Apex Development, Inc. ("Apex"), is pushing back at comments made by L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, Calif. Governor Newsom, and others that they will likely be the subject of a criminal investigation related to the I-10 fire.
Caltrans is already suing to evict Apex over accusations that the company has not paid rent, but in a statement obtained by KNX News, Apex says they are being "unfairly scapegoated for something over which it had no control."
The company said it is "deeply saddened" by the damage caused, "However, since at least October of this year, at the direction of the California Department of Transportation (“CalTrans”) Apex has not been able to access the premises."
Apex also said, during their lease, Caltrans inspected the premises at least once a year and was fully aware of the sublessees.
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The statement goes on to say, "Apex rented and improved the rundown yard and made substantial capital investments during the period that it had possession of the yard."
The company acknowledges the eviction suit but says it was retaliation for a lawsuit Apex brought against CalTrans in June for, "CalTrans’ breach of agreement related to Apex’s capital improvements to the premises and the escalating issue of the unhoused."
"It is unfortunate that Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass have used this incident to speculate and mischaracterize Apex and its principals as "bad actors" to excuse their own failures to adequately address the public safety issues caused by the unhoused," said the statement.
The company said on multiple occasions, employees called the Los Angeles Fire Department to report fires started by unhoused in the area but were "treated dismissively."
Although Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday that the fire was found to be arson thanks, in part, to footage from cameras in the area, there were no immediate indications it was ignited by the unhoused.
CalFire detectives are still working to identify a suspect. Anyone with information is urged to call 800-468-4408.
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