Man suspected of setting Christmas tree ablaze in Hawthorne
A man walking away from a burning Christmas tree has admitted to setting it on fire, police said Monday.
Ivory Howard, 22, of Hawthorne was arrested about 8:30 a.m. Thursday after police received a report of someone igniting a Christmas tree on fire in the 11900 block of York Avenue, Hawthorne police Lt. Gary Tomatani said
A witness provided police a description of the suspect. Officers found the burning tree and Howard walking nearby.
"When informed by the officer that someone matching his description had been reported to police
for lighting a Christmas tree on fire, the subject ultimately admitted he had done so," Tomatani said. "The suspect was found with a cigarette lighter in his possession.
County firefighters put out the fire before it could spread to adjacent parked cars on the street.
The witness positively identified Howard as the person who set the tree on fire. Howard was held on suspicion of arson, Tomatani said.
Tomatani said every year trees left on the curb are set on fire. Sometimes they are close enough to car or buildings to cause damage. Residents should immediately call 911 if they witness an arson, or call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS with information about past fires.
About the Blogger
Larry Altman has covered crime in the South Bay since 1990. He's seen it all - the missing model who turned up dead in the desert, the wives found dead in trunks, the high-school coaches who get a little too close to their players. He drives his young colleagues nuts with his "I remember when" stories. He welcomes your tips and observations about the present, and you can mix in a little Lakers basketball talk if you like.
E-mail Larry at larry.altman@dailybreeze.com.
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