NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have charged a 23-year-old man from Richmond Hill following a series of fires in the City of Markham.
On Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, beginning at approximately 9:30 p.m., York Regional Police responded to a series of fire and arson calls in the area of Main Markham Street and Highway 7 East. The incident was a report of two vehicles on fire a short distance from each other, one in the area of Robinson Street and Main Markham Street and the other was at Joseph Street and Main Markham Street.
A third fire was reported on Highway 7 East where a pickup truck was on fire in a parking lot and the fire had spread to a commercial building. The fourth fire was reported at a gas station on Main Street Markham. A bag of motor oil containers was found ablaze and a vehicle in the parking lot had the windows smashed.
Fortunately, no one was physically injured during these incidents. The total cost of the damage is estimated at approximately 1.5 million dollars.
On Oct. 19, 2019, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Richmond Hill and the accused was arrested.
Charged:
- Chase Donaghy, 23, of Richmond Hill
Charges:
- Arson causing damage to property x4
- Mischief over $5,000
The accused will be appearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on Nov. 22, 2019.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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