Arsonist/Vandalism Suspect Sought for Attempting to Set Church on Fire NR103xxah

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man whose image was caught on tape trying to set fire to the Los Angeles Temple Church of Latter-Day Saints church on May 17, 2010.

At around 10:30 a.m., a man walked onto to the church property located at 10777 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Los Angeles carrying combustible material inside of a backpack and thermo cup.  According to investigators, the man was thwarted when he could not get through the locked church doors.  Three hours later, a suspicious fire occurred outside in the garden area of the church property.

Police described the suspect as Middle Eastern or of Asian Indian decent in his late 20’s.  He was last seen wearing a red T-shirt and blue jeans.   

Video footage of the suspects was captured on tape and is available at www.lapdtv.org.  Also, two still photos are attached to this press release.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to call detectives at the LAPD Criminal Conspiracy Section of Major Crimes Division at 213-486-7260.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.