A 48-year-old man from Los Angeles has been charged with multiple felony arson counts after allegedly setting three fires, including one at a strip club.
Cyrus Farsaad is accused of setting fire to several locations in Los Angeles, including a warehouse in the Fashion District and a gentlemen’s club in Canoga Park.
Details of the Alleged Fires
According to a news release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Farsaad is accused of setting the first fire on March 2 at an electrical vault inside a warehouse in the Fashion District.
The fire self-extinguished, but Farsaad allegedly returned to the same location on March 8 and set the fire again. This time, the fire spread but caused no major damage or injuries.
On March 5, Farsaad allegedly set fire to a gentlemen’s club in the Canoga Park area of Los Angeles. This fire caused significant damage to the structure, with charring, heat, and smoke damage reported. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Farsaad has been charged with one felony count of arson of property and two felony counts of arson of structure. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on March 19, and his preliminary hearing is set for April 7.
If convicted, Farsaad could face up to 14 years and 4 months in prison. He is currently being held in the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles, with a bond set at $200,000.
Statement from Authorities
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman called serial arsonists a serious threat, stating, “They threaten property, livelihoods, and put lives at risk. This conduct will not be tolerated.”
He praised the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for their quick response and arrest.
Chief Thomas Raymond of the LAFD also spoke about the severity of serial arson, stating, “Serial arson is not a property crime; it is a direct threat to civilian lives and to every firefighter we send in to stop it.”
