3 People Sought In Sarasota Playground Fire

SARASOTA, FL -- Sarasota police are asking for the public's help in finding three people who were spotted at Pioneer Park moments before someone started a fire on the playground.

Video of the incident showed flames shooting from a wooden platform around the playground equipment.

Genevieve Judge of the Sarasota Police Department said Friday that the trio was seen on surveillance video from the nearby Historical Society of Sarasota County (watch below).

"During the investigation, detectives learned unknown individuals have been lighting multiple fires in the park," said Judge. "Several small burn piles have been located throughout the park. A picnic table was burned on Jan. 25, 2019 but was not reported to law enforcement."

The playground fire was started around 9 p.m. Monday night. The park is located at 1121 Cocoanut Avenue.

One of the three people in the video appears to be wearing a backpack. All three were seen walking near the playground less than two minutes before the fire began.

"Two of the individuals leave the park before the fire and walk towards 12th Street and Cocoanut Avenue," Judge said. "The whereabouts of the third individual cannot be determined from the video."

To report a tip, call Detective Adam Morningstar at 941-364-7338. Alternatively, call Crime Stoppers at 941-366-TIPS or visit www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.

Watch the surveillance video below courtesy Sarasota Police Department: