LAPD Announces the Arrest of a Serial Arsonist NR24340cm

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Major Crimes Division announce the arrest of a serial arsonist.

On October 20, 2024, at 10:30 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to a series of vehicle and structure fires in the area of Ventura Boulevard and Kester Street. Major Crimes Division’s investigation identified a local Van Nuys man in his 40’s as being responsible for the series of arson fires.

On December 18, 2024, the suspect, who was identified as 42-year-old Ricardo Villanueva, was detained for an unrelated traffic violation by Van Nuys patrol officers. The officers identified Villanueva from a wanted flyer prepared by Major Crimes Division Detectives.

Major Crimes Division Detectives arrested Villanueva for the arson from October 20, 2024. He was arrested for 451(c) PC: Arson of a Structure and 451(d) PC: Arson of Personal Property. His booking number is 6938133 and his total bail was set at $230,000.00.

Anyone with information is urged to call Major Crimes Detectives 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 (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P-3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.