York Regional Police seek suspects in three arson attacks on same Richmond Hill business
A commercial plaza on Leslie and East Wilmot was targeted three times over one week in what police say appears to be a coordinated campaign.
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York Regional Police are investigating three separate arson attacks targeting the same Richmond Hill business over the course of one week, each with escalating tactics and stolen vehicles.
The first incident occurred on Wednesday, August 19, at around 5:15 a.m. at a plaza near Leslie Street and East Wilmot Street. Police say a passenger exited a black Honda Accord, smashed the front door with a red jerry can, and ran 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.
A second attack took place on August 21, at around 5:20 a.m. at the same plaza. Two suspects arrived in a dark-coloured SUV. The passenger poured gasoline near the front entrance and ignited it before both fled. Investigators found the vehicle had also been stolen in Toronto.
The third incident occurred on August 26, at around 3:15 a.m. This time, three suspects attended the business in a black SUV. Two passengers smashed the front window, entered with jerry cans, and set the business ablaze. They returned to the vehicle and fled. The SUV's licence plates had been stolen from a vehicle in Ajax.
Police released video footage of the third incident. In each instance, the business was unoccupied and no injuries were reported.
York Regional Police have not disclosed the name or type of business that was targeted, nor have they released estimated damage figures or a known motive for the attacks. The department has not disclosed whether a connection has been identified between the suspects and the business.
At a glance
Where were these arson attacks?
All three attacks targeted the same business at a commercial plaza near Leslie Street and East Wilmot Street in Richmond Hill.
When did the attacks happen?
York Regional Police are investigating three arson attacks that occurred on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at around 5:15 a.m., August 21, 2026 at around 5:20 a.m., and August 26, 2026 at around 3:15 a.m.
How did the number of suspects change?
The first two attacks involved two suspects each, while the third attack involved three suspects.
What vehicles were used?
The first attack used a black Honda Accord stolen in Toronto, the second used a dark-coloured SUV also stolen in Toronto, and the third used a black SUV with licence plates stolen from a vehicle in Ajax.
