Update: During our canvass for video, investigators obtained footage of a person they believed to be Mr. Draeger. Officers spoke with people who knew Mr. Draeger, and were able to confirm that the images were of him. The images were taken prior to the fire, so accurately represent what Mr. Draeger looks like. We’re releasing these images today in the hopes that somebody will recognize Mr. Draeger and can help lead police to his whereabouts.
   |
  |
Victoria BC – Detectives from the VicPD Major Crime Unit are investigating the suspicious fire at the site of the old Plaza Hotel.
On May 6th, a devastating fire occurred at 603 Pandora Avenue. From the early stages, VicPD officers have been working in concert with the Victoria Fire Department. Officers with the Victoria Police Department applied for and were granted a search warrant for the property yesterday afternoon. Our investigators, along with the Victoria Fire Department’s investigators, were on the site yesterday, and will be there for up to a few weeks.
Mike Draeger, the building caretaker, still remains unaccounted for.
These types of investigations are lengthy and an appropriate amount of resources will be dedicated to investigate the origin of the fire.
The Victoria Fire Department continues its investigation into the fire that occurred over the past weekend in the 1300-block of Broad Street. To date, there is no information indicating that these two fires are connected.