John Argento: Police name suspect in St Kilda firebomb attack on car displaying Chanukah sign
Police have named a person of interest in a firebomb attack on a car carrying a banner promoting the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah.
The attack on the vehicle, which reportedly belonged to a rabbi, occurred in the driveway of a St Kilda home in the early hours of Christmas Day, sparking fears that the attack was motivated by anti-Semitism.
There was no one in the vehicle at the time, but a woman and three children had to be evacuated from the house as a precaution.
It comes just 11 days after the terror attack on Bondi Beach that killed 15 people.
On Friday, Victoria Police said detectives had identified a person who could assist with their investigation into the fire, a 47-year-old wandering man known to police who had an outstanding warrant for deception-related offences.
A photo of John Argento and a request to contact him were published.
“Detectives are asking 47-year-old John Argento to contact Victoria Police,” the police statement said.
Mr Argento is known to frequent Melbourne’s inner southern and northern suburbs.
He is described as 185 cm tall, of slim build, with blue eyes, gray hair and fair skin.
“Detectives are treating this arson as a targeted attack, but there is no indication that Argento poses a particular risk to the Jewish community,” the statement said.
“In addition to the arson attack, investigators also want to interview Argento about a car that was broken into approximately 20 minutes after the arson.
Police said the vehicle was expected to be forensically analyzed by an arson chemist and officers would be patrolling the area and reassuring the public.
Deputy Commissioner Chris Gilbert of the Metro South District said police do not believe the drive-by shooting was a broader threat to the Jewish community.
“We understand the devastating impact this type of crime has on our Jewish community and continue to prioritize this investigation. We will not fully understand this arsonist’s motives until we have them in custody,” Mr. Gilbert said.
“At this stage we do not believe there is a wider threat to the Jewish community. We would like to thank people in the area for their assistance to this investigation so far.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
