Por Ashley Mackin | Editor SDUN

The Kingdom Hall for Jehovah’s Witnesses, located at 2035 Adams Ave. in University Heights, had three separate arson attempts in two weeks. Two were successful. The first fire was set on Dec. 20, 2011; the second took place on Dec. 30, 2011. The third, which failed to ignite, was on Jan. 3.

The first fire, set just before midnight, was originally believed to be a cover up for a burglary or burglary attempt. Investigators identified several places in which a fire was set, and early reports estimated $50,000 in property damage along with $25,000 in missing or damaged content. Reports indicated smoke was coming from the front door, although the outside was not damaged in the first fire.

Ted Dorius, an elder at the Kingdom Hall, explained that in the first incident there was a burglary attempt, but nothing was stolen. “In the first attempt, it looked like [they] tried to take some of the sound equipment; [they] ripped it from the wall. Actually, they didn’t get away with anything, but the equipment was all ruined, especially by the smoke damage,” Dorius said.

Lee Swanson, public information officer for San Diego Fire and Rescue, said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is investigating the fires, as is standard procedure with any church fire. The San Diego Metro Arson Strike Team, which investigates any crime involving a suspicious fire or explosive devices, is also investigating.

In the second fire, the inside of the building was once again burned and the number “666” was sprayed onto the outside of the building. Regarding whether the graffiti was indicative of a hate crime, Public Information Officer for San Diego Fire and Rescue Maurice Luque said, “There’s no definitive information or evidence or motive at this time that determines [whether] it might be a hate crime or not.”

The third arson attempt took place at 12:30 a.m., although there was no actual fire. Luque said San Diego Fire and Rescue was called after witnesses saw someone break into the building. “Somebody saw somebody break in and run away, and they tried to chase him [but] didn’t catch him,” Luque said. “They would describe the suspect as [five foot eight inches] to six feet tall wearing dark clothes and a hood or mask that was white.”

Luque continued, “When our crews got there, they had found gasoline had been splashed inside and there were some matches lying around.”

As of deadline for this story, suspects have not been identified, the Metro Arson Strike Team is continuing with the investigation and the evidence available is being evaluated at an undisclosed crime lab.

Meetings and services typically held at the damaged Kingdom Hall will continue at other locations. Dorius explained the four congregations that meet in this location have taken open dates at other Kingdom Halls in the area, including Point Loma and Clairemont.

Luque said ATF is offering a $5,000 reward and CrimeStoppers is offering $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible person or persons.

“San Diegans must stand together against these senseless acts,” said District 3 Councilmember Todd Gloria, who represents the area. “I encourage anyone with information about the crimes to tell the authorities. Crime doesn’t pay, but helping catch the responsible criminals may yield a reward,” Gloria said in a press release.

Those with information are encouraged to call (619) 236-6815, (888) 580-8477 or send an anonymous tip at sdcrimestoppers.com.

Dorius said, “It’s troubling, its disturbing and we’re very disappointed that someone would continue to be so relentless in their determination to set fire to a Kingdom Hall.”