Toronto police have announced that a man has been charged following the arson of multiple vehicles at the residence of a Scarborough MP last week.
Roshvin Crofton, 24, was apprehended on Sunday. He faces several charges, including arson resulting in property damage, mischief exceeding $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offense, possession of flammable materials, and non-compliance with a probation order, according to a police news release issued on Friday.
Authorities have also confiscated a 2025 Hyundai Sonata that is believed to be connected to the incident. They are requesting information regarding the vehicle’s activities in the days leading up to the suspected arson.
Law enforcement officials are also on the lookout for a second individual involved.
The fire incident took place in the driveway of Liberal MP Salma Zahid’s residence. Zahid serves the federal riding of Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East.
Toronto police are investigating a suspected arson at the home of a Liberal Member of Parliament. Multiple cars on Salma Zahid’s driveway were set on fire overnight. The Scarborough MP says the incident has left her shaken and worried about the safety of her family and staff. CBC’s Greg Ross takes us through what happened.
According to police, an unidentified individual approached the cars in the driveway early on August 27, applied an accelerant, and ignited two vehicles, causing them to catch fire before escaping the scene.
A third vehicle was also damaged as a result of the flames, police reported.
Zahid welcomes arrest, says no word on motive
Zahid expressed her gratitude to the Toronto police in a statement released shortly after the arrest was made public on Friday.
“I appreciate hearing about the arrest and charges related to the arson incident outside my residence on August 27th, as well as the news that law enforcement is pursuing another suspect in connection with this case,” she stated.
“As the investigation is still underway, we do not yet have any details regarding the motive behind this incident. I trust that this will become clearer in due course, and I will await further information before making additional comments,” she added.
Toronto police seized a car believed to be involved in the incident. They are looking for information about its whereabouts in the days leading up to Crofton’s arrest. (Toronto Police Service)
Zahid, who has served as a Liberal backbencher since 2015, represents Scarborough Centre. She currently chairs the standing committee on science and research and is also the vice-chair of the Canada-China legislative association.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from numerous political figures, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, who referred to the fire as a “cowardly act of violence and intimidation.”