German arrested in L.A. arsons declares, 'I hate America'

Harry Burkhart, a German citizen and resident of Hollywood, was arrested in connection to the 53 arson fires set across Los Angeles.Police arrested a Hollywood resident believed to become a German citizen on Monday in connection having a wave of 53 arson fires across Los Angeles that terrorized neighborhoods over the vacation weekend.Harry Burkhart, 24, was taken into custody early on Monday morning following a reserve sheriff's deputy spotted him driving a van similar to one becoming sought following a string of fires set in Los Angeles, Hollywood and surrounding communities.

Authorities booked Burkhart on suspicion of arson and said he was being held at Los Angeles County jail. Authorities declined to comment on a Los Angeles Times report that Burkhart was embroiled in an immigration dispute using the federal government over the standing of his mother.

L. A. Weekly also quoted police sources that Burkhart declared "I hate America," when he was detained.

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"Our lengthy, four-day nightmare is over," Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said at a Monday evening press conference.

"This continues to be literally a nightmare for individuals who live on the west side of L.A., the San Fernando Valley and West Hollywood," Yaroslavsky said. "I reside in that neighborhood and I haven't had a good night's rest because last week. I am searching forward to that tonight."

Burkhart was expected to become suggested of the charges against him at a hearing on Wednesday.

'MOST Harmful ARSONIST'

But Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said that federal law enforcement agents "who happen to be privy to removal hearings" had acknowledged the suspect from surveillance videotape taken close to several of the fires.

Burkhart's van had Canadian license plates, Beck stated.

The chief stated detectives believed that Burkhart acted alone but said residents should remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

The first of the over 50 arson blazes broke out on Friday. The rash of fires, most of them set in vehicles and parking structures, some spreading to carports and houses, continued in to the early morning hrs of Monday morning.

The spate of arsons left residents on edge throughout the holiday weekend, as fires broke out seemingly at random across neighborhoods and sirens screamed via the evening.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca said the person who had set the fires was "perhaps the most dangerous arsonist in the County of L.A. that I can recall."

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said the fires had caused an estimated $3 million in damage. "These were serious, possibly deadly crimes that needlessly endangered thousands of innocent lives," he said.

There were no fatalities caused by the fires but 1 firefighter was injured and an additional person suffered from smoke inhalation during a blaze that broke out on New Year's Eve.

Certainly one of the fires damaged a home within the Hollywood Hills exactly where late rocker Jim Morrison was inspired to write the 1968 song "Love Street" about his girlfriend.

Baca stated that the deputy credited with detaining Burkhart was a part-time reserve officer who tends to make only $1 a year simply because he's basically a volunteer. (Additional reporting by Mary Slosson; Editing by Greg McCune)

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2012/0103/German-arrested-in-L.A.-arsons-declares-I-hate-America

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