FBI investigates attack on UCLA researcher

LOS ANGELES, March 10 (UPI) -- Investigators are looking into the firebombing of a neuroscientist's car at the University of California at Los Angeles, officials said.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the UCLA professor, who researches treatments for schizophrenia, drug addiction and other disorders, was targeted by an anti-animal research group.

The March 7 firebombing involved a homemade incendiary device, and took place outside the researcher's home, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said.

She said the incident will be investigated by a Joint Terrorism Task Force that includes the FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Fire Department, the UCLA Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The newspaper reported that the Animal Liberation Front posted a message on its Web site Monday claiming responsibility for the firebombing.

The university has offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the incident.