Investigators suspect arson in a fire that destroyed St. John Vianney Church in Citrus Heights over the weekend.

“Very definitely a deliberate act”

Suspicious fire destroys Citrus Heights church, latest in series of crimes against Catholic parishes in CA

Investigators suspect arson in a fire that destroyed St. John Vianney Church in Citrus Heights over the weekend. 

"The investigators have been quite definitive to me, this was very definitely a deliberate act," Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, told the Los Angeles Times. 

The fire, which began shortly after midnight on Saturday, left only a burned out shell where the 5000-member parish’s sanctuary once stood. Various press reports said the blaze caused an estimated $8 million to $10 million in damages. The fire burned for almost three hours before firefighters were able to extinguish it. 

“Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Arson/Explosives Detail, 323-881-7500,” said a statement issued by the sheriff’s department. “If you prefer to provide information ANONYMOUSLY, you may call ‘Crime Stoppers’ by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.” 

 

 

Read more here: http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=d48fc38e-8119-40d7-9802-89b5f1304acc

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