Molotov Cocktail Assault Suspect Arrested NR11075rf

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Wilshire Area Major Assault Crimes and Narcotics detectives have arrested a suspect who used a Molotov cocktail device to threaten victims.

On Feb. 6, 2011, a resident from the Mid-City area of Los Angeles reported threats to his and his family’s safety from a suspect trying to collect on a debt.  That evening, a Molotov cocktail device was lit in front of his residence, prompting a response by the Los Angeles Fire Department.  The device did not cause injury or damage to the victim’s residence and was collected by LAFD arson investigators.  

Wilshire detectives worked in conjunction with LAFD arson investigators in the early stages of the investigation, which disclosed that the suspect was threatening the victim due to a drug debt owed by a family member.  Detectives believed the threat was credible and the victim would be harmed on Friday, February 11, if the debt wasn’t collected by the suspect’s deadline. In the meantime, detectives developed information that the suspect responsible for the threats and lighting the Molotov cocktail could be staying on a boat in Marina Del Rey.

On Feb. 11, 2011, Wilshire detectives conducted a follow-up investigation in Marina Del Rey where they located a boat on which the suspect, 29-year-old Dane Reynaldo, was staying.  Detectives made contact with Reynaldo and took him into custody without incident.  Also, a search warrant for Reynaldo’s West Los Angeles residence and the boat recovered a large amount of narcotics and a handgun.  

On Feb. 15, 2011, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office filed multiple felony counts against Reynaldo, including possessing and igniting a destructive device with intent to injure/intimidate, criminal threats, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and several narcotics counts.  Reynaldo’s bail has been set at $1,035,000.

Anyone with information about this incident or suspect is asked to call Wilshire Area Detective DeShon Andrews at 213-473-0510 or 213-922-8205.  During non-business hours, calls may be directed 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may contact Crimestoppers by texting the number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.