Ron Hirsch, 60, a transient, was arrested in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Monday evening after officers with the Cleveland Heights Police Department were contacted by a local resident with whom Hirsch had come into contact, announced Steven Martinez, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles; Tim Jackman, Chief of the Santa Monica Police Department; and John Torres, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Hirsch is currently in federal custody in Cleveland, Ohio, after he was charged federally with a violation of Title 18; U.S. Code, Section 1074, unlawful flight to avoid prosecution for damaging or destroying any building or other real or personal property. The criminal complaint charging Hirsch was filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles today. Hirsch was wanted in connection with the investigation into last week’s explosion outside a Chabad House synagogue in Santa Monica, California, on Thursday, April 7, 2011.
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 site 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 were linked to Hirsch.
No motive for a deliberate attack is known at this time. Prosecutors with the United States Attorney’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office, working with investigators, are examining potential charges in connection with the explosion.
Hirsch will be afforded an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Cleveland, Ohio, on Wednesday; currently scheduled for 1:30 Eastern Daylight Time.
It is anticipated that Hirsch will be removed to Los Angeles pursuant to the federal warrant.
A joint investigation by the Santa Monica Police Department, the FBI, the ATF&E, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Monica Fire Department is ongoing.
Considerable assistance and cooperation was provided by members of the Anti-Defamation League and Chabad Lubavitch; both national organizations.
The agencies working collaboratively greatly acknowledge the press coverage during the search for Hirsch by media outlets locally and nationally, which directly contributed to the arrest.
Media Contact: FBI:
FBI: Laura Eimiller: 310 996-3343
Santa Monica Police Department: Lieutenant Jay Trisler: 310 458-8471
ATF: Special Agent Chris Hoffman: 818 265-250
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