A church in Oakland Park was set ablaze earlier this month, and law enforcement is trying to identify the person behind the arson.
In the early morning hours of Aug. 14, city firefighters and the Broward Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a fire on the front doors of Power Outreach Ministries at 2600 NW 21st Ave. Oakland Park’s fire marshal came to the scene and determined it was intentional.
According to surveillance video, a person carried a red gas can into the parking lot of the church, then poured liquid from the can onto the church and set a paper towel on fire. His shoe briefly catches on fire before he runs off westbound on Northwest 26th Street. The suspect appears to be a Black man with short hair wearing a black shirt and shorts, and sneakers.
According to BSO, the fire caused more than $1,000 in damage; you can watch the video here. BSO is asking the public to come forward if they know the identity or whereabouts of the suspect.
Anyone with information should contact BSO Detective Robert O’Dor at 954-321-4849 or submit a tip through the SaferWatch app. To remain anonymous, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or online at browardcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters can also dial **TIPS (8477).
