Police have arrested a 32-year-old man Joseph Michael Schreiber matching surveillance videos after Islamic Center for Fort Pierce was set on fire, St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara announced.
Schreiber was booked into the St. Lucie County Jail without bond, and the case is being prosecuted as hate crime.
The arrest came 65-hours after the arson with video capturing the suspect leaving the Center – which was attended by Florida nightclub shooter Omar Mateen – and riding away on a motorbike.
Following tips from members of the community and surveillance videos from businesses and homes, Schreiber was arrested in the 100 block of Depot Drive in Fort Pierce.
“A search warrant was obtained and a search of Schreiber’s house was conducted that revealed Schreiber owns a motorcycle consistent with the surveillance video footage,” said Major David R. Thompson, Director of Law Enforcement.
“Other evidence collected also linked Schreiber to the arson,” the spokesman for Sheriff’s Office said.
Schreiber’s had posted on his social media account multiple anti-Islamic posts and comments, authorities revealed.
Schreiber was charged with F.S. 806.01, Arson and F.S. 775.085, Evidencing prejudice while committing offenses; reclassification, also known as Florida hate crime enhancement was also applied to this charge. With this enhancement, the second-degree felony of arson is enhanced to a first-degree felony and carries a possible 30-year prison sentence.
“Schreiber is known to law enforcement and as such qualifies as a prison release re-offender that would impose a 30 year minimum mandatory sentence. He also qualifies as a habitual felony offender and could ultimately be sentence to life in prison,” a statement posted on the Facebook said.
“The men and women of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, along with our partners at the St. Lucie County Fire District, FBI, ATF, FDLE and Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office worked tirelessly on this case and we thank them for their efforts,” Thompson said.
Authorities praised cooperation from members of the community in quick hunting of the suspect.
“Because of their hard work, dedication, attention to detail and commitment to serving our community, this case was solved rapidly, efficiently and effectively. We also thank the members of the community who provided tips and offered their surveillance video solidifying this case.”
Mateen had gunned down 47 people in Pulse nightclub in Orlando in June, before he was killed in the shootout. The killings strained relations and resulted in threats against some mosque worshipers.
