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Pasadena Arson Suspect Linked To Over Two Dozen Fires

Javier Viera
(credit: South Pasadena PD)

PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — A serial arson suspect allegedly behind fires in and around the city of South Pasadena was in custody Monday.

KNX 1070's Claudia Peschiutta reports Javier Adolfo Viera is suspected of over two dozens arson-related incidents in the Pasadena area.

Pasadena Arson Suspect Linked To Nearly Two Dozen Fires

Viera, 35, was identified during an investigation into 21 incidents of arson and attempted arson in the City of South Pasadena, and four incidents in Pasadena since mid- November, South Pasadena Police said.

The incidents started as small vegetation fires and escalated to fires involving parked vehicles, with one involving the exterior door to a business, according to police.

Investigators with South Pasadena Fire and Pasadena Fire joined forces with the West San Gabriel Valley Anti- Crime Task Force to investigate these fires and identify any suspects. Several potential suspects were identified and surveillance was conducted.

"During the investigation, we located several of the incendiary devices that didn't ignite," South Pasadena Police Detective William Earley said. "One of those were able to get fingerprints off of."

Police surveillance on April 21 was conducted on Viera, who was subsequently arrested for a car fire in the 6100 block of Oak Hill in Los Angeles.

Viera - a married father of 3 - admitted responsibility for a majority of the fires, according to Earley.

"He was adamant that he did not want to hurt anyone," said Earley.

A search of Viera's home resulted in the recovery of corroborating evidence, police said.

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