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- A 31-year-old parolee was arrested on suspicion of starting a vehicle fire in Bell Gardens and was allegedly seen by police leaving the scene of a trash bin fire, authorities said today.
Authorities believe Armen Gassyan could be attached to at least four arson fires, the Bell Gardens Police Department reported. Officers responded to a vehicle fire in the 6600 block of Charner Street at about 6:20 p.m. Friday. While firefighters were battling that blaze, a second vehicle fire occurred in the 6700 block of Florence Avenue, which was also quickly quelled.
``Both vehicles had similar starting point for the fire and it appeared they were intentionally set,'' police said. A third call was received to the rear of 7200 Scout Ave., concerning a fire at an abandoned homeless encampment. Minutes later, a fourth call was received of a trash bin fire in the area of Clara Street and Garfield Avenue.
``Officers responding saw a subject in the area of fourth fire,'' police said. ``Officers recognized the subject identified as Armen Gassyan.'' Gassyan was detained and subsequently placed under arrest after admitting to setting the first vehicle fire, police said. He was currently on probation and a probation hold was obtained.