Burbank police arrest suspect in series of arson fires

handcuffs
Photo credit Getty Images

BURBANK (CNS) - An 18-year-old Burbank man was arrested early today in
connection with a recent series of fires that authorities say were
intentionally set.

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Cyrus Hernandez was taken into custody early Friday morning on the
grounds of the Burbank Empire Center mall, the Burbank Police Department
reported.

Hernandez was booked on suspicion of arson, and was being held on
$750,000 bail, police said. He was expected to appear in court on Tuesday.

According to police, the first fire occurred on July 15 about 9:15 p.m. in the 1700 block of Chandler Boulevard.

“Firefighters found a bush on fire that separated two single-family
homes,'' police said in a statement. ``The fire was quickly extinguished and
did not spread to either dwelling.

“Simultaneously, Burbank Police and Fire responded to a second
reported fire in the 700 block of North Parish Place, just two blocks away from
the first fire,'' police said. ``Upon arrival, they encountered a bush and
vehicle on fire in the driveway of a single-family residence. BFD was able to
extinguish the fire and damage was limited to the bush and vehicle.''

The third fire occurred on July 16 at about 11:30 p.m. in the 1300 block of Chandler Boulevard, police said.

``When emergency personnel arrived, they found a large tree on fire in
the front yard of a single-family residence,'' police said. ``Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire before it spread to the home. No injuries were reported at any of the fire locations.''

The investigation, which included a review of surveillance video, led
detectives to Hernandez, police said.

“Detectives obtained a search warrant for his residence and vehicle,'' police said. ``On July 22, 2022, just after midnight, investigators located Mr. Hernandez within the Burbank Empire Center and placed him under
arrest.''

Formal charges are pending review by the Los Angeles County District
Attorney's office. Anyone with information on the case was urged to call
Detective Kristiana Sanchez at 818-238-3210.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images