Posted: September 22, 2025
Punta Gorda, Fla. – On September 22, 2025, Blake Richard Hoover (31) of Charlotte County was taken into custody by the Punta Gorda Police Department with the assistance of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. Hoover was arrested in the arson and hate crime that occurred on September 19, 2025, at the Chabad of Charlotte County on W. Henry Street in Punta Gorda. Hoover was charged with Arson and Criminal Mischief. He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail.
On Friday, September 19, 2025, at approximately 10:48 p.m., the Punta Gorda Police and Fire departments responded to a fire alarm at the Chabad of Charlotte County in Punta Gorda. Upon arriving, the fire department discovered flames coming from the rear of the building. They immediately extinguished the fire and searched for any possible victims. Thankfully, no one was inside the building, and the fire was primarily contained to one room. Investigators discovered that a screen had been cut and an accelerant was used to start a fire at the back wall of the children’s classroom. There were also several areas around the property where the letter “J” had been spray-painted on walls and sidewalks.
The Punta Gorda Fire Marshal, State Fire Marshal, and Punta Gorda criminal investigation detectives responded to the scene to investigate the arson and subsequent hate crime. Police officers spent the weekend canvassing the area for video surveillance and interviewing possible witnesses. Hoover has been arrested and charged with Arson and Criminal Mischief.
On Monday, September 22, 2025, just before 10:00 a.m., Punta Gorda Police Detective Jose Delgado received a tip from a family member indicating that Hoover was possibly the suspect in the arson/hate crime at the Chabad. Shortly after, detectives received a call from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office letting us know that while investigating an unrelated incident involving Hoover, they also received a tip from a separate family member who also believed Hoover committed the arson/hate crime. Punta Gorda detectives immediately responded to speak to the suspect and witnesses, which allowed them to develop enough probable cause to obtain several search warrants. With the assistance of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, search warrants were executed on Hoover’s bedroom, his vehicle, and his electronic devices. Evidence was then collected and will be processed accordingly.
Throughout this extensive investigation, the Punta Gorda Police Department was not alone. We want to thank our partners at the Punta Gorda Fire Department, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, State Fire Marshal’s Office, FDLE, and 20th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. This was a team effort that enabled us to make a swift arrest in connection with this heinous crime. We will continue to work with them and our federal partners to ensure a successful prosecution. Chief Pamela Smith extends her gratitude to all the agencies that have supported this investigation. Above all, she deeply appreciates the hard work and perseverance of the Punta Gorda Police Department detectives, whose relentless efforts will help bring justice to our Jewish community. The Punta Gorda Police Department will maintain an increased presence in the area of the Chabad during the celebration of the High Holy Days.
“Our hearts go out to our Jewish community members. This was a despicable act that is not representative of the great City of Punta Gorda. We hope that you can celebrate the High Holy Days knowing an arrest has been made, and we wish you peace and happiness for the New Year.” – Chief Pamela Smith
“When you commit a crime of this type, you can bet there will be plenty of resources working to identify and locate you. CCSO and the Punta Gorda Police Department are not strangers to helping one another, and this case is another example of how that collaboration pays off. We do not sit idly by; we take immediate action to make sure our community knows they are safe – safe to do the things they love, to worship where they choose, and to enjoy our little piece of paradise called Charlotte County. Thank you to our partners at PGPD and to my detectives for bringing this suspect in without hesitation so our community can be at ease.” – Sheriff Bill Prummell
