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Arson attack caught on camera at Oakville movie theatre
An independent movie theatre in Oakville remains open despite being the target of an arson attack early Thursday morning.
Surveillance video captured the moment the exterior of Film.Ca Cinemas at 171 Speers Rd. was set on fire by two masked and hooded people.
At 2 a.m., a grey SUV arrived in the parking lot and the passenger approached the front doors, returned to the vehicle and appeared to engage in an argument with the driver before leaving at 2:09 a.m.
Between 2:27 a.m. and 2:49 a.m., the same vehicle circled the parking lot twice before leaving. Then at 5:12 a.m., a white SUV briefly entered the parking lot and left.
At precisely 5:21 a.m., two people arrived and ignited flammable devices outside of the theatre entrance.
A representative from Film.Ca Cinemas says that one of the individuals — who had been seen in the earlier footage — struggled with a burning gas can before fleeing at 5:22 a.m.
Halton police say that one suspect is described as white and was wearing black pants, a black hoodie, dark coloured high-top shoes, gloves and a medical mask and was carrying a red gas can.
The second suspect was wearing black pants, a black hoodie, gloves and a medical mask and had white slip-on sandals and white socks. They were holding a red gas can and cell phone.
Police say the white SUV was on scene at the time of the fire.
The exterior and interior of the main entrance were damaged from the flames.
While the motive for the attack remains under investigation, the cinema acknowledges past challenges tied to Indian film screenings but cannot confirm a direct connection at this time.
Among current screenings is They Call Him OG, a Telugu-language Indian film.
“We will not be intimidated by cowardly acts of violence,” said Jeff Knoll, CEO of Film.Ca Cinemas.
“Our theatre is a place for families, friend, and the community to come together. We are open, we are strong, and we will continue to provide a safe and welcoming space for everyone.”
No staff or guests were on site at the time of the attack.
Film.Ca Cinemas says it is fully cooperating with Halton police in the investigation and that additional security will be present at the theatre during screenings to ensure the safety of all guests.
The investigation into the arson and possible connection between the two suspect vehicles is ongoing, police say.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
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