GLENDALE : Gift Shop Struck by 3rd Arson Fire

An arson fire--the second in a little more than a month--again damaged a Glendale gift shop early Monday, the shopkeeper said.

Authorities said no one was injured in the 12:39 a.m. blaze at the Armenia Gift Store, 900 E. Palmer Ave. No damage figure was available.

Investigators believe that someone shattered the store’s front window and ignited flames inside, police said.

Firefighters responded after a security alarm went off.

Fire and police officials do not believe that it was a hate crime, said Glendale Police Sgt. Lief Nicolaisen.

Store owner Alex Keshishian said arsonists had struck twice before--the first time three years ago.

The Oct. 8, 1990, blaze caused $30,000 damage after someone poured gas through a mail slot and ignited it.

On March 19, flames destroyed two sections of his shop and damaged a third, causing $350,000 in damage.

Keshishian, who set up shop nearly five years ago, is asking anyone with information about Monday’s fire to call (818) 545-7716.

An unspecified reward has been offered.

“I want to find who my enemy is,” he said. “I have good relations with everybody. . . . I’m surprised (as to) who can do this.”