An Oshawa man has been charged with arson after allegedly setting a fire at his residence over the weekend. The incident occurred at a triplex in the area of Ortona Avenue and Bloor Street East.
Fire and Investigation
Durham Regional Police reported that emergency crews responded to the scene around 3:40 p.m. on Saturday. Officers were informed that a tenant of the triplex was responsible for intentionally starting the blaze, according to a police statement released Tuesday.
The suspect was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained in the fire. All other occupants were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.
On Monday, investigators executed a search warrant at the residence to collect evidence. Phil John Layng, 57, of Oshawa, has been charged with arson with disregard for human life. He was held for a bail hearing.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact them at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1705 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Brampton Trucker Charged with Stunt Driving
In a separate incident, a trucker from Brampton has been charged with stunt driving after Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported he was caught traveling more than 40 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Officers on patrol Monday on County Road 47 near Sideroad 5 in the township of Ramara recorded a commercial motor vehicle traveling at 103 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. Lovedeep Singh, 31, was charged with stunt driving. His driver's license was suspended for 30 days, and his vehicle was impounded for 14 days.
Authorities ask anyone with information about dangerous driving to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers.
Suspicious Fire in Pickering
Meanwhile, police in Pickering are investigating a fire they have labeled as suspicious. On Saturday at 2:20 a.m., crews responded to a home in the Kerrydale Avenue and Marchington Square area that was fully engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported.
Durham Regional Police are asking anyone who was in the area between 1:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. and has cellphone, dash cam, or surveillance footage to contact them at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1905 or Crime Stoppers.
