LOS ANGELES — Authorities arrested a man Wednesday suspected of setting about a dozen vegetation and debris fires in the Boyle Heights and Chinatown areas.
“Between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. this morning, the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to and quickly extinguished approximately 12 intentionally set vegetation and debris fires in the Boyle Heights and Chinatown area,” said Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The fires were reported in various areas, including between the 1300 and 2000 blocks of Cesar Chavez Avenue, Humphrey said.
“The fires thankfully caused no injury or structural damage,” Humphrey said.
“Thanks to a detailed suspect description provided to LAFD responders, teams of investigators from the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section, working closely with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division, were immediately deployed to the area,” Humphrey said.
“Shortly after 8 a.m., the adult male suspect was detained and subsequently arrested for the felony crime of … arson of property,” Humphrey said.
According to the LAPD, the man is in his 40s. His name was not immediately released. Fox11 reported that the suspect had been riding a bicycle.
“At this time, there is no known connection between this suspect and other fires,” Humphrey said.
“The Los Angeles City Fire Department appreciates members of the community who stepped forward to help identify this suspect,” Humphrey said. “Anyone who witnesses active fire setting should call 9-1-1 immediately.
“Those who have information regarding previous arson fires or an arson suspect in the City of Los Angeles, are encouraged to use the LAPD’s 24 hour anonymous tip line at 1-877-LAPD 24-7,” Humphrey said.
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