FBI hunts for Los Angeles-area synagogue bomb suspect

FBI hunts for Los Angeles-area synagogue bomb suspect

2011-04-12 02:26:26 GMT+7 (ICT)

LOS ANGELES (BNO NEWS) -- The man wanted for questioning in connection with last week's explosion outside a Los Angeles-area synagogue is believed to have fled the state, investigators said on Monday.

A joint statement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Santa Monica Police Department, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said 60-year-old Ron Hirsch is believed to have boarded a New York-bound Greyhound bus.

The incident happened on Thursday when an explosive device exploded outside the Chabad House synagogue in Santa Monica, a city in western Los Angeles County. There were no injuries but investigators have found evidence pointing towards Ron Hirsch.

According to the agencies, Hirsch used his known alias J. Fisher to purchase a Greyhound bus ticket to New York on Thursday, the day of the explosion. The bus, which arrived in New York on Sunday, had at least 10 destinations between Los Angeles and New York.

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

An investigation has been underway since the initial report of an explosion was received by the Santa Monica Police Department. A lengthy forensic post-blast investigation of the incident was conducted following the initial field assessment and resulted in evidence indicating that the device appeared to have been deliberately constructed. Investigation determined that items found in and around the crime scene are linked to Ron Hirsch, identified as a transient.

Hirsch, who is described as a Caucasian male with brown hair and green eyes, is known to frequent synagogues and Jewish community centers seeking charity from patrons. Hirsch is currently being sought on state charges of possession of a destructive device and unrelated local charges. Federal investigators are also interested in questioning Hirsch.

Based on his suspected involvement in the incident, Hirsch is considered extremely dangerous. Authorities urge anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Hirsch to contact law enforcement by calling the FBI at 888 CANT HIDE or via 911.

No known motive for the deliberate attack is known at this time, the agencies said in the statement, adding that the investigation is ongoing.

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