Arrest Made in Connection with Recent Korean Church Fire

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On Thursday December 15th, 2011, two juveniles, ages 12 and 13, were arrested for the arson, burglary and vandalism incident at the Valley Korean Central Church in Sepulveda, California. The crime occurred on December 12, 2011 at approximately 2:30 P.M.

Los Angeles Firefighters responded to "Reported Smoke" at 15204 Plummer Street, where it was discovered that combustibles were ignited inside a toaster oven in one of the rooms. Firefighters rapidly extinguished the flames, however vandalism, as well as graffiti and racial slurs written on the walls and floor, was discovered inside one of the rooms.

LAFD's Arson Investigators worked diligently to identify suspects and requested the public to assist with any tips or leads. As information developed, evidence in the case led to identify the two subjects.

Investigators from the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section and Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department Major Crimes Division and Criminal Conspiracy Section, arrested the subjects yesterday during a joint investigation, as part of the Los Angeles House of Worship Task Force investigation. 

The two subjects were booked and subsequently released to their parents. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for consideration of filing charges against the individuals. While there is additional investigative work that needs to be completed prior to filing the case with the District Attorney, there are no other outstanding suspects.

Anyone having additional information about this crime, or any other arson crime occurring in the City of Los Angeles, is encouraged to contact the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section at (213) 893-9800, or lafdarson@lacity.org.

Republished with permission of the Los Angeles Fire Department. View original article here.



Author:Erik Scott - PIO - LAFD