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.
A 19-year-old Torrance man is on the loose after allegedly setting his ex-girlfriend's apartment building on fire—with his 2-year-old son inside—after an argument on Christmas Day.The father, identified as Asa James Dolak, then went to the house of another relative and set that home ablaze, the L.A. Times reports.
The first fire was reported at 12:15 a.m. early Thursday on the 16700 block of Crenshaw Boulevard. The child was rescued from the apartment and is currently hospitalized after suffering from smoke inhalation.
Dolak was able to get in contact with Torrance police officers after the two fires, claiming that he was unhappy with his family and warned that he would injure anyone who tried to take him down, according to the Times.
Dolak, who may face charges of arson and attempted murder, is still on the run and is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Torrance P.D. at 310-328-3456.
UPDATE 1:15 P.M.: City News Service is reporting that the second home that was set ablaze by Dolak belongs to his mother.
UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: City News Service is reporting that Asa James Dolak was killed in an officer-involved shooting at Madrona Middle School in Torrance today.
