Police Appeal for Witnesses Following Arsons in Richmond Hill
York Regional Police are seeking witnesses after three arson incidents occurred at a commercial business in Richmond Hill in August 2026.
Investigators with the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau are appealing for witnesses following three arsons at a commercial business in Richmond Hill.
The first incident occurred on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at approximately 5:15 a.m. A black Honda Accord with two suspects attended a plaza in the area of Leslie Street and East Wilmot Street. The passenger reportedly smashed the front door of a commercial business, entered with a red jerry can, and was then seen running from the business, followed by an explosion and visible red flames. Both suspects fled in the sedan, which investigators determined had been stolen in Toronto.
On Friday, August 21, 2026, at approximately 5:20 a.m., a dark-coloured SUV with two suspects attended the same plaza. The passenger approached the business with a red jerry can, poured gasoline near the front entrance, and ignited it. The suspects fled in the SUV, which investigators determined had also been stolen in Toronto.
The third incident took place on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at approximately 3:15 a.m. A black SUV with three suspects attended the same plaza. Two passengers reportedly smashed the front window of the business before entering with jerry cans and igniting a fire. The suspects then returned to the SUV and fled. Investigators determined the vehicle was displaying licence plates stolen from a vehicle in Ajax.
The business was unoccupied during each incident, and no injuries were reported. In each case, the fire burned out on its own. Investigators are seeking at least three suspects associated with the vehicles.