Video sought in Modesto Planned Parenthood arson investigation

The Planned Parenthood Modesto Health Center on McHenry Avenue remains closed as multiple agencies investigate a suspicious fire there early Wednesday.

“Currently, investigators have classified it as criminal, based on the type of fire encountered,” said Dustin Bruley, Stanislaus County Fire Investigation Unit coordinator and District Attorney’s Office criminal investigator.

He had no estimate on the extent and cost of the damage, but indicated the damage was primarily caused by smoke. “The sprinkler system did what it was supposed to” and knocked down the fire quickly, he said.

Evidence collected at the scene was sent to the Department of Justice for analysis, Bruley said, and local investigators are awaiting findings including what if any accelerant was used.

Investigators have no information on who may have been responsible and have found no witnesses, he said. They have informed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of the fire, because it’s the federal agency primarily responsible for investigating arson cases, Bruley said.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation also has lent its help to canvassing the area around the Planned Parenthood center to view any surveillance camera images that may be available. As far as he knows, Bruley said, the health center itself has no such cameras.

Because it’s an active investigation, certain information is being withheld. Bruley would not say, for example, where the fire is believed to have been set.

There has been a rash of garbage bin fires on the lower McHenry Avenue corridor, he said, and any video footage of those is being examined in this case. There was an arrest on suspicion of arson at the Pep Boys store just 2 1/2 hours before the Planned Parenthood blaze, he said, but that suspect was in custody at the time of the health center fire, which occurred shortly before 3:30 a.m.

A staff member at the Planned Parenthood center said the goal is to reopen by the end of next week. In the meantime, patients are asked to call 209-574-5900 to schedule appointments at other facilities. A Planned Parenthood spokeswoman said Wednesday that no threats or suspicious activity preceded the fire.

According to its website, services offered at the McHenry health center include abortions; birth control; HIV testing; LGBT services; men’s and women’s health care; emergency contraception; pregnancy testing and services; and STD testing, treatment and vaccines.

Anyone with information regarding the fire is asked to call 209-525-5550.

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 2:33 PM with the headline "Video sought in Modesto Planned Parenthood arson investigation."