LOS ANGELES — Authorities arrested a German man Monday in connection with dozens of suspected arson attacks that destroyed parked cars, scorched buildings and rattled much of the nation’s second-largest city over the New Year’s weekend.
Harry Burkhart, 24, was booked for investigation of arson of an inhabited dwelling and was being held without bail, authorities said. He is a German national, but authorities said they didn’t know how long he’s been in the United States. Police said he told arresting officers he’s from Frankfurt.
Burkhart was arrested earlier in the day because he resembled a “person of interest” captured on surveillance video. Arson investigators did not rule out the possibility that others may be involved.
More than 50 blazes have flared since Friday in Hollywood, neighboring West Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley, causing about $3 million in damage. Firefighters have not responded to any other suspicious fires since Burkhart was detained.
Police declined to reveal any motive for the fires. When asked at a news conference about reports that an immigration problem with Burhkart’s mother may have been a factor, authorities declined to comment.
“We are very confident in this arrest, but we have a long way to go,” said Police Chief Charlie Beck, who mentioned receiving information from federal authorities who recognized Burkhart from the video. They believed he had been involved in removal hearings in immigration court, but they didn’t specify how he was involved.
Most of the fires began in cars, and authorities have not said how they were started.
The blazes forced many apartment dwellers from their homes. But there were no serious injuries.
The fires left residents on edge over the holiday weekend in some of the most densely populated areas of the city. Hundreds of investigators, police officers and firefighters raced to deal with the blazes. Police conducted extra patrols all weekend, and the noise of helicopters and sirens persisted virtually nonstop in Hollywood.
Authorities continued to urge vigilance. “We’re not resting, and we’re not stopping” the extra patrols, police Cmdr. Andrew Smith said. “If you have lights in your carport area, keep them on tonight.”
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