(9/8/2021): UPDATE: Suspect Arrested in Arson Case Near Capitol Complex
AUSTIN – In a multi-agency effort, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Austin Fire Department – Arson Investigations Unit and the University of Texas Police Department have arrested a suspect in connection with the Aug. 31, 2021, incident at the First United Methodist Church Annex.
Eleazar Dushimimana, 21, was observed throwing a Molotov cocktail at the church, which subsequently sparked a fire. DPS also coordinated with Texas Crime Stoppers, which is funded by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division, on this investigation. Dushimimana was arrested on Sept. 8 on a warrant for F1 Arson of a Place of Worship and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.
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(9/3/2021)
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is asking for the public’s help in identifying an individual who threw a Molotov cocktail against a church near the Capitol Complex on Aug. 31. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the identification and arrest of this individual. All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.
The man approached the church at 13th Street and Lavaca Street on Aug. 31, between 1 and 1:30 a.m. and threw a Molotov cocktail against the wall of the building. Although DPS Troopers responded, the man had already fled on foot. An Austin Fire Department arson investigator is assisting DPS with the investigation.
The man was wearing a white, long-sleeved shirt with a Pizza Planet design, black shorts, white tennis shoes, a black backpack and latex gloves. He also had a skateboard.
Texas Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of this individual. Texas Crime Stoppers, which is funded by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division, offers cash rewards to any person who provides information leading to the arrest of a suspect responsible for a particular crime.
To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of two methods:
- Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
- Submit a tip online.
All tips are anonymous, regardless of how they are submitted, and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.
Additional photos:
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