Caught On Tape: Accused Serial Arsonist Sets Patio Furniture On Fire In LA

EL SEGUNDO (CBSLA.com) — Detectives on Monday asked for the public's help in identifying a woman suspected of setting fires to property in the area.

According to the El Segundo Police Department, she was seen through surveillance video Sunday in a rear alley in the 400 block of Main Street.

KCAL9's Rachel Kim spoke with Sgt. Hugo Perez of the El Segundo Police Department about the nature of these crimes.

The video showed her setting fire to patio furniture at a local nail salon while casually smoking a cigarette, officers said.

"After she lit the fire, she left the scene and some good Samaritans were able to distinguish the fire," said Perez.

Investigators said there have been at least six other arsons that have occurred in the area since late July.

According to authorities, two have occurred inside of churches and two additional fires were located in dumpsters.

One of the church fires was set by a suspect who lit garments on fire from inside the church. The second church fire was also started from within the building, when a suspect lit flyers and leaflets on a table.

"On both occassions, there were people inside of the church," said Perez. "Fortunately, no one was hurt."

Detectives described the woman as having dark brown or black shoulder-length hair, 55 to 60 years old and no taller than 5-foot-8.

"When we reviewed the video, we were surprised to see that it was an older female involved," Perez said.

She was last seen wearing a white tank top, dark pants and dark, flat shoes.

Officials said this woman may be responsible for all of these arson crimes because they all occur between 8 a.m. and noon.

"We believe these acts will continue, so we're encouraging the public to call us if they see her," said Perez.

Anyone who has information regarding this case is urged to contact detectives at (310) 524-2258 or (310) 524-2216.