FBI raids SC home in firebomb investigation

SANTA CRUZ, CA

The FBI and the Santa Cruz Police Department served a warrant to search a home on Riverside Drive Thursday. It was the second time the home has been searched since February.

The raid was connected to the fire bombings of a home and a car last Saturday. Investigators said the firebombs were similar to ones used by animal activists in the past.

One of the targets was a UC Santa Cruz researcher named in a pamphlet found in a Santa Cruz coffee shop. It listed the names and addresses of 13 people. Most of the people named are researchers, but three of the people on the list have no relation to animal research.

"We're definitely concerned that there could be another attack, and believe it or not, there could be someone not even involved in animal research targeted," Santa Cruz Police Department spokesperson Zack Friend said.

Victor Asencio witnessed both FBI raids on his neighbor's house. He said the investigators went through the house and garbage cans. The house is occupied by UC Santa Cruz students, Asencio said.

Investigators will not say if there have been any arrests or if they have any suspects. The federal search warrants are sealed - agents are calling it an act of domestic terrorism.

The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any of the people responsible for the firebombs, the largest in Santa Cruz history.

Copyright © 2024 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.