Watch CBS News

Suspect Detained In El Segundo Arson Fires

EL SEGUNDO (CBSLA.com) — Police Tuesday detained a woman in connection to a series of arson fires in the South Bay.

The unidentified suspect was detained around 7 a.m., El Segundo police said.

On Monday, authorities asked for the public's help to identify the woman caught on surveillance over the weekend setting fires.

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 Sgt. Hugo Perez.

Investigators said there have been at least six other arson fires, of which two occurred inside churches and two in dumpsters, that have occurred in the area since late July.

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.

Police planned to release additional information Tuesday afternoon.

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

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.