Police say the suspect was on fire as he bolted from Mero’s Hot Chicken restaurant.
A police manhunt is underway to find a suspect accused of setting a Humber Bay Shores chicken restaurant on fire that demolished the eatery.
Officers from 22 Division said the suspect was reported to be on fire as he scampered from Mero’s Hot Chicken, on the ground floor of a condo at 2183 Lake Shore Blvd. W., near Marine Parade Drive.
Police said they responded to a one-alarm call on March 14 at 11:12 p.m. to fight a fire in the Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Park Lawn Road area.
The suspect is alleged to have illegally entered the business at 11:07 p.m. and soon after an explosion occurred and the business was engulfed by fire.
The man was seen dashing from the store and witnesses said he was on fire.
The fire and explosion is believed to have caused structural damage to the restaurant and adjoining stores.
The explosion shattered large windows with glass ending up on the road. The powerful blast also damaged two adjoining stores.
Mero’s restaurant had been operating in the area for about two years and had been on sale for about four months.
Firefighters battling one-alarm suspicious blaze at Mero’s Hot Chicken eatery.
Investigators believe there may have been witnesses who may have dashcam or video footage of the incident.
Investigators are asking any witnesses, or anyone with video of the offence, to contact police at 416-808-2200
Investigators are urging the suspect to seek immediate medical attention for their injuries, seek legal advice, and turn themselves in to 22 Division.