Synagogue Bombing Suspect Arrested in Ohio

A man believed to be the suspect in the bombing of a Santa Monica synagogue has been arrested in Ohio,  according to police in Santa Monica.

 Ron Hirsch, the 60 year old wanted in connection with Thursday's bombing at the Chabad House in Santa Monica was taken into custody in Cleveland Heights, Ohio .

Police confirmed that Hirsch was arrested after local authorities were tipped off by someone who had met with Hirsch.

Hirsch is suspected of being responsible for the explosion that sent a large metal pipe encased in concrete crashing through the roof of a home next door to Chabad House on 17th Street, near Broadway.

  The explosion caused synagogues  and Jewish Centers in Sherman Oaks and other Valley communities to tighten security. The man wanted for threatening Jewish institutions is believed to be Jewish himself, according to investigators. The motive in this case is unclear say police.

Investigators confirmed that a man known as J. Fisher, a known alias used by suspect, Ron Hirsch, purchased a Greyhound bus ticket to New York that was originally scheduled to arrive Sunday April 10.   

 Additional investigation and video surveillance indicates that Hirsch disembarked the bus in Denver and may have further deviated from his original route. Hirsch is believed to have family in New York.

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 are linked to Ron Hirsch, identified as a transient.

Hirsch is known to frequent synagogues and Jewish community centers seeking charity from patrons. Hirsch is currently being sought on state charges of possession of a destructive device and unrelated local charges. His photograph is being released publicly and to law enforcement. Federal investigators are also interested in questioning Hirsch.

Based on his suspected involvement in this incident, Hirsch is considered extremely dangerous.

A joint investigation by the Santa Monica Police Department, the FBI, the ATF, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Monica Fire Department is ongoing.

Reward money is available in exchange for information leading to a conviction in connection with this alleged crime.