Two men face 20 charges in arson investigation

Between September 2013 and November 2013, an investigation has been underway into a series of five fires, that primarily occurred in the downtown area.

It is reported that the fires occurred on:

September 18, 2013, in the Liberty Street/Fraser Avenue area
September 30, 203, in the Liberty Street/Fraser Avenue area
October 10, 2013, in the Old Weston Road/St Clair Avenue West area
October 9, 2013, in the Richmond Street West/Peter Street area
November 5, 2013, in the King Street/Brant Street area

On Tuesday, November 19, 2013, officers on patrol stopped a vehicle.

It is alleged that:

- as a result of the vehicle stop, a homemade-type pipe bomb was located in the vehicle

- the driver and passagner were arrested

- the ETF Bomb Disposal Unit was called and detonated the device in the King Street West and Peter Street area

David Pereira, 36, of Toronto, and Craig Stewart, 44, of Newmarket, have each been charged with:

1. Using Explosives
2. Unlawful Possession of Explosives
3. Possession of Incendiary
4. five counts of Arson Damage to Property
5. Using Explosives

Craig Stewart is additionally charged with:

1. Possession of an Explosive Substance Contrary to Prohibition Order
2. Fail To Comply Recognizance

Both accused appeared in court at Old City Hall on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, 10 a.m., room 101.