Attempt to set man on fire prompts manhunt in Oshawa

A manhunt is underway for a suspect who attacked a man in downtown Oshawa and tried to set him on fire.

Police say the suspect hid behind a business near John St. and Simcoe St., waiting for the victim at 10 a.m. June 7. When the victim arrived, the suspect sprayed him with an unknown substance and tried to ignite him.

Police say the suspect then fled from the scene west on John St. Durham Paramedics soon arrived and treated the victim on scene.

Durham Regional Police describe the unidentified suspect as a white man with a medium build between 25 and 30 years old. He was last seen wearing a blue hoodie, black pants, a blue baseball cap and red and white running shoes.

Anyone with information can call police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2765 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).