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FBI: Synagogue bomb suspect may have fled aboard bus

By the CNN Wire Staff
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • FBI: The man apparently boarded a New York-bound bus
  • Ron Hirsch has family in New York, the FBI says

Los Angeles (CNN) -- An "extremely dangerous" man wanted for questioning in an April 7 synagogue bombing in Santa Monica, California, apparently boarded a New York-bound bus after the blast, the FBI said Monday.

Ron Hirsch, 61, bought a ticket for a bus that was due to arrive in New York on Sunday, the agency said in a statement. Surveillance cameras show Hirsch got off the bus in Denver and may have "further deviated from his original route," according to the agency's statement.

Hirsch is believed to have family in New York, the agency said.

The FBI said it appeared the explosion at the Chabad House synagogue was caused by a "deliberately constructed" device and that its investigation has linked Hirsch to items found around the crime scene. Authorities initially thought the explosion was the result of an industrial accident.

The agency said Investigators don't know a motive for the explosion, which sent a 30-pound pipe flying into the roof of a house next door, CNN affiliate KABC reported.

The FBI described Hirsch as a "transient" known for asking money from people at synagogues and said he is extremely dangerous.

He is wanted on a state charge of possessing a destructive device and unrelated local charges, the FBI said.