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Punta Gorda police investigate fire and vandalism at Chabad as hate crime; extra patrols planned for High Holy Days
Summary
Police said a fire at the Chabad on West Henry was contained by firefighters, investigators are treating the incident as a hate crime, and the department asked residents for surveillance footage and said it will provide extra patrols and officers for services.
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — Punta Gorda Police Department investigators are treating a Sept. 19 fire and vandalism at the Chabad on West Henry as a possible hate crime, Chief Pam Smith told the council at a pre‑agenda meeting, and asked residents to check surveillance video in the area between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m.
Chief Pam Smith said firefighters arrived quickly and contained flames to a small area in the rear of the building. "We are investigating it as a hate crime," Smith said, noting vandalism that included graffiti. Smith said investigators pursued leads and collected video over the weekend and that the department is working with state and federal partners, including the law enforcement representative from the Anti‑Defamation League.
Smith asked residents in the Historic District and nearby neighborhoods to review home and business surveillance for footage from about 10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and to contact police. "If you have anything on there that you want to share with us please reach out to us. We will come and take a look at your video," she said. Smith also said the department planned "a lot of extra directed patrols" and that officers would be present at Shabbat services during the High Holy Days.
The chief confirmed that the department had fielded calls about an unrelated older video circulating on social media involving recordings in public lobbies; that older matter had been previously investigated and one of the officers named in the email had retired. Smith said professional‑standards staff would contact the individual who circulated the older video.
No arrests or suspects were announced at the pre‑agenda meeting. Police asked anyone with relevant video or information to contact Punta Gorda Police Department's nonemergency line and said the investigation remains active.
