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, mischief of over $5,000, 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, arson – Disregard for Human Life. 

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.