A wave of unsettling incidents has gripped York Region, as police investigate two attempted arsons that occurred early Wednesday morning in Markham and Whitchurch-Stouffville. The events have left local businesses shaken and authorities urgently seeking information.
The first incident unfolded around 2 a.m. on Highway 7 East near Ninth Line in Markham. Witnesses reported seeing two individuals forcibly enter businesses within a plaza, then brazenly attempt to set fires using an accelerant. Fortunately, the buildings were empty at the time.
The suspects swiftly fled the scene, heading east along Highway 7 in a distinctive white Audi SUV. This vehicle would later become a crucial piece of evidence in the unfolding investigation.
Less than two hours later, at approximately 3:30 a.m., the same white Audi appeared at a plaza near Ringwood Drive and Main Street in Whitchurch-Stouffville. The pattern chillingly repeated itself: two individuals smashed a business’s front door and attempted to ignite a fire with an accelerant.
Remarkably, in both instances, the fires failed to fully ignite, “self-extinguishing” before causing significant damage. This narrow escape prevented potential disaster and spared the community from a far more serious outcome.
Investigators now believe at least three individuals were involved. While two suspects were directly observed at both locations, a third person is believed to have been the driver of the Audi, remaining inside the vehicle during the attempted arsons.
Police have released images of the suspect vehicle and the two individuals seen attempting to set the fires. The first suspect is described as wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, track pants, white shoes, and grey gloves. The second wore a blue hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black shoes, and white gloves.
Authorities are appealing to the public for any information related to these incidents. Anyone with knowledge of the suspects or the white Audi SUV is urged to contact the #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau or Crime Stoppers, with the option to remain anonymous.
