London police are investigating whether a fire at an east-end tow company compound is connected to a shooting involving two tow trucks over the weekend.
Firefighters were called to the tow yard on Clarke Road south of Gore Road around 6:15 a.m. on Friday. Fire crews were able to extinguish the flames relatively quickly. No one was hurt, but several pieces of towing equipment were damaged.
“The fire was deemed to be suspicious in nature and the investigation was assigned to members of the London Police Service Street Crime Unit, with the assistance of the London Fire Department,” London police said in a statement on Monday.
One day after the fire, a tow truck operator was heading south on Adelaide Street when he spotted a tow truck from a different company following him. After passing Osgoode Drive, a person inside the rival tow truck shot six rounds from a handgun at the other tow truck – five hit the tailgate, while one went through the rear window. No one was hurt.
Police were called and after collecting evidence and a description of the tow truck were able to track the suspects down in Oakville.
Ali Banga, 25, and Blake St Denis, 21, both of London, were jointly charged with occupying a motor vehicle with a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm with intent to injure, and possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm knowingly not holding a licence.
Banga was additionally charged with breach of probation and two counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order. St. Denis also faces a charge of failing to comply with a release order and failing to stop for police. Both men were scheduled to appear in court in relation to the charges on Sunday.
Police have confirmed they are investigating the possibility the two incidents are connected, but at this point have not made a determination one way or the other.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
