Key Takeaways
- Two fires were deliberately set on Sept. 20 and 21 in a third-floor hallway near Lakeshore Road West and Southdown Road; police believe one unit was targeted
- Joshua Pedersen, 28, and Morgan Murphy, 27, were arrested in October and face arson and related charges; both were held for bail hearings
- Madison Varga, 30, is still wanted — tips go to 11 Division CIB at 905-453-2121, ext. 1133
Two Fires. One Apartment Hallway. 18 People Taken to Hospital.
Imagine living in an apartment building and smelling smoke in the hallway — twice.
That's what happened near Lakeshore Road West and Southdown Road in Mississauga, Peel Regional Police say.
On Sunday, Sept. 20, and Monday, Sept. 21, fires were deliberately set in a third-floor hallway. Investigators believe the occupants of one unit were deliberately targeted in both fires.
No significant injuries were reported in either fire. But the second blaze forced a large evacuation that displaced several residents, and 18 residents were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. Damage is estimated at $1 million.
Two Arrests, 11 Days Apart
The first arrest came on Oct. 15. Joshua Pedersen, 28, of no fixed address, was arrested in Hamilton and charged with two counts of arson – disregard for human life, two counts of mischief over $5,000, break and enter with intent, and possession of break-in instruments.
Then, on Oct. 26, Morgan Murphy, 27, of Burlington, was arrested and charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and two counts of arson – disregard for human life.
Both accused were held pending bail hearings.
The charges have not been proven in court.
One Suspect Still Wanted
Police are still looking for Madison Varga, 30, of no fixed address. The photo police released shows her with blonde hair in 2023 — she has since changed her hair colour to brunette.
Anyone with information about the investigation or Varga's whereabouts can contact 11 Division CIB at 905-453-2121, ext. 1133, or Peel Crime Stoppers.
The Twikup Take
A fire set in a hallway is an attack on everyone behind every door on that floor — 18 people in hospital and a building of neighbours out of their homes says it plainly. Two accused are before the courts; one photo is still waiting for a call.
Image: Madison Varga, photo supplied by Peel Regional Police via its news release.