Man Charged After Car Fire

Investigators with the #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have charged a 33-year-old man following a vehicle fire in the Township of King.

On Friday, February 12, 2016, shortly before 2:30 a.m., police were called to the area of 12th Concession and 18th Sideroad for a report of a vehicle on fire. When officers arrived they located a pick-up truck fully engulfed. First responders got as close to the vehicle as possible to check for people possibly trapped but the fire was too intense. Fire crews extinguished the fire and found the vehicle was unoccupied. The police helicopter Air2, along with officers from the Canine Unit, checked the area for anyone from the vehicle possibly suffering from injuries, but no one was found.

Investigators were able to identify the vehicle and found that it had been reported stolen by its owner on February 12, 2016. As the investigation continued, it was determined that the vehicle was not stolen, instead it was driven to the Township of King and intentionally set on fire. It was also determined that the owner had attempted to file a claim with his insurance provider. The investigation is ongoing.

Charged:

Bradley TOWNSEND, 33, Town of Beeton

Charges:

Arson Causing Damage to own Property

Arson for Fraudulent Purposes

Public Mischief

Mr. TOWNSEND is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on November 8, 2016.

“Setting intentional fires is not only illegal, it places first responders in harm’s way,” said Chief Eric Jolliffe. “We thoroughly investigate these incidents when warranted and charges will be laid.”

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reminds people that insurance crime is not victimless. The cost to Canadians is estimated to be several billion dollars a year in insurance premiums and health care, emergency services and court costs. Insurance criminals take money right out of your pocket – when they cheat, you pay. Insurance fraud can be reported to the IBC Fraud line — The 24-hour toll-free number is 1-877-IBC-TIPS (422-8477).

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext.7142, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com or text your tip to CRIMES (274637) starting with the word YORK.

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