Police have arrested a man in connection with a wave of 53 arson fires across Los Angeles that terrorized neighborhoods over the weekend.
The Los Angeles Mayor said he had been charged with one count of arson so far.
(SOUNDBITE) LOS ANGELES MAYOR ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA, SAYING(English):
"Around 3 a.m., the sheriff's department detained a 24-year-old man named Harry Burkhart who has subsequently been charged with one count of arson of an inhabited dwelling and is currently being held without bail."
The suspect, Harry Burkhart, believed to be German citizen was taken into custody early on Monday morning.
He was spotted driving a van similar to one being sought by police.
The first of the blazes broke out on Friday, most of them set in cars and parking structures but some spread to carports and homes.
The LA Mayor said the fires are estimated to have caused 3 million dollars in damage.
Police are not sure if he acted alone and asked residents to stay vigilant.
(SOUNDBITE) LOS ANGELES POLICE CHIEF CHARLIE BECK, SAYING(English):
"There are some indicators that he may be a lone actor, but we do not know that yet. As we speak, search warrants are being served at this individual's residence. We will know much more tomorrow than we know today. So, we will be vigilant tonight, I ask the public to be vigilant, my officers will be out there."
Burkhart is expected to be advised of the charges against him at a hearing on Wednesday.
Marie-Claire Fennessy, Reuters