Police seek 42-year-old after multiple fires set on U of T St. George campus
Toronto police are seeking a 42-year-old man after several fires were set in buildings on the University of Toronto’s St. George campus Wednesday. No injuries were reported.
Copy link
By Torontoer Staff
Toronto police are searching for a 42-year-old man they say started multiple fires in buildings on the University of Toronto’s St. George campus on Wednesday afternoon. The incidents, which caused property damage, occurred in the Bloor Street West and Avenue Road area between 2:40 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., police said in a news release Thursday evening.
No injuries were reported, and investigators have charged the man with multiple offences in absentia. Police released a photograph of the suspect and asked anyone with information to contact them.
Timeline and locations
Police said the male suspect entered several buildings on the St. George campus on Wednesday afternoon and ignited fires at multiple locations. Officers described the time window for the incidents as between 2:40 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., and confirmed property was damaged at more than one site on campus.
Suspect description and charges
Toronto police identified the suspect as a 42-year-old man who is wanted on arson and mischief charges. The public release included a photograph and a physical description intended to assist investigators.
He’s wanted for three counts of arson causing damage to property and two other counts of mischief.
Toronto police
- Age: 42
- Hair: Short, dark
- Facial hair: Clean-shaven
- Clothing at time of incident: Dark sweater, light grey pants, sunglasses
Investigation and public appeal
Police said they released an image of the suspect as part of the investigation and are asking anyone who saw suspicious activity on or near the St. George campus during the stated time frame to come forward. Investigators did not report any injuries and have not identified any suspects in custody.
- To provide information to Toronto police call 416-808-5200
- To report anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477)
- Or submit tips online at www.222tips.com
Legal context and campus impact
Arson causing damage to property is an offence under the Criminal Code and can be prosecuted as a serious offence. Police did not release further details about potential motives or whether campus services were disrupted during emergency response activities.
University officials were not quoted in the police release. Campus security and local police routinely coordinate on incidents affecting university buildings, and investigators typically follow up with witness interviews and evidence collection.
What to watch for next
Police have asked anyone with relevant video, photographs or observations to contact investigators. Details released by police may be updated as the investigation continues, and charges will be confirmed if a suspect is located and arrested.
Anyone with information that could help investigators is asked to call Toronto police at 416-808-5200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS or www.222tips.com.
University of TorontoSt. GeorgeToronto PoliceArsonCampus Safety
