Pasadena Police, Fire Departments Announce Arrest in Series of Arson Fires From Late May

A 33-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a series of arson fires that occurred throughout Pasadena during the week of May 25, the Pasadena Police Department and Pasadena Fire Department said in a joint announcement.

Manuel Marias was located and taken into custody Tuesday in the City of Duarte by personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the departments said. He was booked at the Sheriff’s Department’s Temple Station in Temple City, and bail was set at $400,000.

The arrest, announced Thursday, was the result of coordinated investigative efforts between Pasadena Police Department detectives and Pasadena Fire Department personnel who, the press release said, worked diligently to identify and apprehend the individual believed to be responsible for the fires.

The investigation began after multiple fires broke out in the city during the week of May 25, according to information provided by Pasadena spokeswoman Lisa Derderian.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, the departments said. Detectives continue to work closely with Pasadena Fire Department investigators to determine whether additional incidents may be connected to the suspect and to complete the case for prosecution. Additional details regarding charges and the circumstances surrounding the incidents will be released as they become available, the press release said.

“This arrest reflects the strong partnership between the Pasadena Police Department and the Pasadena Fire Department and our shared commitment to protecting the community,” Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris said in the joint press release. “We are grateful for the diligence of our investigators and the assistance provided by our law enforcement partners in bringing this suspect into custody.”

The two departments thanked community members for their vigilance, cooperation, and timely reporting of suspicious activity throughout the investigation, the release said. Public safety remains the departments’ highest priority, and both said they remain committed to holding those responsible for criminal activity accountable.

Anyone with information related to the incidents is encouraged to contact Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Arson Investigator Oscar Corcio at (323) 881-7500. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477), through the P3 Tips mobile application, or by visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org