Durham Regional Police are asking the public to help identify a vehicle linked to an arson that tore through commercial buildings on Simcoe Street South near Olive Avenue in Oshawa, Ontario, in March. The fire destroyed multiple businesses, including the Simcoe Street Diner, and investigators believe someone in the area may have caught the suspect vehicle on camera.
Police say the blaze broke out around 1:40 a.m. on March 3, 2026. Fire crews from Oshawa Fire and Emergency Services worked for hours and had the fire under control by 6 a.m. that morning. No major injuries were reported, though two people were taken to hospital as a precaution.
Investigators have now zeroed in on a white, four-door vehicle with tinted windows and a black front end. Police are asking anyone who was driving or walking in the Simcoe Street South and Olive Avenue area around 1:40 a.m. on March 3 to check their dash cam, surveillance, or cellphone footage and see if they captured this vehicle.
The fire destroyed the retro-style Simcoe Street Diner, a 1950s-themed restaurant that had only opened in June 2024. It was known for all-day breakfast, burgers, and milkshakes. The loss of the diner and other units has been felt by the community.
People with information can contact Detective Barr of the Central East Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 x 2703. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
