Two people have been charged and a third suspect is wanted following two fires at a Mississauga apartment building that caused an estimated $1 million in damage earlier this year. In a news release, Peel police say the fires were deliberately set in a third-floor hallway of the building near Lakeshore Road West and Southdown Road on Sept. 20 and 21. Investigators believe occupants of one of the units were deliberately targeted in both incidents. No significant injuries were reported, several residents were displaced in addition to a large-scale evacuation. Officials say 18 residents were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation. As part of the investigation, police identified three people believed to be involved. Joshua Pedersen, 28, of no fixed address, was arrested in Hamilton on Oct. 15 and charged with two counts of arson – disregard for human life, two counts of mischief over $5,000, break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of break-in instruments. Meanwhile, 27-year-old Morgan Murphy, of Burlington, was arrested on Oct. 26 and charged with two counts each of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and arson – disregard for human life. Both accused were held in custody pending bail hearings. Still, police say they are searching for 30-year-old Madison Varga, of no fixed address, in connection with the investigation. Anyone with information about Varga’s whereabouts is asked to contact Peel Regional Police. Officials are set to provide an update later this morning at 10:30 a.m. at police headquarters. More details to come...
