A series of nearly two-dozen automobile fires in the Sunland/Tujunga neighborhoods of Los Angeles left many residents on edge this Spring. LAFD Arson Investigators and LAPD Major Crimes Division worked together to apprehend one man on Monday, in relation to the string of fires.

Residents of the Sunland/Tujunga area noticed an above average number of fires in the recent months, often observing columns of smoke rising from various neighborhoods. With at least twenty automobile fire since February, investigators discovered some of them were intentionally set. LAFD's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Unit (ACTS) interviewed witnesses, combed through debris, and examined evidence for months in an attempt to connect these incidents to the person responsible, in partnership with LAPD Major Crimes Division.

Residents of Sunland/Tujunga can now rest easy. On Monday, May 29th 2023, LAFD responded to two more automobile fires in the Sunland area. Firefighters extinguished one and LAPD officers used their cruiser's on-board fire extinguisher to extinguish the other as LAFD arrived. Shortly afterwards LAPD arrested 37-year-old Guadalupe Resendiz and charged him with six counts of PC 451(d) - Arson of Property. 

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Target Crime Arson/Explosive Section filed 6 counts of 451(d) PC Arson of Property with each charge carrying a maximum exposure of 3 years state prison. LAFD ACTS continues to work with LAPD's Major Crimes Division on the additional vehicles involved.

We continue to encouraging residents to help. If you have any information, photos, or video regarding these fires, please contact the LAFD Arson Tip Line: 213-893-9850 or email: LAFDArson@lacity.org.