A Burlington resident is facing multiple charges in connection with two deliberately set fires at a Mississauga apartment building.
Peel Regional Police say investigators have made two arrests and are searching for a third suspect following the related arson cases.
The incidents occurred on Sunday, September 20th, and Monday, September 21st, when fires were deliberately set in a third-floor hallway of an apartment building near Lakeshore Road West and Southdown Road.
Investigators believe the occupants of one apartment unit were deliberately targeted in both incidents.
While no significant injuries were reported, the second fire resulted in a large-scale evacuation that displaced several residents. 18 people were transported to hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation, and the estimated property damage is approximately $1 million.
As a result of the investigation, police identified three individuals believed to be involved.
On Thursday, October 15th, 28-year-old Joshua Pedersen, of no fixed address, was arrested in Hamilton and charged with:
- Arson – Disregard for Human Life x2
- Mischief of Over $5,000 x2
- Break and Enter with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Possession of Break-In Instruments
On Monday, October 26th, 27-year-old Morgan Murphy of Burlington was arrested and charged with:
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence x2
- Arson – Disregard for Human Life x2
Both accused were held in custody pending bail hearings before the Ontario Court of Justice.
Investigators continue to search for 30-year-old Madison Varga, also of no fixed address.
Anyone with information about Varga’s whereabouts or the investigation is asked to contact Peel Regional Police 11 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-453-2121, extension 1133.
