Two Arrested, Third Suspect Sought in Connection with Mississauga Apartment Building Arsons

Thursday, November 05, 2026

Region of Peel – Investigators from the 11 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) have made two arrests and are searching for an additional suspect following two related arsons at the same Mississauga apartment building.

On Sunday, Sept. 20, and Monday, Sept. 21, fires were deliberately set in a third-floor hallway of an apartment building in the area of Lakeshore Road West and Southdown Road.

Investigators believe the occupants of one unit were deliberately targeted in both fires.

No significant injuries were reported in either incident. However, the second fire resulted in a large-scale evacuation that displaced several residents. 18 residents were transported to hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. The estimated damage is approximately $1 million.

As a result of the investigation, Peel Regional Police identified three individuals believed to be involved.

On Thursday, Oct. 15, Joshua Pedersen, 28, of no fixed address, was arrested in Hamilton and charged with:

Arson – Disregard for Human Life x2
Mischief of Over $5,000 x2
Break and Enter with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence
Possession of Break-In Instruments

On Monday, Oct. 26, Morgan Murphy, 27, of Burlington, was arrested and charged with:

Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence x2
Arson – Disregard for Human Life x2

Both accused were held in custody pending bail hearings before the Ontario Court of Justice.

Investigators continue to search for Madison Varga, 30, of no fixed address, who is wanted in relation to these incidents. Anyone with information regarding Varga's whereabouts is asked to contact police.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact 11 Division CIB at 905-453-2121, ext. 1133.