Punta Gorda arson suspect ruled incompetent for trial

PUNTA GORDA - A federal judge has ruled that Blake Hoover, the man accused of setting fire to the Chabad Jewish Center in Punta Gorda, is not competent to stand trial.

Hoover faces a federal arson charge for the fire that occurred in September.

The court order stated that Hoover is unable to understand the charges against him and commits him to the attorney general for hospitalization until he is able to stand trial.

This ruling marks a significant development in the case, as Hoover will remain in a hospital setting until he is deemed competent for trial proceedings.