SAN DIEGO – Police have released a photo of a man suspected in a series of eight fires in Hillcrest last month.
The fires were set over a 90-minute period on the morning of March 21, between 1010 Essex Street and 1727 University Avenue.
According to San Diego Crime Stoppers, surveillance video caught footage of a man approaching a dumpster in the south alley of 1400 University Avenue, lighting a fire in the dumpster and walking away.
The eight fires occurred in the following locations between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
-- A trashcan fire at Herbert Street and University Avenue.
-- A dumpster fire at 3824 Centre Street that damaged the exterior of the home.
-- A shed fire at Essex and Herbert streets.
-- Two trash cans set on fire in front of an Ace Hardware store at 1007 University Ave.
-- A dumpster fire and a trashcan fire at the Hub Hillcrest Market shopping center at Vermont Street and University Avenue.
-- A dumpster fire at 1727 University Ave.
The suspect was described as white, with glasses dark clothing, a gray hood and hiking shoes.
Anyone with information should call the San Diego Metro Arson Strike Team at 619-236-6815 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
Meanwhile, earlier that same morning, two vehicle fires were reported in North Park.
At 4:30 a.m., San Diego Fire-Rescue crews were called out to a car fire at University Avenue near Interstate 805. While they were battling that fire, they noticed a nearby pickup truck was also ablaze. The pickup had a propane tank in its bed. Both vehicles sustained serious damage. No injuries were reported.
Authorities have disclosed if they believe the suspect in the Hillcrest fires may have been responsible for those in North Park as well.
