SANTA MONICA—Officials from the Santa Monica Police Department are asking for the public’s help to locate an arson suspect. According to a SMPD bulletin, at approximately 5:03 p.m. the SMPD and Santa Monica Fire Department arrived on 1410 3rd St. Promenade about portable toilet fire.
Police were informed by a witness who saw the suspect enter the portable bathroom with a cardboard box, and then exit without the cardboard box. Minutes later the toilet was ablaze.
The suspect is described as a White male, standing between 5 feet and 9 inches to 5 feet and 11 inches tall. He has a medium build and was seen wearing a black hooded jacket, and gray shorts with an orange trim.
The Arson Investigator on the case from the SMPD informed Canyon News that a corroborated eyewitness statement identifies the suspect in the photo, but they do not yet have a name for the perpetrator. The value of the damage done to the Porta Potty is unknown.
Officials noted to Canyon News that they suspect they could be dealing with a serial arsonist, but are not certain to what level.
Authorities are asking anyone who saw the incident or has information pertaining to the suspect to contact either Detective Robert D’Andrea at (310) 458-2201 extension 6679 robert.dandrea@smgov.net, Sergeant William Heric (310) 458-8453 or the SMPD Watch Commander (24 hours a day) (310) 458-8427.
