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Arson Spree Suspect Under Investigation For Fires in Vancouver, Too
Harry Burkhart being detained Monday, January 2, 2012 (Screenshot)
Suspected arsonist Harry Burkhart is reportedly under investigation in Vancouver, Canada, according to the L.A. Times. Burkhart, 24, lived in Vancouver prior to living in Los Angeles, and drives a van with British Columbia plates.
However, Burkhart is not wanted in connection with particular fires or crimes up in BC:
Vancouver Police Department spokesman Lindsey Houghton said officials "have begun to liaise with the LAPD" but stressed that detectives have not connected Burkhart to any specific fires in that city.
While there are an estimated dozen or so unsolved arson cases in Vancouver, authorities have not fingered Burkhart, nor is it clear at this time if he was in the area at the time those fires occurred.
Burkhart is, however, under investigation in his native Germany for a fire on October 14, 2011, though he has not been named as a suspect in the case, and no warrant has been issued.
The suspected serial firebug made a brief appearance in court this week, but his arraignment has been postponed until Janaury 24. He is currently facing 37 felony arson counts in conjunction with 12 of the over 50 fires considered part of a four-night arson spree in Hollywood, West Hollywood, North Hollywood and Burbank over New Year's weekend. More charges are likely as the authorities continue their investigation in Los Angeles.
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