Two Injured, One Critically in Harvard Park Arson Attack
A suspected arsonist is in custody facing felony charges, after an intentionally set fire in the Harvard Park area caused two persons to sustain injury Thursday morning, including a man who remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 5:09 AM on September 5, 2019, to the 1600 block of West Slauson Boulevard, where they discovered a man and a woman suffering thermal burn injuries. The pair stated they were in a nearby homeless encampment when their tent was purposely set ablaze.
The 27 year-old woman with minor burns to her arms declined treatment and transport to the hospital. Her companion, at 36 year-old male, sustained burns to nearly 30% of his body, including his hands, feet and legs. He was promptly transported by LAFD ambulance to an area hospital, where he was admitted in critical but stable condition.
Witnesses provided the Los Angeles Police Department with information, and Officers soon arrested suspect Shalonda Shaw, a 23 year-old homeless woman (DOB 12-20-95) who lived in the same general area of the attack.
Investigators from the LAFD Arson / Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) are working closely with LAPD South Bureau Detectives assigned to the 77th Street Division, in preparing the case for felony prosecution.
Anyone in the area who may have been a witness to the crime, or can provide additional information, is asked to call LAFD ACTS Investigators at (213) 893-9800.
