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Crime & Safety

Santa Cruz Police Hunting Attempted Arsonist

Local authorities are searching for a man believed to be involved in possible arson attempt on Church Street.

Police are seeking a man suspected of starting a fire at a closed business in Santa Cruz early Thursday morning.

Shortly before 2:20 a.m. Thursday, a police officer was flagged down about a possible attempted arson in the 100 block of Church Street, according to police.

A witness said a suspect ran by him saying "I'm sorry," then rode off on a bicycle, police said. After the witness noticed smoke coming from a small storage area at the business, the fire was extinguished and fire officials responded to investigate.

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Police searched the area but did not find the suspect, described as a black man in his mid to late 30s who is about 6 feet tall, 180 pounds, and has black hair.He was wearing dark clothing and a backpack and rode away on a 10-speed bicycle, according to police.

Investigators have released a sketch of the suspect and are asking anyone with information to call police at (831) 420-5820.

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- Bay City News

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