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Vancouver Police Officer Set on Fire by Suspect with Extensive Criminal History
Authorities have apprehended Jordan Mutual, a 40-year-old man, who faces serious charges following an incident where a police officer was set on fire in Vancouver last Thursday evening. This incident, occurring on April 10, unfolded on East Hastings near Carrall Streets, where the officer was working on foot patrol.
Mutual was wanted province-wide at the time of his arrest, with a total of 10 outstanding charges against him. He is now charged with assaulting a peace officer and failing to assist another individual during the altercation.
According to police reports, the incident began when Mutual attempted to evade arrest after being stopped for jaywalking. He was being taken into custody when he allegedly ignited the officer’s uniform, leading to severe injuries.
Court documents reveal that Mutual has had a tumultuous relationship with the law since 2022. He has been repeatedly incarcerated in Vancouver for various pending charges. Notably, on July 31, 2022, he was charged with possessing a loaded, prohibited firearm, along with multiple assault charges stemming from a domestic violence incident that occurred on September 13, 2022.
History of Breaches and Charges
Mutual’s legal troubles include breaching release orders on multiple occasions. On November 17, 2022, he reportedly violated his release conditions twice, once in Surrey and again in Vancouver. He was supposed to stay at a recovery center but failed to adhere to this stipulation, leading to further legal consequences.
As of May 3, 2024, Mutual was released on $1,000 bail, with strict conditions that included electronic monitoring and a requirement to remain under house arrest. He was also prohibited from consuming alcohol or drugs and banned from possessing any weapons.
In late March 2024, a bench warrant was issued after Mutual did not appear in court regarding previous breach allegations and firearm charges, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing his compliance with legal standards.
Previous Legal Issues with Civil Forfeiture
Beyond the criminal charges, Mutual is associated with a civil forfeiture case linked to large sums of cash seized during police operations. The Vancouver Police Department reported an encounter on November 3, 2019, where Mutual was found riding a bicycle without proper safety gear while in possession of bear spray. He was arrested due to an outstanding warrant for drug-related offenses.
During this arrest, law enforcement discovered significant amounts of cash, including over $5,600 in Canadian currency and various cell phones. Subsequent tests on the seized money indicated contamination with controlled substances, leading to further implications of drug trafficking.
Community and Government Reactions
The recent incident involving Mutual has sparked discussions among officials regarding potential systemic failures in handling repeat offenders. B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma stated her commitment to investigating whether the legal system adequately addressed Mutual’s recurring issues, emphasizing the need for improvement in public safety measures.
As Mutual awaits a bail hearing scheduled for Thursday, serious concerns persist regarding the handling of individuals with complex legal histories and the implications for public safety in Vancouver.
Source
globalnews.ca