2 young teens among several suspects charged in ‘targeted arsons’ at autobody shops

A York Regional Police officer's vest is pictured in this file image. (Source: York Regional Police/Facebook)

Five people, including two young teens, face charges in connection with what police believe were targeted arsons at autobody shops in Newmarket and Aurora.

York Regional police say the incidents happened on two separate occasions in February. They allege three suspects forced their way into an autobody shop on George Street near Davis Drive in Newmarket on Feb. 6, and used an accelerant to start a fire. Officials say the building was unoccupied at the time.

Three days later, on Feb. 9, police say two suspects broke into another autobody shop in the area of Edward Street and Metcalfe Street in Aurora and deliberately started a fire. “It has since been determined the two incidents are directly related,” police stated.

Investigators say they identified three adults and two youths in connection with the alleged arsons. Officers then executed four search warrants at Toronto residences, and said a loaded firearm was seized.

Among those arrested are two boys, ages 13 and 15, who face charges of arson, break-and-enter, disguise with intent, and failing to comply with release orders, which police say were for unrelated offences.

Police are searching for two individuals who remain at large, including a 37-year-old Toronto man facing charges of arson and obstructing a peace officer, and an unidentified suspect. The investigation is ongoing.