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Two people have been arrested and police are searching for a third in connection with two fires they allege were deliberately set in September at a Mississauga apartment building.
An occupant of one unit was allegedly targeted in both fires, which happened on Sept. 20 and 21 in a third-floor hallway of 920 Inverhouse Apartments, near Lakeshore and Southdown roads, Peel police said in a news conference Thursday. Police said the occupant had a former relationship with one of the accused.
“These fires were not random. They displaced residents from their homes and endangered the safety of many innocent people,” said Const. Laurie McCann.
The second fire caused a large-scale evacuation, with some residents displaced for six weeks, and only able to return home on Nov. 4, acting Det. Sgt. Natosha McBride said.
WATCH | Police urge arson suspect to surrender:
Woman sought after Mississauga apartment allegedly set on fire twice
Peel police have arrested two people and are searching for a third in connection with an arson investigation in Mississauga dating back to September. Police say 18 residents were hospitalized for smoke inhalation following the second fire, which caused an estimated $1 million in damage.
Police said 18 residents were also taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. One officer injured his hand and required surgery, they added. In a previous news release, they said there were no significant injuries in either fire.
CBC News spoke to Janice Craig and Grant Bridgers, a couple who lived on the third floor and were displaced by the first fire. They say they had to quit their jobs and relocate to Hamilton to stay with family and are still waiting to find out when they can enter their apartment.
Ann Hummel, another third-floor resident, has been staying with her daughter in Oakville since being displaced by the second fire.
She says she had been living in the building for nearly a year and is now looking for a place to live because she’s not comfortable remaining there. Hummel is concerned the arsonists may return and she wants to live in a building with a 24/7 concierge.
Damage from the fires is estimated at approximately $1 million, police said.
Police said Thursday they had arrested Joshua Pedersen, 28, on Oct. 15. The Hamilton man, who has no fixed address, is facing six charges, including two counts of arson with disregard for human life.
A second person, 27-year-old Morgan Murphy of Burlington, was arrested last week and is facing four charges, including two counts of arson with disregard for human life.
Police allege the motive for the fire was related to Murphy’s former relationship with the occupant.
Police are continuing to search for another person wanted in the investigation, 30-year-old Madison Varga, who they say has no fixed address but is known to frequent Hamilton. They are urging her to get a lawyer and turn herself in to police.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact Peel police.