TITLE
Recommendation to approve the expenditure of $10,000 in the General Fund Group as a reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of the individuals responsible for an arson fire on May 31, 2020. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On May 31, 2020, civil unrest impacted Long Beach. A video has circulated that shows multiple subjects approaching the Men's Suit Outlet at 655 Pine Avenue and throwing two incendiary devices inside the business. The ensuing fire destroyed the building and the following businesses:
· Men’s Suit Outlet, 655 Pine Avenue
· Legacy Beauty & Barber Shop, 114 West 7th Street
· 10th Planet Long Beach Jiu-Jitsu, 116 West 7th Street
· PeopleReady, 118 West 7th Street
· Urban School of Self-Defense, 120 West 7th Street
The loss due to the fire is estimated at $5,176,200. To assist in the continuing investigation, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has contributed $10,000 toward a reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of the suspects responsible for igniting the fire. An additional $10,000 contribution from the City of Long Beach would place the total reward at $20,000. The Long Beach Fire Department believes it would beneficial to establish a reward, which may prompt reluctant witnesses to come forward and provide information to identify the individuals responsible for this crime.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Sarah H. Green and Budget Manager Grace H. Yoon on June 25, 2020.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 7, 2020, to encourage anyone with information on this incident to come forward and share the information with investigators in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation requests authorization for a $10,000 reward payment for information leading to the identification and conviction of the individuals responsible for the arson fire on May 31, 2020. The funding source for this payment has not b...
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