A man who allegedly tried to set a sleeping person on fire while on transit in Metro Vancouver last month has been charged, according to authorities. The Metro Vancouver Transit Police said the incident occurred on Dec. 16 around 3 p.m. in Burnaby. “A man was asleep on board a SkyTrain travelling from Vancouver to Burnaby when another man allegedly poured a liquid on the victim’s clothing and attempted to ignite it,” said a statement from the department Wednesday, adding that bystanders intervened and removed the suspect from the train. Sukbinder Sogy, 37, has been charged with assault with a weapon, mischief causing danger to life, and possession of incendiary material, police said. “This was a terrifying ordeal and thankfully, the victim did not suffer any serious physical injuries,” said MVTP spokesperson Const. Amanda Steed. “Transit Police would never ask that anyone place themselves in harm’s way, but we need to acknowledge the bravery and selflessness of the bystanders who rushed to assist the victim and held the suspect until police arrived.” Sogy remains in custody and is next due in court on Jan. 21. In September of 2025, court records show Sogy was found guilty of two counts of mischief causing danger to life and one count of possessing incendiary material. Records also indicate Sogy has been charged with a breach of probation which allegedly occurred on Dec. 16, 2025, in Burnaby.
