This 'Person of Interest' Was Seen Running From Peninsula Fire: Police

BELMONT, CA- Belmont police Wednesday asked for the public’s help in identifying a man who was spotted running from the scene of a local fire.

According to Belmont Police Captain Patrick Halleran, the man was spotted on Saturday after a small fire was reported between Village and Hastings drives; a fire, which may have intentionally been set.

“Firefighters found a small fire, approximately 100 square feet in size, in a clearing 200 yards west of Village Dr. and extinguished it,” Halleran said. “A lighter and other items were found at the scene.”

Witnesses told firefighters from Belmont, San Mateo and Foster City-- who all responded due to the nature of the call-- that they saw a man standing, watching the fire.

“When the witnesses yelled to the man, he ran west up the hill toward Hastings Drive,” Halleran said. “That same man was later seen coming out of the canyon in the 2400 block of Hastings Drive and running west on Hastings, toward San Carlos.”

One nearby resident was able to snap a photo, which is attached above.

“Belmont Police are looking to identify the man, as a person of interest in this fire,” Halleran said. “He is described as a white male in his 30’s or 40’s, muscular build, light brown collar-length hair, sunglasses, wearing a short sleeve white t-shirt, baggy khaki pants, a gray sweater tied around his waist and black/white running shoes.”

Anyone who may know who this guy is is asked to call Belmont police at (650) 595-7400.

(Image courtesy of the Belmont Police Department)