Authorities Seek Woman Accused Of Setting Fires In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — Authorities Tuesday offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest of a woman suspected of starting fires in Santa Monica during civil unrest and looting on May 31.

"The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Santa Monica Police Department announced a reward today of up to $5,000 for information related to the arrest of the person responsible for starting fires at several businesses in Santa Monica," officials said in a news release.

The suspect is accused of starting a fire at Santa Monica Tobacco, 1434 4th St., about 3:20 p.m. on May 31, and starting another fire at REI, 402 Santa Monica Blvd., about 3:40 p.m. Police say video footage appears to show the same woman at the locations during the incidents.

Authorities describe the suspect as a Black woman with a tattoo of Africa on her left shoulder.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Santa Monica Police Department Detective D. Chabot at (310) 458-2201 Ext. 6679, Sergeant C. Green at (310) 458-8414, or the Watch Commander (24 Hours) at (310) 458-2249. The ATF Los Angeles Field Division and Santa Monica Police Department are conducting a joint investigation.

Officials released video footage from REI showing the fire:

#BREAKING: ATF & @SantaMonicaPD offer $5k reward for info on female who started fires May 31 at retail stores in Santa Monica. Suspect has tattoo of Africa on her left shoulder. Have info call SMPD (310) 458-2201 ext 6679 or (310) 458-8414. https://t.co/LhWHoFNv4N See video. pic.twitter.com/7mtlysmZjI
— ATF Los Angeles (@LosAngelesATF) August 25, 2020

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