The Los Angeles Fire Department has confirmed the arrest of Victor Marias, 31, accused of perpetrating a series of arson incidents that have unsettled the Downtown Los Angeles area. Marias, who is currently held without bail, is believed to be responsible for at least four fires, one of which resulted in over $7 million in damages, according to KTLA.
An investigation led to his capture when police allegedly caught Marias setting a pile of trash ablaze. The Los Angeles City Fire Department's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) has been hot on the trail since a large fire on July 19th ravaged several commercial buildings on Kohler Street, demanding over five hours of firefighting efforts. Despite the roaring flames, investigators managed to salvage a hard drive containing surveillance footage of the fire's inception, as per LAFD's official news release. Marias's arrest came after a pattern of incidents was linked to him, with residents providing vital surveillance footage that showcased him gathering combustible materials and later setting them alight on Willow Street on two separate occasions, according to FOX LA.
Authorities have charged Marias with multiple felony counts, including "Arson of a Structure" and "Arson of Property," and he also faces a probation violation from a previous arson on Palmetto Street just last year. "The crime of arson is egregious because it not only threatens widespread damage to property, but threatens the lives of first responders and the public," the LAFD stated.
In a statement obtained by LAFD's news release, they commended the cooperation of witnesses who came forward, providing evidence critical in apprehending Marias. Anyone in possession of additional evidence potentially linking Marias to other fires is urged to report information to the LAFD at [email protected].
