Phillip Richardson, 57, of No Fixed Address Has Been Arrested and Faces Two Counts of Arson and Two Counts of Breach of Probation After a Business Near Danforth and Sibley Avenues in Toronto’s Danforth Village Was Set on Fire Saturday Evening, CP24 Reports (October 19, 2026)
Phillip Richardson, 57, of no fixed address was arrested Monday and faces two counts of arson and two counts of breach of probation, as CP24 words them, after a business near Danforth and Sibley avenues in Toronto’s Danforth Village was set on fire on Saturday evening. CP24 reports police say the suspect arrived at the building’s entrance, waited near the door for a short period and left, and that a fire then broke out where the suspect had last been, causing “extensive damage,” according to a police news release. An earlier report covered the release of an image of a man police said was wanted on a charge of arson over an alleged arson near Danforth and Sibley avenues. CP24 notes the charges have not been proven in court.
The Four Counts
CP24 words the charges as two counts of arson and two counts of breach of probation. The four-count total is a tally of the charges the outlet lists. CP24 does not say when Richardson is to appear in court.
On October 18, police said a man was wanted on a charge of arson in connection with a fire near Danforth and Sibley avenues. CP24 does not say whether Richardson is that man, or what the second arson count concerns.
The Fire
CP24 reports the fire broke out at a business near Danforth and Sibley avenues shortly after 6 p.m. on Saturday evening. It reports police say the suspect arrived at the building’s entrance, waited near the door for a short period, and left, and that the fire then broke out where the suspect had last been. CP24 quotes a police news release describing “extensive damage.” CP24 does not name the business or mention any injuries.
The Charges and the Scene
- Accused: Phillip Richardson, 57, of no fixed address
- Charges, as CP24 words them: two counts of arson; two counts of breach of probation
- Tally: four counts in all, by a count of the charges CP24 lists
- Arrested: Monday, October 19, 2026
- Where: a business near Danforth and Sibley avenues, Danforth Village
- When: shortly after 6 p.m. on Saturday evening
- Damage: “extensive,” in the wording of the police news release CP24 quotes
- Court date: CP24 does not give one
Timeline
- Saturday, October 17, 2026, shortly after 6 p.m.A fire broke out at a business near Danforth and Sibley avenues after the suspect arrived at the building’s entrance, waited near the door for a short period and left, CP24 reports police say.
- October 18, 2026Police released an image of a man they said was wanted on a charge of arson in connection with a fire near Danforth and Sibley avenues, as reported that day.
- October 19, 2026Phillip Richardson, 57, of no fixed address was arrested, CP24 reports.
- October 19, 2026, 12:59 p.m. EDTCP24 published the arrest and the four counts.
Arrested Richardson on Monday, CP24 reports; CP24 quotes a police news release on the extent of the damage
Sources
- CP24, “Man arrested for arson after business set on fire in Toronto’s Danforth Village,” October 19, 2026, 12:59 p.m. EDT — for the arrest, the name and the charges — cp24.com
Richardson is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and none of the four counts has been tested in court. The allegations are those of the Toronto police, as reported by CP24. No gang or criminal organization has been named in connection with this case.