A woman accused of helping another suspect start two fires at UC San Diego’s crowded Price Center building is being sought by officials for arson. She was captured on surveillance tape just moments before setting the fires.
According to San Diego Crime Stoppers and the Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST), the unknown female suspect and another woman intentionally set two fires at the Price Center on campus on Dec. 3, 2013.
At the time of the fires, the Price Center – a busy, popular hub where UC San Diego students gather daily – was occupied by several hundred students, investigators said.
The women were captured on surveillance tape entering the Price Center. Shortly thereafter, the suspects allegedly started a fire on the first level of the building and then fled the scene, according to investigators.
After that, another camera captured the women re-entering the Price Center on the second level wearing different clothing. Once again, the women allegedly started another blaze with an open flame and fled the scene.
Investigators said the two fires were quickly extinguished by UCSD staff. No one was injured in the arsons.
Detectives launched an investigation in search of the suspects and identified one of the women as UC San Diego student Hoai Vi Holly Thuy Nguyen.
Local
Nguyen was arrested in connection with the arson case on campus on Feb. 4.
As of Friday, police said the second suspect has yet to be identified and remains outstanding. She's pictured on the left in the photograph below.
Additional surveillance footage of the suspect can be seen here and here.
Anyone who recognizes her from the surveillance footage or photos should contact the Crime Stoppers tip line at (888) 580-8477. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case, pooled from Crime Stoppers and the felony arson restricted reward fund.
