Local News in Brief : Transient Held in 12 Fires
Police have arrested a transient for allegedly setting 12 fires over three nights in carports and trash cans in an affluent section of Santa Monica.
The arson suspect, Paul Andrew D’Ambrosia, 34, had previously been detained in a Santa Monica park and turned over to the Secret Service for threatening to kill President Reagan, Santa Monica Police Sgt. Barney Melekian said. He was apparently released after questioning in that May 2 incident, Melekian said.
Melekian said a team of fire and police investigators followed D’Ambrosia for three nights after a rash of arson fires began last Monday. They watched him set two fires in trash cans and a third in a dumpster before arresting him Saturday night, Melekian said.
D’Ambrosia was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
“It is unclear as to his motives,” Melekian said. “He does not appear to be mentally stable.”
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