ATF Offering $10,000 Reward for Information Relating to Arson Incidents
LOS ANGELES — Special Agent in Charge John A. Torres of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Los Angles Field Division announced today a $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for arsons which occurred in different locations in Los Angeles, Calif.
Beginning Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 to Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, a total of 53 arson fires took place throughout Los Angeles. Following this series of fires, a multi–agency Arson Task Force assembled comprised of the Los Angeles City Fire Department, Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, the District Attorney’s Office, and the ATF. After 3 a.m. on Monday, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy arrested Harry Burkhart who was a suspect in the investigation.
This string of fires has resulted in more than $2 million of damage to vehicles and structures. In addition to the damage, one fire fighter and one citizen were injured. No fatalities were reported.
ATF is determined to perfect this case and we are confident the public can assist in providing additional information,
Torres said. These fires have caused unnecessary financial damage to the city of Los Angeles and the ATF will continue to work closely with the other task force agencies to convict the individual(s) involved.
All agencies combined will be offering a $60,000 reward for any information relating to arrests and prosecutions in this investigation.
For additional information contact the Los Angeles Arson Watch Taskforce Joint Information Center at (213) 484–4873.
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