Police have arrested a suspect in connection with an arson
attack on a Jewish community center in Casa Grande.
Thirty-year-old Everardo Gregorio was arrested on Wednesday
after Casa Grande police identified "significant evidence" linking
him to the fire, according to a Facebook post.
Gregorio was found by police near Khal Chasidim, a Jewish
community center located on Eighth Street off Florence Boulevard, police said.
The building was engulfed in flames when firefighters
arrived. Though they were able to extinguish the fire, the structure sustained
"significant damage," according to police.
The Casa Grande Fire Department posted on Facebook that the fire occurred on March 3
and promoted a joint investigation by local and federal authorities including
the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“Our office takes fire investigations seriously, especially
when they impact places of worship and community gathering,” said Casa Grande
fire Marshal Frank Ricci. “We appreciate the collaborative efforts of the Casa
Grande Police Department and ATF in bringing this case to a resolution.”
Members of the Casa Grande Jewish community could not be
reached for comment.
Gregorio, who was booked into a Pinal County Adult Detention
Center shortly after being taken into custody, faces charges of arson of an
occupied structure.
The charges will be submitted to the Pinal County Attorney's
Office for review.
The investigation was ongoing, and anyone with information
was encouraged to contact the Casa Grande Police Department or the Casa Grande
Fire Marshal’s Office.
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