Santa Monica police step up search for serial arsonist

 Santa Monica authorities stepped up their search this morning for a serial arsonist who has struck at least six times in the last month.

The fires involved parked vehicles, shrubbery and trash bins. From Feb. 12 to Monday, the incidents were reported within a two-block radius on 2nd and 3rd streets and Washington Avenue. 

Police have stepped up patrols in the area, and the Santa Monica Arson Task Force is heading the investigation.

Anyone with information about those or other arson incidents should call Det. William Heric at (310) 458-8410, Sgt. Jay Trisler at (310) 458-8471 or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8495. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call the WeTip hotline at (800) 472-7766. 

Callers might be eligible for a reward if their information leads to an arrest and conviction.

-- Martha Groves

Comments

[Frank]

Arson in Santa Monica? Probably a bored homeless.