Authorities announced on Monday that an individual has been apprehended in connection with a fire at a Florida synagogue, which police treated as an arson and hate crime.
Blake Richard Hoover, a 31-year-old from Charlotte County, faces charges of arson and criminal mischief related to the fire that occurred at the Chabad of Charlotte County in Punta Gorda on Friday, according to a news release from the Punta Gorda Police Department.
Responding to a fire alarm at the synagogue shortly before 11 p.m., police and firefighters found flames emerging from the building’s rear. Firefighters managed to quickly put out the fire, which was restricted to a single room, according to police.
Police said no one was inside the building at the time, and no injuries were reported.
Based on interviews with Hoover and witnesses, police and deputies executed search warrants for Hoover’s bedroom, vehicle, and electronic devices.
Hoover was then arrested and taken to the Charlotte County Jail.
Punta Gorda police arrested Hoover on Monday after receiving tips from his family members. (Punta Gorda Police Department)
Punta Gorda Police Chief Pamela Smith said that “our hearts go out” to the Jewish community and called the fire “a despicable act.”
“We hope that you can celebrate the High Holy Days knowing an arrest has been made, and we wish you peace and happiness for the New Year,” she said.
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell praised the teamwork between his detectives and Punta Gorda police.
“We do not stand by passively; we act promptly to assure our community that they are secure — secure in pursuing their interests, in worshipping at their chosen places, and in enjoying our cherished Charlotte County,” he expressed.
