Detectives search for Seminole church arson suspect

Detectives are searching for an arson suspect following two church fires, they say.

In the past week, two fires were intentionally set at Seminole churches, according to deputies. 

On Sunday around 8 a.m., Pinellas County deputies responded to the Seminole United Methodist Church, located at 5400 Seminole Boulevard, and the University Harmony Church, located at 5903 Seminole Boulevard, after suspicious fires were reported.

They said the fires caused minor property damage and found surveillance video of a man who, they say, is a suspect.

The suspect is seen in the video around 12:40 a.m. Sunday walking southbound in the area of Seminole Boulevard and 63rd Avenue North, which is within a mile-range of both churches. 

The suspect is described as a white male, between the ages of 20 and 30, thin to medium build, and has short hair. He was seen wearing a dark-colored t-shirt, dark-colored pants, dark-colored shoes and was carrying a large dark-colored gym bag.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office at 727-583-6399 or lmclean@pcsonet.com or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477 or www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.