Arson Suspect Arrested

Los Angeles: Yesterday, around 4:30 p.m., a group of citizens from West Hills saw a man lighting a fire and immediately called 911.

According to investigators, Catalino Pineda, 41, was seen on a hillside near Del Valle Street and Ponce Avenue lighting a fire and walking away. Citizens followed Pineda to a nearby restaurant, kept eyes on him and waited for police to arrive.

Pineda was taken into police custody and arrested for arson. His bail was set at $75,000.00.

Pineda is a native of Guatemala. He is currently on probation for making excessive false emergency reports to law enforcement.

LAFD arson investigators Mike Camello and Robert McCloud will handle the follow-up investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Valley Area detectives at 818-374-7730. On weekends and after hours call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).