The serial arsonist(s) continued overnight – with as many as 16 new fires being set. The fire events started just after 7p with the first in the parking structure where the LA Fitness/Fresh & Easy and DSW are at the corner of Sycamore and Hollywood.
While most of the fires set after that were over the hill (North Hollywood and San Fernando Valley) – this round of fires seemed to begin and end with locations close to our neighborhood. Reports include two fires set after 4a in the Fairfax District – both just north of 3rd Street…one allegedly a block west of the Farmers’ Market on Hayworth; the other on Harper. There were even posts on twitter of potential suspects close to home – @LAPDscanner noted that police stopped a motorist on a moped at Fairfax and Melrose after 5a, but that suspect was released shortly thereafter.
The latest news is that police are currently searching for a car and its motorist with possible links to some of the fires…
LA Times – Police Search for Lexus Vehicle Possibly Linked to L.A. Fires
City leaders have put up a total of $60,000 in rewards for information leading to the apprehension of the arsonist(s) involved with these fires. $25,000 from the LA City Council, $25,000 from the County of Los Angeles and $10,000 from the ATF.
If you have information about these fires be sure to reach out to Sheriff’s Arson/Explosives at (323) 881-7500 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers (800) 222-TIPS. Or, just call 911.
