Authorities arrested a suspect Monday in connection with an arson and hate crime investigation at the Chabad of Charlotte County.

Blake Richard Hoover, 31, of Charlotte County, faces charges of arson and criminal mischief.

The Sept. 19 fire targeted a children's classroom at the Chabad. Investigators found evidence of an accelerant, as well as the letter "J" spray-painted on the property. In 1938, the letter "J" was stamped on German Jewish passports for identification purposes. No one was inside the building at the time of the fire.

On the morning of Sept. 22, Punta Gorda Police Department received a tip from a family member linking Hoover to the arson and hate crime.

Shortly afterward, another family member contacted the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office with similar information.

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