Help Needed Finding Man Caught On Camera Setting OC House Ablaze
YORBA LINDA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities are asking for the public's help tracking down a man caught on camera setting a Yorba Linda house on fire.
On Nov. 3, the man approached a home on the 19800 block of Felicia Drive, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.
At 10:34 a.m., surveillance video caught the suspect, a heavy-set man wearing a red pull-over jacket and blue jeans, hurling an object through a window, igniting a container of fuel and then throwing that through the broken window.
"It was like gunshots. It caught my attention because it sounded like it was right next door," neighbor James Bijani said.
A woman, in her 20s, was taking a shower at the time and was able to get out safely.
"She had made her way to the backyard because the flames had already gotten out of control," Bijani said.
Investigators say that when the man ignited the flammable liquid he set off a flash fire, which enveloped him in flames and likely burned his right hand, arm and face. It also may have singed his facial hair and clothing.
He was last seen hopping on a child's BMX-style bike and heading east on Felicia Drive toward Avenida Rio Del Oro and Yorba Linda Boulevard.
The man was also described as having a dark complexion, brown or black hair and wearing glasses.
Neighbors say the homeowner, a Los Angeles County firefighter, is in a bitter legal dispute with his contractor, but police have not yet been able to link the arson to anyone.
The fire caused more than $1 million in damage to the home.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Orange County Fire Authority Investigations Services Section at (714) 573-6720 or by emailing ocfainvestigator@ocfa.org.
