LAPD announced they have a suspected arsonist in custody who may have set dozens of fires in the Los Angeles area, reports NBC Los Angeles.
Harry Burkhart, a 24-year-old German citizen, was reportedly upset over his mother's deportation, according to NBC Los Angeles.
The suspected arsonist is believed to be connected with at least 53 fires that have been reported since Thursday. Eleven fires were reported on Monday morning alone, and the majority of them were started in the city of Los Angeles. The property damage by the fires is expected to cost millions.
Burkhart's arrest was reportedly the result of the combined efforts of several agencies, including the Los Angeles City Fire Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the LAPD, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the District Attorney's office, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The agencies reportedly investigated over a hundred clues and investigated hundreds of witnesses, according to Los Angeles Fire Captain Jaime Moore.
Police arrested the arson suspect after finding fire-starting materials in his vehicle.
"I feel very good that we've got the right guy," said Police Chief Charlie Beck. "(The suspect) had the right stuff in his van, and we are very confident we found our man."
Despite LAPD's confidence that they've found the arsonist, all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty under the criminal justice system, and Harry Burkhart will need an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney or public defender to represent him if questioned during the LAPD's investigation.
Under California law, arson is a felony that carries severe punishments depending on the damage caused. Luckily, no one has been hurt by the fires. However, there has been widespread damage to vehicles and structures, and Burkhart was booked on suspicion of arson of an inhabited dwelling.
Arson that causes an inhabited structure to burn is a felony punishable by up to eight years in prison. The term of imprisonment also increases depending on such circumstances as the number of structures damaged, the amount of property damaged, and if anyone was injured.
Until a suspect is formally charged, Los Angeles residents are warned to keep a closer watch on their own and their neighbor's property, and to report any suspicious activity to police.
Related Resources:
- Find a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney (FindLaw)
- Suspect Booked in Connection with LA Arsons (msnbc.com)
- Arson (FindLaw)
- Possible Death Penalty for Man Accused of Starting 2003 Old Fire (The Los Angeles Criminal Law Blog)
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