WATCH: Dramatic arson in east Regina caught on camera

A suspect nearly set himself on fire during an arson that was caught on video in Regina over the weekend.

Regina police have released video of a dramatic vehicle arson in the city’s east end as officers continue to search for a suspect.

Video from the Regina Police Service (RPS) shows a suspect approach the vehicle as it sits in a driveway.

The assailant is seen lighting a match and reaching inside the vehicle’s driver side window.

A second later, a burst of flames erupts from the vehicle’s interior – enveloping the suspect and forcing them to run backward.

After touching their head several times, the suspect then attempts to light a piece of fabric that appears to have been shoved into the vehicle’s gas tank.

When it fails to light, the suspect backs off and runs down the street and out of frame of the security camera.

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On Monday, RPS announced it was investigating a vehicle related arson on the 4600 block of Mutrie Crescent.

Officers responded to the scene at around midnight on Saturday April 11, after a fire was reported.

The flames were put out by an officer with a fire extinguisher prior to firefighters arriving at the scene. RPS noted that no one was inside the vehicle at the time.

The investigation is ongoing. Police ask anyone with information about the incident to contact RPS or Crime Stoppers.

Arson is defined in the Canadian Criminal Code as intentionally or recklessly causing damage by fire or an explosion to someone’s property.