Alleged Arson Suspects Detained After Multiple Fires Set in Panorama City

PANORAMA CITY, LOS ANGELES, June 13 (KNN) — Four persons of interest were detained early Tuesday morning around midnight for suspicion of lighting fires in the Panorama City neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Three adults and one juvenile were detained by Los Angeles Police Department Mission Division officers at Chase Street and Vesper Avenue after the Los Angeles Fire Department reported multiple fires on Chase between Hazeltine Avenue and Vesper.

Firefighters in the area responded to calls regarding a boat, street lights and vehicles on fire. Emergency 911 calls started at approximately 11:30 p.m. Monday, when witnesses reported the lights at the intersection of Hazeltine Avenue and Chase Street were on fire.

The alleged suspects continued west and began lighting a car and boat on fire. They attempted to light multiple vehicles but were possibly unsuccessful.

The LAFD immediately requested police officers to respond for a possible arsonist in the area. The suspects were interviewed and subsequently released pending the LAPD Mission Division detective and LAPD Arson Unit investigations.

An LAPD sergeant at the scene confirmed off-camera that the suspects were involved in the incident, but they needed to review security camera footage and speak with witnesses.

Witness Jordan Bailey told Key News Network on camera that he was driving down Chase Street when he noticed the crosswalk signs and trash can on fire, then called 911. As he was walking through later, Jordan saw a boat and another car on fire, as well as some guy on a scooter when asked if he saw any suspects.

The investigation is ongoing. No other information is currently available.

Zak Holman, Video Journalist / KNN