Prosecutors say repeated fires endangered property and lives across Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA – A 47-year-old Granada Hills man is facing multiple felony arson charges after prosecutors say he set a series of fires at a Canoga Park nightclub and a downtown Los Angeles warehouse earlier this month.
Cyrus Farsaad was charged with one count of arson of property and two counts of arson of structure in connection with incidents that occurred between March 2 and March 8, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on March 19.
سلسلة of fires spans Canoga Park and Fashion District
“Serial arsonists pose a grave threat to our communities. They threaten property, livelihoods and put lives at risk,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “This conduct will not be tolerated.”
Prosecutors allege Farsaad first set fire to an electrical vault at a Fashion District warehouse on March 2. The fire extinguished on its own. He allegedly returned on March 8 and set another fire at the same location, which spread and caused minor damage.
Key Points
- 47-year-old man charged with three felony arson counts in Los Angeles
- Fires reported at Fashion District warehouse and Canoga Park club
- Defendant faces up to 14 years if convicted; bail set at $200,000
Club fire caused structural damage
Authorities said Farsaad also allegedly set fire to a gentlemen’s club in Canoga Park on March 5, causing significant heat, smoke, and charring damage. The business was closed at the time, and no injuries were reported.
“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,” said Chief Thomas Raymond of the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Arson Counter-Terrorism Section.
Farsaad is being held on $200,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 7 at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. If convicted on all charges, he faces up to 14 years and four months in prison.