Man accused of firebombing Pasadena business; suspect arrested last month after 3-hour chase for vandalism, threats against same victims

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PASADENA >> A man firebombed a Pasadena water store with two people inside Friday, less than a month after his arrest for threatening the same victims and vandalizing their property before leading authorities on a three-hour televised pursuit, officials said.
Karnik Kendirian, 48, is accused of attempted murder and arson after using gasoline to set fire to SoCal Water, 1677 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena police and fire officials said.
The suspect showed up at the businesses, which had an attacked residence where two adult residents were inside, about 1:20 a.m., Pasadena police Lt. John Mercado said.
1122_NWS_PSN-L-FIREBOMB2“He breaks their plate glass window, thrown in a gas can and ignites it,” Mercado said.
The residents escaped unharmed, officials said. Kendirian fled the scene.
The fire caused about $25,000 worth of damage to the store and its contents, Pasadena Fire Department spokeswoman Lisa Derderian said.
“Luckily, we got there quick. (Firefighters) were able to limit the damage.”
The two residents inside a home attached to the rear of the business got out themselves before firefighters arrived, she said.
At the time of the alleged arson attack, Kendirian was out on bail in connection with his previous alleged crime spree, which unfolded Oct. 25. He faces charges of evading police, making criminal threats and vandalism in connection with that case.
Aware of his penchant to flee, police sent an undercover fugitive apprehension team to his home in Pasadena, where he was taken into custody shortly before noon.
1122_NWS_PSN-L-FIREBOMB3Kendirian complained of shortness of breath following his arrest, so he was taken to a hospital prior to being booked into jail, Mercado said. Officers used no force while arresting him.
The nature of Kendirian’s dispute with his alleged victims was unclear, Mercado said.
Kendirian is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment hearing on the new charges Tuesday in Pasadena Superior Court, officials said. He was being held in lieu of $1 million bail, records show.

PHOTOS courtesy of the Pasadena Fire Department

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