Just before one o’clock in the morning on Sunday the 21st, residents of an apartment complex in Pomona heard explosions coming from behind their homes. When they looked out of their windows, they saw flames and smoke coming from behind their apartments. Firefighters responded quickly, but not fast enough to save the carport from being destroyed. About six cars parked there were completely destroyed as well as a resident’s boat. The cars parked across from the carport also suffered damage because the heat from the flames was so strong.
Residents are how wondering how they will be able to purchase new vehicles and have to cope with living with no transportation in the meantime. On top of that, the smoke was so intense that they are not able to live in their homes until it clears. Officials have stated that they the damage will amount to $40,000. People in the area are frightened because the arsonist has not yet been caught. This attack was not the first of the night as it is believe that the same arsonist set fire to other cars and a trash bin earlier that evening. Although they have not released a description of the arsonist, authorities are asking for anyone with information to contact them.
According to the California Penal Code §450-457.1 (2011), arson is defined as willfully setting fire to a structure, forest land, or property. Arson is always charged as a felony as it shows disregard for the safety and lives of those around them. If the arson does result in injury, the individual could be placed in prison for up to nine years. If the structure that was set on fire was an inhabited property, they could be facing up to eight years in prison. As no one was injured in this case, the individual could be facing up to three years behind bars.
