Toronto Police Charge Suspect in Alleged Arson Outside Home of Liberal MP Zahid

Toronto police have laid charges against one man and are still seeking another suspect in relation to a recent arson of three vehicles outside the home of Scarborough Centre—Don Valley East Liberal MP Salma Zahid.

The alleged incident occurred in the early hours of Aug. 27 in Toronto’s Scarborough when police say a suspect doused several vehicles outside Zahid’s residence with an accelerant and set two of them on fire. A third vehicle was also damaged in the blaze.

The suspect then fled in a vehicle, according to police, who are asking for more information about the whereabouts of the black 2025 Hyundai Sonata between Aug. 23 and the Aug. 27 arson. Police have seized the vehicle and released photos of it.

Surveillance footage released Aug. 28 showed an individual in a mask and black hooded sweater, black gloves, and running shoes.

Police said no injuries were reported as a result of the incident and Zahid’s residence was not harmed.

Police say Roshvin Crofton, 24, was arrested Aug. 30 and charged with offences stemming from the crime, including arson causing damage to property, mischief over $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, possession of incendiary material, and failure to comply with a probation order.

Police have not released a possible motive for the alleged arson and note that the investigation is still ongoing.

Zahid Responds

Zahid, who was first elected to Parliament in 2015, welcomed the developments in the police investigation in a Sept. 4 post on X.

“I welcome word of an arrest and charges related to the arson incident outside my home on August 27th, and news the police are seeking an additional suspect in relation to this case,” she said, adding that despite the lack of disclosure of a motivation for the incident, “I am sure this will become apparent in time and I will await the facts before commenting further.”

Zahid also thanked her colleagues for their support and referenced “the guidance of security professionals” in the aftermath of the arson, and said she will continue her work in the House of Commons when it resumes sitting later this month.

Prime Minister Mark Carney also spoke out about the incident on Aug. 27, posting that it was “a cowardly act of violence and intimidation” and “not who we are as Canadians.”

The charges against Crofton have not been tested in court.

His next appearance is Sept. 8 at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre.