Arson Suspect Arrested in North Hollywood NR11357an

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police and Los Angeles City Fire Arson investigators arrest suspect for arson in North Hollywood early this morning.

During the early morning hours of August 2, 2011, several investigators from the Los Angeles City Fire Department’s Arson Squad along with officers and detectives from the North Hollywood Police Division were conducting surveillance in and around the Lankershim corridor in North Hollywood where a series of suspected arsons have occurred during the past several weeks.
 
Around 4:00 a.m. this morning Kurt Billie of North Hollywood was observed setting fire to a vehicle in the 7500 block of Troost Avenue.  Investigators detained Billie in the area of Valerio and Lankershim a short distance away and arrested him for setting the fire.

Billie is described as a male White, 34 years of age and a resident of North Hollywood.  Billie was booked for arson at the Van Nuys Jail and held on $250,000 bail.  The Los Angeles City Fire Department Arson investigators will continue to further their investigation to determine if Billie can be connected to the more than 20 arsons that have occurred since July 17th in the North Hollywood area.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call LAFD Arson at 213-485-6095.  Anonymous tips can be called into Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.