Suspect Arrested for String of Downtown Los Angeles Arson Fires

The Los Angeles City Fire Department's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) arrested a suspect in connection with several recent fires in Downtown Los Angeles.

Firefighters responded to reports of smoke in the early morning hours of July 19, 2024, on Kohler Street between 7th Street and 8th Street. Crews found a large outside fire, which spread to several commercial buildings. The major emergency structure fire took over five hours to extinguish, and injured one firefighter. Fire Investigators from LAFD ACTS arrived on scene quickly and began examining the site for evidence before the fire was fully extinguished. Their speedy response allowed them to find and extract the hard drive with all security surveillance footage of the fire being set. This proved that the blaze was caused intentionally, resulting in over seven million dollars in damage.

Since then, Investigators have linked three other fires to the same suspect, and the Los Angeles Fire Department has arrested 31-year-old Victor Marias, believed to be responsible for these arson fires in Downtown Los Angeles. The most recent fire occurred on October 3rd, 2024, on Willow Street. Another fire at that exact location occurred on September 22, 2024. In both cases, nearby residents provided surveillance footage showing the actions of collecting combustibles and setting them on fire.

The suspect is still on active probation for an incendiary fire that damaged a structure just one block away from the Kohler Fire on Palmetto Street in August of 2023.

This case will be presented to the District Attorney's Office today, October 4, 2024, with the suspect facing multiple felony charges of "Arson of a Structure" and "Arson of Property," along with a probation violation. The crime of arson is egregious because it not only threatens widespread damage to property, but threatens the lives of first responders and the public. LAFD ACTS uses every resource available to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

The assistance provided by witnesses within the community was critical in identifying and ultimately arresting the suspect. Their willingness to step forward and actively protect their neighborhood from harm is appreciated and commended. If you have any additional evidence that can help link additional fires to this case, we are still encouraging residents to help. Please report any information, photos, or video regarding these fires to the LAFD by email at [email protected].