FBI Increases Reward in Firebomb Case
Posted by Lisa Regardie on Jul 23, 2006 - 11:00:00 PM
LOS ANGELES - A reward increase of up to $30,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person/s responsible for attempting a firebomb attack on an elderly woman in Bel Air on June 30, 2006, the FBI announced Tuesday. On July 11, an animal rights website reported that the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), had claimed responsibility for an impoverished incendiary device left outside the residence of a 70-year-old woman and a male tenant, which could have claimed the lives of its unintended victims and others, according to a statement from the FBI. A separate residence in the neighborhood is the frequent subject of protests by animal rights groups, indicating that the victim residence was not the intended target. Upon discovery of the device, the victims contacted the fire department. Arson investigators responded and notified members of the Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force since the incendiary device was similar to those used by animal rights extremists and eco-terrorists. The device failed to ignite when left at the victims' door. The FBI stated that it is the opinion of Arson investigators that if the device had functioned properly, escape would have been difficult, if not impossible, particularly given the hillside location of the house. The Los Angeles Fire Department Arson Unit analyzed a sample of the flammable liquid, and the device will be sent to the FBI Laboratory for forensic analysis. "The investigation is ongoing, the FBI, LAFD, LAPD, the ATF and other members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) are aggressively pursuing every known lead. Additionally, investigators are hoping to glean new information gathered from the analysis of the flammable liquid and the device itself," said Special Agent Kenneth E. Smith, media coordinator for the FBI in Los Angeles. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact the FBI or their local law enforcement agency. The FBI can be reached 24 hours per day at 310-477-6565.
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