Two businesses in a busy area of Richmond Hill were set ablaze on the long weekend in an arson incident and York Regional Police are looking for suspects caught on video.
York Regional Police (YRP) is seeking the public’s assistance and appealing for witnesses in connection with two separate arson incidents that occurred in the City of Richmond Hill.
On the early morning of Sept 3, 2023, around 3:45 a.m., YRP received a distress call regarding smoke emerging from a business establishment located in the vicinity of Highway 7 East and Leslie Street. Upon arriving at the scene, Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services were actively combating a fire within one of the commercial premises. Surveillance footage from the area revealed the presence of two suspects walking through the adjacent parking lot while carrying containers. Subsequently, the suspects were last spotted fleeing north through the parking lot towards Wertheim Court. It is noted that one of the suspects may have sustained injuries to his hand.
On the following day, Sept. 4, at approximately 4:55 a.m., a fire erupted at a different business within the same plaza. When law enforcement arrived, fire crews had already quelled the flames. The incident resulted in substantial damage to the targeted business and adjacent units. An investigation into this occurrence unveiled the presence of two male suspects in the vicinity around 5 a.m., who were observed running through the parking lot while carrying containers filled with a liquid substance. Later, they were seen heading in the direction of Wertheim Court.
According to YRP, investigators suspect that both fires were deliberately set and believe that the suspects involved may have used a white four-door vehicle during the first incident. Authorities are exploring the possibility that these two arson cases may be connected.
For a closer look at the suspects captured on video in both incidents, footage is available here: Video Footage.
YRP is asking that anyone who observed any unusual or suspicious activity in the area or possesses video recordings that might have captured relevant information is urged to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, extension 7241, or alternatively, they can reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.1800222tips.com.
Originally posted 2023-09-07 13:16:07.