A major arson investigation in Tsawwassen has now concluded with a guilty plea.
After more than a year of court appearances, 31-year-old Delta resident Daniel Robert Hacking entered a guilty plea recently in Surrey provincial court.
According to Delta Police, Hacking was sentenced to two years in custody and three years’ probation. He is currently in custody serving his sentence.
“Our investigators were persistent in their collection of evidence over an investigation that spanned several months,” says Deputy Chief Harj Sidhu. “They [investigators] managed to retrieve key information from a digital video recorder fully submerged in water in the burned structure with the assistance of Delta Fire Department and Delta Engineering Services.”
Sidhu said the investigation included a significant canvass for video and witnesses and relied on support from a number of different sections of Delta Police including Patrol, the Crime Reduction Unit, the Patrol Support Team and the Major Crime Section.
On Jan. 1, 2020, a commercial building, which at the time was home to two dental practices and a music school located at 5405 12th Ave., was destroyed by fire. The property was a total loss with damages valued at more $3,000,000.
“This deliberate act significantly impacted the businesses, employees, their customers, and Tsawwassen residents,” added Sidhu. “The investigative team's efforts resulted in Daniel Robert Hacking being held accountable for arson damaging property.”
