- York Regional Police are investigating two attempted arsons early Wednesday morning.
- One incident occurred at a commercial plaza near Ringwood Drive and Main Street in Stouffville.
- Police say suspects smashed a business entrance and tried to ignite a fire using an accelerant before fleeing the area.
- The incident followed a similar attempt in Markham involving the same white Audi SUV and multiple suspects.
- No injuries were reported, and investigators are appealing for witnesses and security footage.
York Regional Police are seeking witnesses after two attempted arsons early Wednesday morning at commercial plazas in Markham and Whitchurch-Stouffville. Investigators say the incidents occurred within roughly 90 minutes of each other and involved the same vehicle, described as a white Audi SUV.
Officers said the first attempt took place around 2 a.m. near Highway 7 East and Ninth Line in Markham. Two suspects were seen smashing the front door of a business before attempting to ignite a fire using an accelerant. The suspects fled eastbound on Highway 7, and the fire went out on its own.
A second incident was reported around 3:30 a.m. at a plaza near Ringwood Drive and Main Street in Stouffville. Police say two suspects again smashed a business entrance and tried to start a fire using an accelerant before fleeing. That fire also self-extinguished.
Both buildings were unoccupied at the time, and no injuries were reported.
Investigators believe at least three people were involved, noting the driver of the Audi did not exit the vehicle at either location.
One suspect was described as wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, track pants, white shoes, and grey gloves. A second suspect was reported wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black shoes, and white gloves. No description was available for the third suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact York Regional Police’s #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at 1800222tips.com.
Images provided by York Regional Police
