SHERMAN OAKS—On December 19, the Los Angeles City Fire Department announced the arrest of a serial arsonist responsible for a series of fires in the Sherman Oaks area.
On October 20 at 10:30 p.m. the LAFD responded to a series of vehicle and structure fires in the region of Ventura Boulevard and Kester Street. The Major Crimes Division identified a man in his 40s as being responsible for the fires.
On December 18, the suspect was identified as Ricardo Villanueva, 42, who was detained by Van Nuys patrol officers for unrelated traffic violations. He was arrested for the arson that transpired on October 20 and booked for 451 (c) PC: Arson of a structure and 451 (d) PC: Arson of Personal Property. His bail was set at $230,000.
There is an on-going investigation with ACTS and LAPD Major Crimes to determine if Villanueva is responsible for the spree of connected arson fires around December 17. Including the 4700 block of Kester Avenue for a carport fire that exposed the adjacent apartment complex and destroyed four parked vehicles, the 4600 block of Columbus Street for a structure fire, and the 15000 block of Ventura Boulevard for a commercial building fire, or any other incidents.
Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes Detectives at 213-486-7260. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877 527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.
By Trevor