Suspect arrested in Pasadena carport fire

A man suspected of setting a fire in a Pasadena apartment building carport that caused about $200,000 in damage has been arrested, authorities said Saturday. 

Lisa Derderian, a spokeswoman for the Pasadena Fire Department, said an arson investigator from her agency arrested 30-year-old Artist Knox of Pasadena at around 5:30 p.m. Friday. She declined to provide details about the circumstances of his arrest.

Knox is suspected of setting the fire just before 2 a.m. on Sept. 8. The blaze in the 600 block of South Marengo Avenue destroyed two vehicles, heavily damaged three others and damaged a building next door, authorities said. About 20 residents were evacuated from the building as firefighters worked for 15 minutes to put out the fire.

Derderian said arson investigators, who reviewed surveillance footage from video cameras in the vicinity, worked tirelessly to track down Knox.  She said several residents had called throughout the week expressing concern about the arson, and that the “quick arrest would hopefully help put their minds at ease.”

Knox is being held on $250,000 bail, Derderian said. Further details about his status were unavailable.

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-- Ann M. Simmons

Photo: A suspected arson fire was extinguished in a Pasadena apartment complex early Sept. 8. Credit: Pasadena Fire Department