Crime Alert/Timely Warning
Subject: Suspected Arson
Date: May 21, 2008
On Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at about 2:30 a.m. a small fire was reported near the southwest exterior corner of the Chardonnay residence hall. The fire caused minor damage to an area of about 20 square feet of landscaping before being extinguished. Within ten minutes another brush fire was reported to the City of Rohnert Park and a small fire was extinguished near a bike path at Rancho Cotati High School.
At 6:30 a.m. Officers responded to a fire alarm at Chardonnay residence hall and found a fire burning in the laundry room. The fire was started in a trash can that was used to prop the door open and caused moderate damage to the door, ceiling tiles, and wall. A CAL FIRE arson inspector arrived shortly after the fire was extinguished and confirmed arson. The building was re-opened by the fire inspector at about 7:30 a.m. but the laundry room will remain secured pending the fire marshal's clearance and subsequent clean up.
At about 1:00 p.m. Officers responded to another fire in a cigarette receptacle between the Riesling and Flora residence halls. The fire was extinguished and it could not be determined if the fire was accidental or intentionally set.
A person of interest is currently being sought for questioning regarding these fires. SSU Police are requesting that anyone with information about these crimes call SSU Police at 707-664-2143.
The University would like to remind students:
- Never prop doors open in the residence halls
- Evacuate when you hear a fire alarm and stay away from the building until police or fire personnel advise it is safe to re-enter
- If you see or smell smoke, even if you do not see flames, evacuate from the area and call 911 immediately.
- Campus safety is everyone's responsibility! Report crimes and suspicious activity to Police immediately.