Man Wanted in Arson Investigation Sparks Community Alert in Christie Pitts Neighborhood

Toronto police are actively searching for a suspect following two intentionally set fires that occurred in the early hours of June 5 in the Christie Pitts neighbourhood. Authorities are treating both incidents as suspicious and are urging the public to be vigilant while the search for the suspect continues.

Firefighters were first called around 4 a.m. to the area of Shaw Street and Yarmouth Road after reports of a vehicle engulfed in flames. According to investigators, a man had been seen lingering near the scene shortly before the fire broke out. He quickly fled on foot before emergency crews arrived. Fortunately, there was no one inside the vehicle at the time, and no injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.

Less than two hours later, emergency services responded to another alarm in the same neighbourhood, this time to a detached garage that had caught fire. Upon arrival, crews discovered that both the garage and a nearby vehicle were burning. Witnesses reported seeing a man on the garage rooftop moments before the blaze erupted, after which he once again left the area before police and fire officials reached the scene. Similar to the earlier fire, no one was present in the garage or vehicle, and there were no reported injuries.

In a bid to identify the individual responsible, police have released a surveillance photograph of the suspect and are appealing to the public for assistance. The suspect is described as a man in his 30s, with a height of approximately five-feet-six to five-feet-eight inches tall and a slim to medium build. He has light brown hair typically worn in a ponytail and is clean-shaven. At the time of the incidents, he was last seen dressed in a blue sweatshirt, blue sweatpants, and grey shoes.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information related to the fires or the individual’s whereabouts to come forward. Residents in the Christie Pitts area are reminded to remain alert, secure their properties, and report any suspicious activity to police immediately while the investigation remains ongoing.