Person of Interest Identified in Los Angeles Arson Fire

Investigators have identified a person of interest in the Los Angeles arson fire that closed a central freeway for days. The individual is described as a man 30 to 35 years old, about 6 feet tall and weighing between 77 and 86 kilograms.

Investigators are seeking the public's help in identifying a person of interest in the Los Angeles arson fire last week that closed a central freeway for days. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire, and the State Fire Marshal released two photos in a crime alert notification posted to social media. The individual is described as a man 30 to 35 years old, about 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall and weighing between 77 kilograms and 86 kilograms. Details about how he was identified were not immediately released.

Person of Interest Description

The photographs show him wearing blue shorts, a black hooded sweatshirt, a green scarf, and a brace on his right knee. He is carrying a backpack and appears to have visible burn injuries on his left leg. Representatives for the mayor, the governor, and the state fire marshal did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The state fire marshal oversees the agency's Arson and Bomb Unit, which is investigating the fire.

Freeway Reopening Ahead of Schedule

All lanes of Interstate 10 near downtown are expected to reopen by Tuesday, far ahead of the initial three-to-five-week schedule. Crews were brought in to shore up the mile-long stretch after the blaze last Saturday burned about 100 support columns. The fire spread quickly over 8 acres (3 hectares) and was fed by pallets, cars, construction materials, hand sanitizer, and other items stored under the freeway in an industrial neighborhood. No injuries were reported, but at least 16 homeless people living in an encampment there were taken to shelters.

Ongoing Investigation

The arson investigation is ongoing, officials said. No arrests have been made, and Gov. Gavin Newsom has said investigators are trying to determine if more than one person was involved. An estimated 300,000 vehicles use the stretch of freeway daily, which runs east-west across the heart of the metropolis and connects with other major highways. The city has been urging people to avoid the area, take buses and trains or work from home.

The Los Angeles arson fire last week caused significant damage to a central freeway, disrupting traffic and prompting an investigation. Investigators have released photos of a person of interest and are seeking the public's help in identifying him. With the freeway expected to reopen ahead of schedule, efforts are underway to restore normalcy in the area. The ongoing investigation aims to determine the cause of the fire and identify any individuals involved.