Community Corner

UPDATE: Synagogue Bombing Suspect Charged With 4 Felony Counts

Ron Hirsch was located at a synagogue in Cleveland Heights on Monday night.

Update, 4:57 p.m.: Los Angeles County prosecutors have filed four felony counts
against the man suspected in last week's explosion outside the Chabad House
synagogue in Santa Monica.

Prosecutors are seeking the extradition of Ron Hirsch, 60, who is charged with one count each of explosion with intent to murder, use of a destructive device and explosive to injure or destroy, possession of a destructive device near a public place and possession of a destructive device near a residence.

He was also charged today in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, with fleeing to avoid prosecution for the non-injury blast that broke windows and tore a hole in a building. -- City News Service

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A man believed to be the suspect in the has been arrested in Ohio, according to police in Santa Monica.

Find out what's happening in Encino-Tarzanawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Ron Hirsch, 60, wanted in connection with Thursday's bombing at the Chabad House in Santa Monica, was taken into custody Monday night in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

“The individual in custody was arrested following a call to law enforcement by a concerned citizen who had come into contact with a man believed to be Hirsch," FBI Public Affairs Specialist Laura Eimiller told Santa Monica Patch.

Hirsch is suspected of being responsible for the explosion that sent a large metal pipe encased in concrete crashing through the roof of a home next door to Chabad House on 17th Street, near Broadway.

The explosion caused synagogues and Jewish centers in Valley communities to tighten security. The man wanted for threatening Jewish institutions is believed to be Jewish himself, according to investigators. Police say the motive in this case is unclear.

Investigators said that, on the day of the incident, Ron Hirsch—using the name J. Fisher, one of his aliases—bought a Greyhound ticket for a bus that was due to arrive in New York on Sunday. Authorities believe Hirsch, a transient, has family in the city.

Additional investigation and video surveillance indicates that Hirsch got off the bus in Denver and may have further deviated from his original route, investigators said. Hirsch is believed to have family in New York.

An investigation has been under way since the initial report of an explosion was received by the Santa Monica Police Department. A lengthy forensic investigation of the explosion site reportedly resulted in evidence indicating that the device appeared to have been deliberately constructed. The investigation determined that items found in and around the crime scene are linked to Hirsch, investigators said.

Hirsch is known to frequent synagogues and Jewish community centers seeking charity from patrons. He is currently being sought on state charges of possession of a destructive device and unrelated local charges. His photograph is being released publicly and to law enforcement. Federal investigators are also interested in questioning Hirsch.

Based on Hirsch’s suspected involvement in this incident, the Santa Monica Police Department issued a bulletin that called him "extremely dangerous."

A joint investigation by the Santa Monica Police Department, the FBI, the ATF, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Monica Fire Department is ongoing.

Reward money is available in exchange for information leading to a conviction in connection with this alleged crime. Those with information are asked to call the FBI at 888-226-8443 (888-CANTHIDE), or 911.


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