surrey's Whalley neighbourhood, where they say a man was lit on fire.

In a statement, Surrey RCMP Cpl. Sarbjit Sangha said the suspect in the case is Kalid Yimer, 33, and they believe he is in B.C.'s Lower Mainland or travelling to Alberta.

"Given the severity of the incident ... [the suspect] is believed to be violent and dangerous," Sangha said. "Police are releasing an enhanced photo to locate him and warn the public."

Surrey RCMP released photographs of the suspect they say set someone on fire on Aug. 2, 2024. (Surrey RCMP)

Sangha described Yimer as a man about five feet six inches tall, with dark hair and brown eyes.

Police are asking anyone who sees him to call 911, and say he is wanted in connection to an attempted murder investigation.

The victim of the attack was later identified as Rahat Rao, the owner of the currency exchange business.

Rao was taken to hospital with serious burns.

The exact circumstances of the attack on him are still unclear.

Surrey RCMP say a victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries after allegedly being set on fire near a SkyTrain station on Friday. (Shane MacKichan)

Police say the suspect stole a white Mini Cooper near the scene, and drove away after the attack. While police later found the car, they are still looking for the suspected attacker.

Mounties are asking anyone with information on Yimer's whereabouts to contact police.