LAPD Releases Video Of Person Of Interest In Rash Of Arsons

Los Angeles police released a surveillance video at a 5:15 p.m. Sunday news conference as they investigate the string of 40 arsons that blistered the Hollywood and North Hollywood areas over three nights at the end of 2011.

A burly man, about 5'8″ to 6'2″, walking with a noticeable limp, is shown walking down Hollywood Boulevard at the time several of the fires were set.

The man, police say, also has dark hair, a receding hairline and a ponytail. The person of interest is described as being in his late 20s or early 30s.

The video release comes as dozens of detectives from the Major Crimes and Robbery-Homicide divisions spent night and day working on the crimes, including analyzing security video camera pictures.

Earlier in the morning, LAPD Cmdr. Andrew Smith said the agency was asking residents to keep their porch and garage lights on at night and report suspicious activity to help contain the fires.

At the Sunday press conference, officials said as of 8:35 p.m. Saturday night, the arsonist may have caused as many as 43 separate fires.

Edward Lawrence, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, said the man is said to be walking calmly with his hands never leaving his pockets.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Arson
• Cars Destroyed
• Fire
• LAPD
• News Conference
• Surveillance Video