Authorities reached out to the public Tuesday for help in identifying a man who set a fire inside a San Ysidro money-exchange business last month after making a failed attempt to rob it.
The arsonist, who appeared to be in his 20s, entered the shop in the 100 block of West San Ysidro Boulevard shortly before 8 p.m. July 18, confronted an employee and demanded cash, according to the San Diego Police Department.
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When the worker refused to hand over any money, the would-be robber produced a plastic bottle filled with a flammable liquid, which he poured onto a counter and lit on fire before fleeing, SDPD Sgt. Rick Pechin said.
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The staffer, who was temporarily trapped by the blaze, was able to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher. No customers were present at the time, according to police.
The fire caused an estimated $1,000 worth of damage to the business, Pechin said.
A surveillance camera in the shop captured images of the perpetrator, who wearing tan pants, a gray collared shirt, a red flannel jacket and sunglasses.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or contact the agency online at sdcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
