Suspect Arrested in String of Arson Fires
A 22-year-old Torrance man has been arrested on one count of arson but investigators said he may be tied to more than 18 other South Bay fires involving garbage dumpsters, cars and trees, police said.
Douglas R. Hunziker, 22, was arrested at the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach last weekend, where he was working as a doorman. He is a suspect in a Nov. 11 fire at the club that caused $70,000 in damage and forced the evacuation of more than 200 people, investigators said.
The single arson count filed against Hunziker stems from a July 17 fire that destroyed a power boat parked on a Torrance street, said Torrance Fire Inspector Michael Freige. Hunziker posted $5,000 bail and was released from Torrance Jail Sunday.
In an interview Monday, Hunziker denied setting any fires and said he was being made a scapegoat by investigators. “It’s not true at all,” he said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
