For the third time in two weeks, someone has targeted the Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall in University Heights.
Officers were called at about 12.30 a.m. on Tuesday to reports of an intruder at the property on Adams Avenue, according to authorities.
The intruder allegedly poured gasoline inside the building and tried to set it on fire. The fire did not ignite, possibly because there was so much gasoline and very few items inside to catch on fire, according to firefighters.
Letters from the word “Jehovah” on the outside of the building were also pried off in this latest attempt.
The building has been without power since the first arson attempt on Dec. 20. The neighborhood has been on alert after a second fire on Friday, when the arsonist also sprayed “666” on the outside of the building.
“A witness had gone by earlier this evening and because of the prior incidents had taken note ...letters had been taken down for some reason," said Fred Herrera from the San Diego Fire Department.
A witness saw a man run from the building. A description of the attempted arsonist is expected to be released.
Local
Elders who were at the church Tuesday morning said they don't know why they're being targeted and they aren't aware of any threats made toward the congregation.
An award of up to $10,000 has been offered for tips that lead to the arrest of the arsonist by Crime Stoppers. The Metro Arson Strike Team is investigating and anyone with information can call 619-236-6815.
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