Caught on Tape: North Park Bar Arsonists

The unknown suspects set fire to The Ritual Tavern in North Park on May 22 and remain outstanding

San Diego police released surveillance footage Thursday of two unknown men wanted in connection with breaking into a popular North Park bar and restaurant and setting fire to the property last month.

In the videos -- which can be seen here and here -- two suspects carrying a rag and gas can are seen climbing over the rear patio fence of The Ritual Tavern, Kitchen and Garden at 4095 30th Street. With their faces covered, they lurk around the business.

According to investigators, The Ritual Tavern was broken into two times – once on May 19 and again on May 22. Both break-ins occurred at around 12:30 a.m.

In the first incident, the suspect hopped over the fence and broke the window of a door that leads from the patio to the restaurant. However, the suspects were unable to get inside the restaurant because the window was reinforced by metal bars. After failing to get inside, the suspects fled the scene.

In the second incident, the two suspects returned to the business and again climbed over the patio fence. They then forced their way into the restaurant through a window on a rear door.

Police said one of the suspects was carrying a gas can. The suspects poured gasoline in several spots throughout the restaurant. They lit the gas on fire and then ran from the burning building.

Fire crews were able to extinguish the fires before there was any major damage to the restaurant. No one was injured.

Nearly one month later, however, the arson suspects remain at large.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of these suspects seen on the surveillance videos should contact the Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST) at (619) 236-6815 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case.
 

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