Homeless Man Arrested for Arson After Setting Tree on Fire in Pasadena

A 29-year-old homeless man was arrested for arson after allegedly setting a tree on fire on Wednesday afternoon, according to Pasadena Police Lieutenant Monica Cuellar.

Javier Delgado was taken into custody at approximately 3:15 p.m. on June 4 in the area of 80 East Holly Street, Cuellar reported.

Officers initially responded to the location for a fire call and discovered Delgado standing about six feet away from a burning tree, according to Cuellar.

Delgado allegedly admitted to starting the fire, Cuellar said. He was subsequently arrested on arson charges.

Evidence was reportedly recovered at the scene.

The Pasadena Fire Department responded to extinguish the blaze, which was contained to the single tree and did not spread to other vegetation or structures, Lieutenant Cuellar confirmed.

No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

The arrest comes as fire departments across Southern California remain on heightened alert during the dry season when vegetation fires pose increased risks to public safety.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Pasadena Police at (626) 744-4241 or report information anonymously by contacting “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) via your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org