HAWTHORNE, Calif. (KABC) -- An arson suspect was caught on camera setting a Hawthorne police SUV on fire directly in front of the station, authorities said.
The incident was captured on security video around 12:15 a.m. on Dec. 5 on Hawthorne Boulevard, according to Hawthorne police.
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The man appears to douse the patrol vehicle with an "unknown accelerant" before fleeing the scene.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. The vehicle, a Ford Explorer Police Interceptor, was deemed a total loss.
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The suspect, 24-year-old Elmer Maldonado of Hawthorne, was arrested without incident, police say.
A motive for the crime was not announced.