Police sought the public’s help Wednesday in identifying an arson suspect they said was responsible for setting at least three fires in Sherman Oaks.
At about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, firefighters responded to the 4700 block of Kester Avenue, a little south of the Ventura (101) Freeway, to reports of a carport fire that was threatening an adjacent apartment complex and destroyed four parked vehicles. The suspect was seen near the apartment complex riding a bicycle toward the rear of the carport, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Also Tuesday night, a structure fire was reported a few blocks away in the 4600 block of Columbus Street, along with a commercial building fire in the 15000 block of Ventura Boulevard around 11:40 p.m., where the suspect allegedly was seen riding a bicycle.
Police said the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson Counter-Terrorism Section, with the assistance of Major Crimes Division detectives, conducted investigations and determined the fires were all connected.
Anyone with information regarding the fires was urged to contact LAPD Major Crimes detectives at 213-486-7260. Calls during non-business hours or weekends should be directed to 877-527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.