LAPD looking for arson suspect accused of setting 3 fires in Sherman Oaks

SHERMAN OAKS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- After multiple vehicles were damaged late Tuesday night when a fierce fire broke out at an apartment complex in Sherman Oaks, police are now confirming they are looking for an arsonist connected to two other fires in the neighborhood.

Firefighters responded to the complex at 4721 Kester Ave. around 10:30 p.m. The fire, which erupted in the carport area of the building, damaged several vehicles and the windows of two units before firefighters arrived.

Conan Pollakoff who lives in the building next door rushed inside to alert his father, who was sleeping with his hearing aids off.

"I got him out with one of the cats, and went back in for another one," said Pollakoff. "By the time I got into his house, the fire was probably to where we are standing. It was like a big wall."

The fire destroyed four cars, including a new BMW X3 that belonged to Pollakoff's father, Jeff Pollakoff.

"I took that out of my life savings to buy that car. It's the only car I ever owned, that was anything other than an entry-level car," Jeff Pollakoff said.

The Department of Water and Power was notified regarding damage that the electrical panels for the two exposed buildings sustained, the fire department said.

The carport fire was one of three such fires that burned overnight, forcing fire crews to scramble to extinguish them. The LAFD also responded to the 4600 block of Columbus Street for a structure fire and the 15000 block of Ventura Boulevard for a commercial building fire.

No injuries were reported.

Arson investigators and LAPD detectives determined that the fires were connected.

Investigators have not identified the arson suspect and are actively seeking evidence to identify the suspect, according to LAPD.

Detectives said that a male suspect riding a bicycle was seen at the Kester Avenue apartment complex. He was seen riding his bike to the rear of the carport at approximately 10:30 p.m. The suspect then got off his bike and ignited a vehicle in the carport.

"He has a backpack. He comes up to one of the cars, he bends down, he drops some accelerant, it looks like he pries open one of the gas tanks, he lit something, seconds later, as you can see in the video, an explosion," said James Reese, who captured the arsonist on his Ring camera.

At approximately 11:40 p.m., a suspect on a bicycle was seen in the area of the arson of the commercial building.

Anyone with information is urged to call Major Crimes Detective Seston at (213) 486-7260. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1(877) LAPD-24-7 (877) 527-3247. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also download the "P-3 Tips" mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

City News Service, Inc. contributed to this report.