Overview

• Police arrested Blake Richard Hoover, 31, and charged him with arson and criminal mischief in the Punta Gorda synagogue fire.
• Investigators say tips from Hoover’s family led to search warrants for his bedroom, car and devices, with evidence collected for processing.
• The late‑night blaze charred a children’s classroom but caused no injuries, and officers have increased patrols during High Holy Days services.
• At UC Santa Barbara, a suspicious package at the Chabad center triggered an evacuation and bomb‑squad response before being declared harmless.
• UCLA police said a stabbing at the campus Chabad House stemmed from a roommate dispute, not a hate crime; a suspect was arrested and the victim was treated and released.