Public asked to help in identify suspects in separate arson cases at San Jose State
Authorities are asking for the public's help in identifying suspect connected with two arson cases at San Jose State University since late March.
On Tuesday, Cal Fire officials shared surveillance camera images of the suspect wanted in connection with the arson case at San Jose State University's Martin Luther King Library late last month.
SJSU police initially responded at 5:18 p.m. on March 31 to a fire on campus and determined that it was set on purpose. The suspected arsonist was seen on surveillance footage and campus police and the Cal Fire Office of the State Fire Marshal's arson and bomb unit released images from the footage.
Authorities have not confirmed the gender of the suspect, who is described as standing about 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall and weighing about 150-180 pounds with a medium build, light skin, dark hair and appeared to be in their late 20s or early 30s.
The suspect was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, mirrored sunglasses, a red tube top or sports bra-type garment, dark blue pants and black shoes, and carried a blue and white-colored piece of clothing with a tan strapped bag over their left shoulder and a red lighter in their right hand.
On Wednesday, San Jose State University police posted on social media about both that case and a second fire set on Monday, April 8. The post noted there were two separate reports of fires in two restrooms in the Martin Luther King Library. Police said both fires were extinguished and no injuries were reported.
The tweet included images from surveillance video of the suspect in the April 8 fire.
On March 31st and April 8th, UPD officers responded to separate reports of fires in two restrooms in the Martin Luther King Library. Both fires were extinguished and no injuries were reported. The incidents have been under considerable investigation by UPD and Cal Fire (1/2). pic.twitter.com/u7e9DhHoic
— SJSUPD (@SJSUPOLICE) April 10, 2024
The incidents remain under investigation by SJSU police and Cal Fire. Anyone with information is asked to call SJSU police at (408) 924-2222 or the Cal Fire arson and bomb unit at (213) 302-5855 or arsonbomb@fire.ca.gov.