Cyrus Farsaad, 48, has been charged with multiple counts of felony arson after allegedly setting three separate fires in Los Angeles, including one at a strip club.
Arson Incidents and Charges
Farsaad was arrested and charged in connection with the fires, according to a March 20 news release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. He allegedly set fire to an electrical vault in a warehouse in the Fashion District on March 2. Although the fire self-extinguished, Farsaad reportedly 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 West Los Angeles. This fire caused significant damage to the structure, including charring, heat, and smoke damage, but no injuries were reported.
Farsaad’s Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Farsaad, described as a “serial arsonist” by the DA’s office, was 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. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 7.
If convicted, Farsaad could face up to 14 years and four 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.
Impact of Serial Arson
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman emphasized the danger posed by serial arsonists, saying, “They threaten property, livelihoods, and put lives at risk.” He commended the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for their swift actions in apprehending Farsaad.
Chief Thomas Raymond of the LAFD also stressed the severity of serial arson, calling it “not a property crime” but “a direct threat to civilian lives and to every firefighter we send in to stop it.”
