Appeal For Witnesses Following Arsons in Richmond Hill

Investigators with the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau are appealing for witnesses following three arsons at a commercial business in the City of Richmond Hill.

On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at approximately 5:15 a.m., a black Honda Accord carrying two suspects attended a plaza in the area of Leslie Street and East Wilmot Street. 

The passenger was observed smashing the front door of a commercial business and entering with a red jerry can. The suspect was then seen running from the business, followed by an explosion and visible red flames. Both suspects fled the area in the sedan, which investigators later determined had been stolen in Toronto. 

On Friday, August 21, 2026, at approximately 5:20 a.m., a dark-coloured SUV carrying two suspects attended the same plaza. 

The passenger approached the business carrying a red jerry can, poured gasoline near the front entrance and ignited it. Suspects fled in the SUV, which investigators determined had also been stolen in Toronto.

On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at approximately 3:15 a.m., a black SUV attended the same plaza, carrying three suspects. 

The two passengers were observed smashing the front window of the business before entering with jerry cans and igniting a fire. The suspects then returned to the SUV and fled the area. Investigators determined the vehicle was displaying licence plates that had been stolen from a vehicle in Ajax.

A video of the third incident can be viewed here.

The business was unoccupied during each incident. No injuries were reported and, in each instance, the fire burned out on its own.

Investigators are seeking at least three suspects associated to the vehicles.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7241. Anonymous tips can also be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or by visiting www.1800222tips.com.

Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal, or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.