Toronto MP Arson Suspect Arrested After Home Fire
Toronto police have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with a fire that damaged several vehicles outside a Scarborough MP’s home last week. The Toronto MP arson suspect case has drawn attention after investigators released video of the incident just days before the arrest. Officers say the suspect now faces multiple criminal charges.
What Happened Outside the MP’s Home
Toronto police say the incident took place early on Aug. 27. According to investigators, a suspect poured accelerant onto vehicles parked in the driveway of Liberal MP Salma Zahid’s residence near Bellamy Road North and Lawrence Avenue East.
The suspect then allegedly ignited the accelerant. As a result, two vehicles caught fire immediately, while a third vehicle also suffered fire damage. Following the attack, the suspect fled the scene in a getaway vehicle.
Meanwhile, investigators moved quickly to gather evidence. Police later released a video showing the extended footage of the incident, hoping the public could help identify those responsible. This step proved important, since it came just two days before officers made their first arrest.
Suspect Identified and Charged
On Aug. 30, police announced they had arrested a suspect near Bellamy Road and Lawrence Avenue in Scarborough. Officers identified him on Friday as Roshvin Crofton. Consequently, this Toronto MP arson suspect now faces a lengthy list of charges.
The charges include arson causing damage to property, mischief over $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, possession of incendiary material, and failure to comply with probation. However, none of these charges have been tested in court yet.
In addition to the arrest, police seized a suspect vehicle described as a black 2025 Hyundai Sonata. Officers also released images of the seized vehicle to the public. Still, investigators have not confirmed a motive, nor have they said whether the attack specifically targeted the MP.
Notably, police say they are still searching for a second suspect in connection with the fire. So far, no physical description of this second individual has been made public. Therefore, the investigation into the Toronto MP arson suspect case remains active.
The MP’s Response and What Comes Next
MP Salma Zahid, who represents Scarborough Centre–Don Valley East, welcomed the arrest in a statement posted to social media. She also thanked police for their ongoing work on the case. Her comments reflected both relief and caution about the investigation’s next steps.
“I continue to support and cooperate fully with their ongoing investigation,” Zahid said. This statement suggests she expects further developments as police continue building their case against the Toronto MP arson suspect.
Zahid added that the motive behind the attack remains unclear for now. “As the investigation is ongoing, we still do not have information with regards to a motive for this incident. I am sure this will become apparent in time and I will await the facts before commenting any further,” she said.
Cases involving fires at the homes of elected officials tend to raise broader questions about political safety. For instance, similar incidents elsewhere have prompted reviews of security measures for public figures. Nevertheless, Toronto police have not indicated whether this case will lead to any policy changes.
Arson charges in Canada carry serious penalties, particularly when property damage is significant. Under the Criminal Code, a conviction for arson causing damage to property can result in a lengthy prison sentence. Additionally, conspiracy charges suggest police believe more than one person planned the attack.
As the investigation continues, police have encouraged anyone with information about the second suspect to come forward. Meanwhile, the community around Bellamy Road and Lawrence Avenue East has been left watching closely as the case unfolds. For now, residents and officials alike await further updates from Toronto police.