With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
L.A. Arsonist: 24-Year-Old* Man Charged For Setting 53 Fires [UPDATED]
A fire in a carport in North Hollywood, 12/31/11 (Photo by LAFD via Flickr)
UPDATE 6:30 PM: During a pres conference held this evening, authorities revealed the suspect is 24-year-old male named Harry Burkhart. His age was previously misstated as being 55.
--
At a press conference that got underway shortly after Noon today, the Joint Task Force investigating the rash of arson fires that have been set over the last four days in Los Angeles announced that the "person of interest" has in fact been arrested, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities confirm that the man detained last night, a 24-year-old white male, was questioned and ultimately charged in conjunction with the recent string of 53 arson fires. However, the suspect has not been booked yet, and the Los Angeles Police Department will release information about the suspect once he has been processed.
Sponsor
Further, the Joint Task Force, which is comprised of the LAPD, the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Los Angeles City Fire Department, and the federal bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, say they are executing multiple search warrants, however they "don't want to jeopardize [the] case," and will not provide details until later today about what they have found or are looking for.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has said they have a great deal of evidence they are sorting through in conjunction with the blazes that were set in cars and carports in Hollywood, West Hollywood, and North Hollywood. Los Angeles City Fire Capt. Jaime Moore says the fires have caused an estimated $2 million in damage.
The suspect was taken into custody at around 3 a.m. today in Hollywood; he matched the description of the "person of interest" seen in video released by the LAPD Sunday. He was in a vehicle with British Columbia plates, but is speculated to be a German national, upset about his mother's deportation.
A press conference has been scheduled for 6 p.m. this evening.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
