Arson Suspect Arrested in Hollywood Fires

Three fires were reported within 15 minutes in the Hollywood neighborhood

One man was arrested Thursday morning after a series of suspected arson fires in Hollywood, including a fire that began in a residential structure's underground garage.

That fire was reported at 1434 North Fuller Ave. Firefighters responded to 1:12 a.m. report to find a car fire in the garage.

The fire spread to other vehicles and the first floor of the building before it was knocked down at about 1:30 a.m. The fire was confined to the front portion of two units.

"The firefighters worked really hard to save this unit and adjacent structures," said LA City Fire Capt. Jaime Moore.

One occupant, a 73-year-old male, was hospitalized with respiratory problems, according to the LA Fire Department.

A series of rubbish fires were reported a few minutes later. All of the fires were in the same area.

A man was detained near Sunset Boulevard and Sycamore Avenue, according to the LAPD. A witness identified the subject and notified officers, who took the man into custody.

Pedro Mejia was preparing to use a pressure washer to clean outside a shopping center when he notice a man with a lighter. The man was attempting to open two fuel containers on Mejia's equipment trailer, he said.

"He tried to open them with the lighter on," Mejia said. "Something was wrong with him. I ran over and chased him away."

The suspect was identified as a 22-year-old Samuel Arrington, a Sunland area resident.

The initial damage estimate for the residental building was $53,000 and $5,000 for its contents. Damage to the four burned vehicles was estimtaed at $60,000.

Fuller Avenue was closed between Sunset Boulevard and Fountain Avenue during the arson investigation

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