Crime & Safety

Arson Suspect to be Back in Court on Monday

Javier Adolfo Viera is suspected in 21 arson/attempted arson incidents in South Pasadena, four in Pasadena and one in Los Angeles since mid-November.

A South Pas man accused of setting or trying to set a series of fires in South Pasadena, Pasadena and Los Angeles is scheduled to be in court again on Monday to set a date for a preliminary hearing.

Javier Adolfo Viera, 35, is charged with 10 counts of arson of a structure or forest, six counts of arson of property of another and two counts of attempting or aiding in an attempt to burn a structure, forest or property.

According to an April report by CBS News, Viera was arrested in connection with a car fire on the 6100 block of Oak Hill Avenue in Highland Park.

He pleaded not guilty in June to 18 felony counts.

Viera is suspected in 21 arson/attempted arson incidents in South Pasadena, four in Pasadena and one in Los Angeles since mid-November. The incidents started as small vegetation fires and escalated to blazes set under or involving parked vehicles, and one involving the exterior door to a business.

A break in the case came when fingerprints were recovered from an incendiary device that did not burn completely, police said.

Find out what's happening in South Pasadenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Viera was under surveillance by detectives when he was arrested April 21 in connection with a car fire in Los Angeles, according to police.

-- City News Service and Dan Abendschein

Find out what's happening in South Pasadenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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