Man held on suspicion of sparking San Pedro Elks Lodge fire
A 78-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of sparking a fire that destroyed the San Pedro Elks Lodge.
The arrest of Nick Pecarich resulted from an ongoing investigation by arson investigators with the Los Angeles fire and police departments and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
A Fire Department spokeswoman said Pecarich was taken into custody early Tuesday and being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.
The April 15 blaze gutted the building and sent flames and thick smoke into the sky, according to television news footage. Lodge members have vowed to rebuild the structure.
The LAFD said the investigation is ongoing and that the case would be forwarded to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, which will decide whether to file charges against Pecarich.
Twitter: @LAJourno
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