Investigators from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) released information today about a suspect in connection with a recent fire.

On Sept. 19, 2015, at 7:25 a.m., a major emergency fire struck a three-story commercial building at 11869 W. Teale St. About 100 firefighters responded to the incident, waging a defensive firefight before getting a handle and knocking down the blaze in about two hours without injury.

The LAFD and ATF are now asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect that was seen at the incident. The suspect is a shirtless young male, possibly African-American or Hispanic, approximately 6'0", 175 lbs, with short dark cropped hair. He was wearing dark jeans with blue undergarments (boxers) and dark colored tennis shoes with white stripes. Suspect has a discoloration mark on his right forearm.

         Video from security camera footage is available at youtube.com/lafd and the crime alert is attached in this email. The motive for the fire is still being established and the manner in which the fire was set will not be released at this time.

The ATF is currently offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect. Anyone with information about the fire or the person in the photograph/video should contact the Arson Counter/Terrorism Section at (213) 893-9850.

The ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson. More information can be found at www.atf.gov.

NR 201509-24

Contact: LAFD Jeremy Oberstein (213) 440-8021
ATF Meredith Davis (818) 963-2244