Pretrial Hearing Set for Suspect in Pasadena Church Arson, Carjacking Case

A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 2, at 8:30 a.m. in Pasadena Superior Court for Michael Monzon, a 32-year-old Alhambra resident who faces charges of arson, attempted carjacking and burglary in connection with a series of incidents in Pasadena earlier this year.

Monzon is accused of setting fire to Dream Church, formerly known as Grace Korean Methodist Church, in downtown Pasadena around 9 p.m. on January 19 and starting another blaze in a parking lot two days later in the 1100 block of East Colorado Boulevard.

The defendant allegedly attempted to carjack a victim at a gas station in the 1800 block of East Colorado Boulevard hours before the second arson incident on January 21, using what appeared to be a firearm during the incident.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies arrested Monzon on January 24 in Temple City on unrelated charges.

Pasadena Police Department detectives later connected him to the arson and carjacking incidents, with the Departments’ collaboration playing a crucial role in identifying and apprehending him as the alleged suspect.

During his arrest, investigators reportedly recovered an item made to look like a gun that they believe was used in the attempted carjacking.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged Monzon with two counts of arson, burglary, attempted carjacking and carrying a dirk or dagger.

The fire at Dream Church caused minor damage but no injuries. Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the arsons as the investigation remains ongoing.

Monday’s hearing will take place in Department B of the Pasadena Courthouse at 300 E. Walnut St. Monzon is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.