Arrest Made in Arson at MP's Home

Toronto police have arrested one suspect and are searching for a second person after vehicles were set on fire outside the home of Liberal MP Salma Zahid. The incident took place shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, in the area of Bellamy Road North and Lawrence Avenue East in Scarborough.

Roshvin Crofton, 24, was arrested on Sunday and faces charges including arson causing damage to property, mischief over $5,000, and failure to comply with a probation order, according to police. Court records show an additional charge of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and possession of incendiary material, with the charges not yet tested in court.

Authorities said Crofton is scheduled to appear in court next week. Police also seized a vehicle in connection with the case, but have not released a motive or confirmed whether the incident was targeted.

Incident Details

Surveillance video released by investigators shows a person pouring fuel on five vehicles and setting two on fire before leaving a lit gas can in the driveway of the home. A third vehicle was also damaged in the fire, police reported. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.

Zahid, the MP for Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East, previously stated that her son noticed the blaze and, along with other neighbours, called 911. She confirmed that her family was not injured.

Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

Zahid welcomed news of the arrest in a statement posted on social media, thanking Toronto police for their work. "As the investigation is ongoing, we still do not have information with regards to a motive for this incident," she wrote. "I am sure this will become apparent in time and I will await the facts until commenting further."

Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the fire as a "cowardly act of violence and intimidation". Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also condemned the incident.

Authorities are looking for a second suspect believed to have been involved. They have appealed for anyone who may have seen a black 2025 Hyundai Sonata between Aug. 23 and Aug. 27 to contact police or Crime Stoppers.