On Tuesday, November 24, 2020, during the early morning hours, members of Central West Division and Whitby Fire and Emergency Services were called to St. Marguerite D’Youville Catholic School on Michael Boulevard in Whitby for an active fire. The fire was quickly extinguished and contained by responding firefighters. The school was under construction and unoccupied at the time of the incident. The Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office attended the scene and determined that the cause of the fire was arson. The damage sustained to the building is estimated at over $1,000,000.
Investigators believe that the fire is related to a similar incident that occurred on November 11, 2020 in a different part of the building at the same location.
Investigators are attempting to identify the suspect(s) responsible for both incidents. Police are requesting anyone who resides in the area to check for video surveillance that they may have for any suspicious activity in relation to these incidents. Police believe that both incidents occurred during the early morning hours.
Anyone with information in relation to this investigation is asked to contact D/Cst. Reeves of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-579-1520 x 1835.
Investigators have arrested a 30-year-old male in an Arson investigation from last week.
Peter OKAI-KOI, age 30 of Oshawa has been charged with: Arson with Disregard for Human Life. He was held for a bail hearing.
Police are asking anyone who may have information about this fire to please call D/Cst. Crosbie of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1815.
Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or on the website at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
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