A German national, named as Harry Burkhart, has been arrested following a long weekend of arson attacks across the city of Los Angeles.

At least 52 fires were started since Friday, causing over $3 million worth of damage and leaving many in the city terrified during the holiday weekend.

The fires were mostly started in parked cars before spreading to nearby buildings, forcing many residents from their homes in the small hours. Fortunately, despite the widespread damage, there have only been reports of one woman being treated for smoke inhalation, and a firefighter being treated for injuries after falling from a ladder.

Burkhart was arrested after resembling a “person of interest” in CCTV images. A Deputy Sherriff pulled him over in a van that arson investigators had been searching for. The investigation has involved several detectives and a reward of $60,000 was on offer to catch the perpetrator.

Possible motive

The man is believed to have been an LA resident for some years, and while a motive is yet to be identified, there are reports that the possible deportation of Burkhart’s mother could have contributed.

Police chief Charlie Beck told the press: "I feel very good that we've got the right guy." He indicated there were “fire starter sticks” in the vehicle, and since the arrest at around 3am on Monday morning, there have been no further reported fires.

Two other people were arrested in connection with the fires on Friday but were ruled out following more fires during the course of Saturday morning, while they were still being detained.

Associated Press report on the fires and the arrest of a "person of interest" shown on CCTV

On Sunday night, the CCTV images were released of a “person of interest”, who it is reported was recognised by a state official as the same man who had recently made a scene during an immigration hearing relating to his mother. The LA times quote a ‘senior LAPD source’ as saying he shouted ‘anti-American statements’ in the court.

Police were given the details of a minivan suspected to belong to him, and by Monday morning, Burkhart had been detained.

The fires occurred mostly across the Hollywood area of the city, and included the former LA home of Jim Morrison, the late frontman of the Doors.

There was also a fire at the Hollywood and Highland entertainment complex, a popular tourist destination which borders the Hollywood walk of fame – this was where the CCTV that led to the arrest was taken.