Berkeley police say a 48-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a fire that forced the temporary closure of the Berkeley Animal Shelter over the weekend.
Authorities identified the suspect as Peter Taraba, who was taken into custody Thursday morning in downtown Berkeley on suspicion of arson and animal cruelty. Police said the fire broke out Saturday at about 10:08 p.m. and that investigators later found evidence suggesting it had been intentionally set.
According to the Berkeley Police Department, detectives from the property crime unit examined surveillance footage and collected evidence from the scene. Investigators concluded that the suspect used a rock to break a window before setting the fire with what police described as an improvised incendiary device.
Officials said Taraba was identified as the suspect after he returned to the area in the days following the fire. Police have not said what may have motivated the incident, and they have not released additional details about the extent of the damage beyond the shelter’s closure.
The fire led to the Berkeley Animal Shelter being closed while authorities investigated the scene and assessed the impact on the facility. Police said the case remained under investigation as of Thursday, with detectives continuing to review evidence related to the incident.
Arson cases involving public or animal care facilities often draw heightened concern because of the potential danger to people, staff, and animals inside. In this case, investigators said the evidence pointed to a deliberate act rather than an accidental fire.
Taraba is facing suspicion of both arson and animal cruelty, charges that reflect the seriousness of the alleged act and its impact on an animal shelter. Police have not announced whether additional charges could follow.
The Berkeley Police Department said the arrest came after detectives pieced together surveillance evidence and physical clues from the area. The investigation began after the Saturday night fire and moved forward as officers gathered information over the following days.
No injuries were reported in the information released by police, and officials did not immediately say how many animals or employees may have been affected by the shelter closure. The department said more information could be released as the case develops.
The arrest marks the latest step in the investigation into a fire that disrupted operations at a city animal shelter and raised concerns about intentional property damage in the Berkeley area.
