MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Peel Regional Police have made an arrest in connection with a series of arson attempts targeting an unoccupied commercial property in Mississauga, but investigators are still searching for a second suspect believed to be involved in the incidents.
The first fire was reported on March 16, 2026, just before 5:30 a.m., at a business located near the intersection of Winston Churchill Boulevard and Argentia Road. According to police, the property was empty at the time, and no injuries were reported. The suspects fled the scene before officers could arrive, leaving firefighters to extinguish the blaze.
Investigators from the Peel Regional Police arson unit quickly determined that the fire was deliberately set. In the weeks that followed, the same location was targeted in two additional arson attempts, each involving individuals trying to ignite the building. 'The same location has been hit twice more, each time by individuals attempting to set the property on fire,' police stated in a release on April 21.
After an intensive investigation spanning several weeks, officers arrested 19-year-old Kevin Paredes from Ottawa on April 17. Paredes faces multiple charges, including arson, break and enter, possession of break-in instruments, disguise with intent, and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. He was taken into custody without incident, according to authorities.
Police have described Paredes as one of two suspects involved in the arsons. The second individual remains at large and is described as a male in his late teens to early 20s, with a fair complexion, slim build, clean-shaven face, and dark eyes. He was last seen wearing a black toque, a black puffer jacket, black jeans, and black Nike Air Force shoes.
The incidents have raised concerns in the local business community, particularly in the Argentia Road area, which is home to several industrial and commercial properties. While the targeted building was unoccupied, the repeated attacks highlight vulnerabilities in securing vacant sites amid economic shifts that have left some spaces empty.
Peel Regional Police have not disclosed a motive for the arsons, nor have they confirmed whether the business was specifically targeted due to its ownership or any ongoing disputes. 'Police have not commented on a possible motive or whether the business was specifically targeted,' the department noted in their public statement.
The investigation involved reviewing surveillance footage from the area and following leads that connected Paredes to the scene. Authorities are now appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the second suspect. 'Anyone with information, including surveillance footage from the area, is urged to contact Peel Regional Police,' investigators said.
Residents and business owners near Winston Churchill Boulevard and Argentia Road expressed relief at the arrest but remain wary. One local property manager, who asked not to be named, told reporters, 'It's good they've caught one, but until they get the other guy, we're all on edge. These empty buildings are like magnets for trouble.'
The charges against Paredes underscore the seriousness of arson as a crime, which can endanger not only the targeted property but also neighboring structures and first responders. In Ontario, arson convictions can lead to lengthy prison sentences, especially when multiple attempts are involved.
This case comes amid a broader trend of property crimes in the Greater Toronto Area, where police have reported an uptick in break-ins and vandalism at commercial sites. Peel Regional Police, which serves Mississauga and Brampton, has emphasized community vigilance as key to preventing such incidents.
Following the arrest, Paredes appeared in court, where he was remanded in custody pending a bail hearing. Details of his background in Ottawa have not been released, but investigators believe the arsons may have involved travel from the capital region to the Mississauga site.
As the search for the second suspect continues, police have increased patrols in the area to deter further attempts. The unoccupied business, which sources describe as a former retail or light industrial space, has been secured with additional measures, including boarded windows and fencing.
Experts in fire investigation note that arson cases often require meticulous evidence collection, such as analyzing burn patterns and accelerants. In this instance, the rapid succession of attacks allowed detectives to link the events through similar methods used by the perpetrators.
While the immediate threat appears contained with one suspect in custody, the Peel Regional Police continue to treat the case as active. Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious activity, contributing to the ongoing effort to bring all involved parties to justice. The resolution of this case could provide insights into preventing similar crimes in Mississauga's growing commercial districts.
For now, the focus remains on identifying the outstanding suspect, ensuring the safety of the neighborhood, and holding those responsible accountable. Peel Regional Police can be reached at their non-emergency line for tips, with anonymity assured for informants.