Arson suspect arrested for allegedly setting series of fires in Downtown Los Angeles

A serial arsonist was arrested after allegedly sparking several destructive fires in Downtown Los Angeles since July, firefighters said. 

Victor Marias, 31, is being held without bail after he was taken into custody on Thursday, jail records show. He was on active probation for setting a fire at a building in the same area back in Aug. 2023. 

Los Angeles Fire Department investigators believe that he's responsible for a series of blazes dating back to July 19, when they were called to Kohler Street between Seventh Street and Eighth Street, where they arrived to find a fire that had extended to several commercial buildings. 

That fire took crews more than five hours to extinguish and left one firefighter injured, a statement from LAFD said. 

Investigators obtained surveillance footage of the fire being set, the statement noted. This evidence was later linked to three other fires that they say Marias also set. 

The most recent fire that he's connected to happened on Thursday on Willow Street, as well as another fire at the same location on Sept. 22. 

"In both cases, nearby residents provided surveillance footage showing the actions of collecting combustibles and setting them on fire," the statement said. "The assistance provided by witnesses within the community was critical in identifying and ultimately arresting the suspect. Their willingness to step forward and actively protect their neighborhood from harm is appreciated and commended."

While their investigation continues, LAFD asks anyone who may know more to contact them at LAFDArson@lacity.org.