Nesters Market arson suspect pleads guilty to lesser charge (opens original article in a new tab)

A Vancouver man pleaded guilty to a lesser arson charge in connection with a fire that caused over $500,000 in damage to Nesters Market's Woodwards location. The store reopened after two weeks of repairs. Atkinson has a long criminal history with multiple theft convictions and frequent police interactions.

• Victor Leslie Atkinson pleaded guilty to arson to property instead of the original arson charge
• Nesters Market Woodwards suffered over $500,000 in damage and food losses from the March 30 fire
• Atkinson has 15 theft convictions and 200 police interactions since 2000
• Nesters Market renewed its lease for the Woodwards location for two more years