Long Beach fire investigators and police arrested a man accused of setting four fires in Belmont Shore during the New Year’s holiday.
Long Beach arson investigators arrested Christopher Allen Phillips, 30, of Long Beach, on suspicion of arson. He was also charged with attempted murder, since one of the fires was set at an inhabited residence, said Jake Heflin, spokesman for the Long Beach Fire Department.
Heflin said the first fire took place at about 11:55 p.m. Dec. 31 at the 100 block of Pomona Avenue. Two other fires then erupted at La Verne Avenue at 12:11 a.m. and Glendora Avenue at 12:20 a.m. on Jan. 1. The fourth blaze occurred a few hours later near the intersection of Bay Shore Avenue and Ocean Boulevard at 2:55 a.m., Heflin said.
In addition to attempted murder, Phillips has been charged with five counts of arson (two charges were filed for one of the fires since it caused damage and was lit near a structure with a person inside). No injuries were reported in any of the fires, Heflin said.
The others fires varied from trash fires to fence fires, Heflin said.
Video camera footage played a significant role in this arrest, according to authorities.
Phillips’ arraignment has been scheduled for Jan. 26 at the Long Beach Courthouse with a recommended bail amount of $1.35 million.
Long Beach fire investigators urged anyone who may have witnessed these actions or has additional video footage that may assist with the ongoing investigation to call the arson hotline at 562-570-2582. Anonymous tips may also be submitted via the hotline as well.