Watsonville officials asking for public’s help identifying arson suspects

Firefighters responded to Starlight School to a fire that was threatening the building on August 27th.

When they arrived, firefighters located a vegetation fire in the garden area of the school just feet from the building. The fire was quickly extinguished and the structure was not damaged. However, a fire investigator determined the fire to be an intention act and contacted Watsonville Police.

Watsonville Police Officers were able to contact Pajaro Valley Unified School District to access the school’s security camera system. After reviewing the video, a Hispanic male and female are clearly seen walking through the gated area of the school toward the area of the fire. A short time later the couple is seen running out of the school grounds through a different route. Smoke then appeared from the area they were running from.

Officials have released a photo from the security cameras showing the male suspect walking with the female suspect. Watsonville Police Department is asking the public for their assistance in identifying these two suspects.

Anyone with further information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the WPD Investigation Division at (831) 768.3350 or the Anonymous Crime Tip Line at (831) 768.3544.