ARREST MADE IN SANTA SOPHIA CHURCH ARSON CASE

By Miriam Raftery; photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

October 12, 2013 (Spring Valley ) – Eugene William Volk, 45, has been arrested and charged with arson in connection with the fire at Santa Sophia Church on October 8. 

Detective Calvert, lead investigator from the San Diego Sheriff's Department, developed sufficient probable cause to arrest Volk, said Detective Portillo-with the Sheriff’s Bomb Arson unit which located Volk walking less than a quarter mile from the church at the intersection of Campo Road and Conrad Drive  on October 13.  Authorities have not revealed what evidence they believe links Volk to the crime.

Detectives arrested Volk without incident and  booked him into jail on numerous felony charges to include Arson to an Inhabited Structure and Vandalizing a Place of Worship. Bail was set at $500,000.

The fire at the Catholic church was reported at 7:58 p.m. and was extinguished in 10 minutes, causing over $200,000 in damage.  Cal Fire responded initially, with five fire engines battling the blaze at 9800 San Juan Street in Spring Valley. . Bomb Arson Detectives arrived along with federal ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) Agents found the cause to be arson.

Anyone with information on the case can call (858)565-5200.