Police identify suspect in California synagogue bombing

(CNN) — Police in Santa Monica, California, were searching for an “extremely dangerous” 61-year-old man in connection with a bombing at a synagogue.

Authorities began their investigation Thursday after the blast at Chabad House.

Investigators found evidence in the damaged synagogue that may prove that the bombing is connected to a “transient” who had been seen in the area, the Santa Monica police said in a statement.

“Investigation has determined that Items found in and around the mechanism are linked to an individual by the name of Ron Hirsch, identified as a transient,” the statement said. “Hirsch is known to frequent synagogues and Jewish community centers seeking charity from patrons. Hirsch is considered extremely dangerous.”

The explosion shattered windows at the synagogue and sent a 30- pound pipe into the roof of a nearby house, but no one was injured, CNN affiliate KABC reported.

Authorities do not know the motive for the bombing. Hirsch also faces charges of possession of a destructive device, police said.