A wave of fear swept through the University of Toronto’s downtown campus last month as investigators pieced together a series of deliberately set fires. Buildings near Bloor Street West and Avenue Road became the focal point of a troubling investigation, leaving students and faculty shaken.
Police allege a 42-year-old man systematically entered multiple buildings between 2:40 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. on January 14th, igniting fires and causing significant property damage. Thankfully, despite the brazen nature of the acts, no one was physically harmed.
The investigation quickly focused on a single suspect, and on Friday, Yuriy Khraplyvyy was taken into custody. He now faces a formidable list of charges, including five counts of arson, mischief, extortion, and uttering threats, alongside outstanding warrants for failing to appear in court.
In a separate incident, authorities are seeking the public’s help to identify a man who allegedly threatened a Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) employee. The incident occurred on November 10th of last year, aboard a streetcar in the Bathurst and College Streets area.
The suspect reportedly boarded the streetcar while a fare inspection was underway. According to police, he then made explicit threats referencing a prior incident involving another TTC worker, escalating a situation rooted in past conflict.
Investigators have released an image of the suspect, described as a man in his mid-50s, approximately 5-foot-10, with a heavy build and short facial hair. Anyone with information is urged to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
