Arson and Shooting at Vaughan Business: Suspect Caught on Camera in Two April Attacks
York Regional Police released surveillance footage of a suspect linked to two separate incidents at the same Vaughan business in April. No injuries were reported in either attack.
Vaughan Business Targeted Twice in Days: Arson and Gunfire Caught on Camera
York Regional Police have released surveillance footage of a suspect believed to be behind two separate attacks on the same business in Vaughan, north of Toronto, ctvnews.ca reports.
The first incident occurred on the morning of April 18, at a business near Islington Avenue and Kellam Street. Officers were called to the scene at approximately 9:45 a.m. after an employee arrived at work and detected the smell of gasoline.
Security footage released by police on Wednesday shows a lone suspect approaching the front steps of the business at around 6:30 a.m., carrying a red jerrycan. He appears to throw something at the main doors before pouring an accelerant over the front porch, then hurls large rocks at the windows before fleeing the scene. Police said it remains unclear whether the suspect attempted to ignite the accelerant. No fire broke out and no injuries were reported.
Four days later, on April 22, the same business was targeted again. In footage from that morning, a suspect is seen approaching the main entrance at around 5:30 a.m., holding a jerrycan and a duffel bag. He discharges a firearm seven times at the front entrance before picking up the jerrycan and entering the building. The video resumes approximately one minute later, showing the suspect running down the front steps. Police said a small fire broke out but extinguished itself. Officers arrived at 5:40 a.m. to find the front glass door smashed and gunfire damage to the building. No injuries were reported.
Investigators believe the same individual was responsible for both attacks. The suspect is described as a Black man, approximately 40 years old. During the first incident, he was wearing a black fitted baseball cap with a gold sticker, a black hoodie and dark-coloured construction boots. In the second, he was seen in a black mask, a purple hoodie, black pants and black shoes.
The same vehicle — described as a black minivan with tinted windows — was observed at both scenes.
Police are seeking additional footage from the area at the times of each incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators directly. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)