Suspect arrested for serial arson in LA and accused of setting fire downtown

A man suspected of starting a series of fires in downtown Los Angeles – including one that required 170 firefighters to put out and caused $7 million in damage – was arrested Friday, authorities said .

The Los Angeles Fire Department identified the suspect as Victor Marias, 31. The department presented the case to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office on Friday and recommended that he face multiple charges of aggravated arson and a probation violation.

“We view the crime of arson as one of the most egregious crimes in Los Angeles, and the LAFD Arson/Counterterrorism Division is using every resource available to investigate and prosecute those responsible,” LAFD Capt. Erik Scott said in a video shared by the department.

Recent fires included a major blaze on Kohler Street on July 19 that spread to several commercial buildings and took more than five hours to extinguish. According to authorities, more than $7 million in damage was caused and one firefighter was injured.

Using surveillance camera videos, investigators identified a suspect and determined that the fire was intentionally set.

Authorities allege Marias started the fire on Kohler Street and at two other downtown homes – on Willow Street – on Sept. 22 and Oct. 3.

According to authorities, Marias is also on active probation for a fire that damaged a building just a block from the Kohler Street fire in August 2023.

“Surveillance footage shows a suspect collecting trash from a public trash can, also collecting wood for lighting and placing it near the base of a utility pole,” Scott said, describing the Oct. 3 fire. “Shortly after I left, flames erupted from the trash and eventually damaged the pole.”

There was also surveillance footage from Sept. 22 that showed a suspect setting trash on fire near the door of a store, he added. In both cases, residents provided the security footage.

“The assistance of witnesses within the community was critical to the identification and eventual apprehension of the suspect,” Scott said. “Your willingness to step forward and take an active role in protecting your own neighborhood from harm is appreciated and commended.”

The LAFD is asking residents to email additional information, photos and videos about these fires to [email protected].