Arson Suspect Apprehended by Santa Cruz Police Following Church Fire Incident
On March 11th, 2024, officers from the Santa Cruz Police Department’s Homeless Response Team were analyzing surveillance footage as part of their investigation into a recent arson case. During their review, they recognized Don Marc Allen Louis, a 42-year-old individual previously encountered in law enforcement activities. The footage was connected to an incident that occurred on the evening of March 8th, where a fire was reported at Holy Cross Church on High Street. Responders were able to extinguish the fire, which had been set to a cross on the church grounds, without significant damage or injuries.
Following the identification of Louis as a suspect, the Homeless Response Team located him on March 12th near train tracks close to Coral Street. He was apprehended without any complications. Don Marc Allen Louis is now facing arson charges, although the reasons for his actions are still being investigated by authorities. The swift identification and arrest of the suspect were made possible by the effective use of video surveillance, showcasing the importance of such technology in modern policing efforts.
