Suspect in Sanford Avenue arson captured on video

Hamilton police are looking to identify a suspect captured on video walking onto the front porch of 48 Sanford Ave. S. and allegedly setting fire to the multi-unit residence.

In the video, part of which was released by police Monday, the suspect can be seen walking across the road and turning on a headlamp before climbing up the stairs to the front porch. Emergency services were called to the fire around 9:50 p.m. Feb. 13.

The fast-moving fire engulfed the front porch and spread into the house, causing about $250,000 in damages. Three people, including a young child, had to jump out of a second-storey window to escape the blaze. They were caught by neighbours who rushed to help.

We were yelling, trying to coax them to drop the baby to us," neighbour Glen Tegrotenhuis previously told The Spectator about the rescue. Then they just dropped the baby down into our arms."

Police confirm the fire is being investigated as targeted residential arson." The three tenants who jumped from the second floor were treated for injuries in hospital, while two women - a mother and daughter who lived in the main-floor unit - escaped but lost many of their belongings.

The suspect is described as a white male with a medium build, wearing dark pants, a dark jacket and a dark tuque with a headlamp.

Police are encouraging the person responsible to seek legal counsel and turn themselves in.

Anyone with information is asked to call arson investigator Sgt. George Gallant at 905-540-5085.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Nicole O'Reilly is a crime and justice reporter at The Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com