As part of an appeal for information, Toronto police have released graphic security-camera video footage of an arsonist setting fire to a North York dance club early Monday morning.
The two-minute video clip shows the man driving a black SUV toward the Las Brisas del Mar Nightclub at 24 Rivalda Road, near Weston Road and Sheppard Avenue West, methodically dousing the patio with a canister of accelerant and setting it alight.
His first attempt, however, fails to set the building ablaze, so he returns for a second try. This time he is seen leaving a trail of the liquid and then casually tossing what looks to be a makeshift torch, possibly a rag.
The front of the club then explodes into flames.
A passerby alerted police.
Damage is estimated to be between $50,000 and $100,000.
The attack took place at around 4:38 a.m., about half an hour after the manager had closed the bar for the night. No one was on the premises at the time.
"It's unclear what the motivation was," said Constable Tony Vella.
"We're asking for the public's assistance in identifying this man. This situation could have been much worse, people's lives could have been at risk. Any time there's an arson there's a safety issue."
Anyone with information should contact police at 416 808 3100, or phone Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416 222-TIPS (8477).