(July 3, 2009) -- LBReport.com has learned that a NLB property owner played a key role in apprehending a suspect in a recent arson fire on his property.
The chain of events began on June 27, 2009 when a fire, which LBFD now considers an arson, occurred at NLB's Paradise Garden apartment complex (6400 block Atlantic Ave., across from Jordan High). On December 8, 2006, that location was the scene of one of the worst fires in LB history...and Dan Wayne, who has an ownership interest in the property, took the recent small fire very seriously (as does LBFD).
Mr. Wayne suspected that the recent fire may have been an arson. He downloaded video captured by security cameras he has on the premises. One of the cameras recorded a non-tenant in the building's basement area in the 2:00 a.m hour.
LBFD released image
Mr. Wayne brought the video to the attention of investigators. An LBFD summary of events provided to LBReport.com by Battalion Chief/Public Information Officer Frank Hayes concludes that the suspect allegedly entered the trash area, stayed inside for several minutes, exited and about ten minutes later the fire sprinkler activated and the fire was burning.
LBFD advised Mr. Wayne to prepare fliers for his tenants and LBFD was preparing to seek the public's help in identifying the suspect when the following occurred.
On July 2, Mr. Wayne drove to the building to deliver fliers he'd prepared for his tenants. To his surprise, he spotted a man walking nearby along Atlantic Ave. who looked just like the individual on the security cam video.
"He was a dead-ringer for the person on the security video," said Mr. Wayne...who immediately contacted LBPD and alerted an LBFD investigator with whom he'd been working. Officers arrived...and the man (who near the apartment complex) was arrested as a suspect in the case.
LBFD Battalion Chief/Public Information Officer Frank Hayes told LBReport.com that LBFD's Arson Division is conducting an ongoing investigation in the case. (As of our writing before dawn today (July 3), the case hasn't gone to the D.A.'s office, which will decide whether to file formal charges against the suspect.)
BC/PIO Hayes credits "the partnership between the management of the facility and the LBFD Arson Investigaton Division" for their efforts in seeking to prevent a future blaze at the apartment complex.
For his part, Mr. Wayne says he and his management team very much appreciate the diligent work of LBFD investigator Pat Wills on the case.
