A late-night fire at a Punta Gorda synagogue is being investigated as a criminal act, says the Punta Gorda Police Department.

The Sept. 19 blaze happened at Chabad of Charlotte County on West Henry Street, police wrote on Facebook. Punta Gorda police and firefighters responded to the structure fire.

“Due to circumstances and evidence located at the scene, the police department is investigating the fire as criminal in nature,” the post said. “This is an active investigation.”

Police didn’t release any more details about the fire or the extent of the damage. A photo provided by police, however, shows most of the structure is still intact.

Investigators are asking anyone with information about the fire to call the police department at 941-639-4111.

Charles Runnells is an arts and enter

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