SANTA CRUZ, Calif - Santa Cruz Police are asking for the public's help in identifying an attempted arsonist.
According to Santa Cruz Police, the suspect started a small fire on the 100 block of Church Street around 2:15 a.m. Thursday morning. A witness saw the suspect in the fire corridor of a closed business. The suspect saw the witness and ran passed him saying "I'm sorry" and then rode off on a bicycle.
The witness noticed smoke coming from a small storage area to the business. The fire was extinguished and the Santa Cruz Fire Department responded to investigate.
The suspect is described as a black male adult, mid to late 30's years of age, approximately 6'00", approximately 180 lbs, black hair wearing dark clothing and a backpack. The suspect rode away on a 10 speed bicycle.
Citizens are urged to call 9-1-1 if they see anyone with similar descriptions.
There were no injuries as a result of the fire. It is unknown how much damage occurred to the building.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is encouraged to call Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations at: (831) 420-5820. To leave anonymous information regarding this incident, please call the Santa Cruz Police tip line (831) 420-5995 or leave an anonymous tip on their website at www.santacruzpolice.com
