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Arson Suspect Harry Burkhart Facing 37 Felony Counts For Fire-Setting Spree, More Charges Could Still Be Filed
Photo by LAFD via Flickr
Harry Burkhart will face 37 felony counts of arson when he is arraigned in a Los Angeles court this afternoon. Burkhart, 24, is suspected of setting cars and carports ablaze during a four-night spree in Hollywood, West Hollywood, North Hollywood, and Burbank.
The felony counts include 28 counts of arson of property and nine counts of arson of an inhabited structure, according to City News Service.
Suspect Harry Burkhart was arrested by the LASD at around 3 a.m. Monday (Screenshot)
Authorities stress that the charges against Burkhart currently only pertain to 12 fires set in
Hollywood, West Hollywood and Sherman Oaks. District Attorney Steve Cooley explains that the "complaint also alleges that the arson was caused by use of a device designed to accelerate the fire," and if that allegation is proven, Burkhart could face even more custody time. Further, Burkhart could face more charges, since the rest of the over 50 blazes is ongoing.
"Appropriate action will be taken as further evidence is presented for our review," adds Cooley.
Federal agents flagged Burkhart after an obscenities-laced outburst at recent court appearance for his mother, Dorothee, who is being extradited back to their native Germany on 19 counts of fraud, including refusing to pay for breast augmentation surgery. Burkhart was spotted by a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reserve deputy based on his appearance in a surveillance video released by the Los Angeles Police Department at the height of the fire spree.
Damage for the fires allegedly set by Burkhart is estimated to be $3 million.
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