Serial arsonist sought in Long Beach fires

On May 16, shortly after midnight, surveillance cameras mounted on the Green Room, a marijuana dispensary in Long Beach, recorded a hooded man carrying milk jugs apparently filled with gasoline.

Minutes later, the man is seen running away from the burning building with his right arm on fire.

The short video clip was played at a Monday news conference regarding a string of fires in the central part of town — 22 in the last six months. Authorities said they have been unable to determine if the man in the video, whom they estimate to be 18 to 25 years old and heavyset, is the serial arsonist.

Most of the fires have been in an area bordered by 14th Street on the north, 7th Street on the south, Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue on the west and Junipero Avenue on the east.

Authorities said they suspect the arsonist may be living in that area.

The investigation involves the Long Beach Fire Department’s arson unit in collaboration with the Long Beach Police Department, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Long Beach Fire Capt. Patrick Wills said the ATF has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the arsonist in four fires that include the Green Room, a women’s nutrition center and two vehicles that were torched on Thanksgiving weekend. Informants can call the Long Beach Fire Department’s arson hotline, at (562) 570-2582.

Wills said authorities believe those fires are connected because of their proximity and times of the fires, which were set within 24 hours. No injuries have been reported.

Monday’s announcement comes about seven months after authorities arrested Joshua Thomas, 26, in connection with a separate string of blazes. He has pleaded not guilty.

ruben.vives@latimes.com