Surveillance images show Hamilton arsonist who put hundreds of renters at risk
Published March 13, 2023 at 2:10 pm
Police are seeking witnesses to come forward in regards to a targeted arson, where a man used a propane tank and blowtorch attachment to set a fire in a Hamilton apartment building.
The multi-unit apartment fire occurred at 40 Oxford St. around 5:40 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 10. Hamilton Police (HPS), Hamilton Fire Department crews, and emergency partners responded to the multi-unit apartment fire. Today (March 13), HPS published surveillance images that show the white male suspect. They added that the building has close to 200 dwellings, indicating that hundreds of people were likely at home at that predawn hour.
“Through investigation, it was learned that an unknown male attempted to set fire with an incendiary device to the apartment building that houses over 197 units,” says HPS.
“A suspect was captured on video using a propane tank and blowtorch attachment to attack the utility room and set a fire.”
The suspect is described as:
- White male, medium build, clear complexion, short scruffy brown beard
- Wearing a red/burgundy toque, black hooded sweatshirt and button-up tan shirt under a green army-style jacket with front pockets, blue jeans faded on the front, and beige or tan shoes with white soles.
- Wearing a dark-coloured backpack with a light blue cross strap in the front of the backpack.
Videos
Anyone who has information that might assist Hamilton Police with this criminal investigation should contact Sgt. George Gallant (905-540-5085) or Det.-Const. Shaun Fennessy (905-540-3819).
Information may also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477; online at crimestoppershamilton.com).
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