Video released of fire set at restaurant in St. Catharines

Niagara Regional Police have released a video to the public in hopes of identifying the alleged three males in connection with an overnight arson investigation in St. Catharines.

Police continue to investigate the fire which occurred at approximately 3:22 a.m. last Thursday (Sept. 12) at a restaurant located in the area of Lock Street and Lakeport Road.

In a provided update, detectives have determined that the suspect vehicle was last travelling north on Lakeport Road passing in front of Castillo Shawarma, through the intersection of Lakeport Road and Lock Street.

“The suspect vehicle stopped at the intersection of Main Street and Lock Street then travelled north and stopped at the corner of Dalhousie Avenue and Lock Street,” said Niagara police. “At this time, two suspects exited the vehicle, walked southbound on Lock Street and the driver remained with the vehicle.

One of the two suspects that exited the vehicle was observed carrying a red jerry gas can and both suspects are observed walking on the crosswalk from Lock Street to Lakeport Road to Castillo Shawarma and setting it on fire.”

Police said all three males got back into the vehicle and fled southwest on Dalhousie Avenue.

The suspect vehicle is described as:

• 4 Door Sedan
• Mat black or dark grey in color
• HID (High-Intensity Discharge) front head lights
• The instrument panel on the interior of the vehicle was illuminated in blue lights

The males of interest are described as:

Suspect 1:

• Male

• Light-colored baseball cap
• Long black sleeve top
• Black track pants
• Flip flop sandals

Suspect 2:

• Male
• Thin build
• Over 6’
• Tan skinned

• Gray jacket with black sleeves
• Black pants
• Black basketball shoes with gray and white soles
• Black mask
• Hood on his head
• Carrying the red jerry can

Suspect 3:

• Male
• Light skinned
• Thin build

• Black jacket
• Black track pants
• Black running shoes
• Black mask
• Hood on his head

There have been no injuries reported and police say there was no one in the restaurant at the time of the incident.

Detectives believe the men may have attended a gas station prior to the incident and are requesting assistance from businesses to review their cameras for footage in the hours leading up to the incident.

It’s also been determined that there were witnesses and vehicles in the area at the time of the incident and detectives are looking to speak to these witnesses.

Anyone who may have been in the area, anyone who may have information or anyone who may have video surveillance or dash cam footage, are asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009964.

To provide information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara at 1-800-222-8477 or visit online at www.crimestoppersniagara.ca.