On Monday the Glendale Police Department arrested Steven Skendzic, a 19-year-old drifter, on arson charges relating to 27 fires that occurred between January 2014 and January 2015 in the city of Glendale.

In January 2014, the Glendale Police Department began investigating a series of arson fires in the South Command Area during the nighttime and early morning hours. The fires consisted mostly of discarded rubbish left on the sidewalk and alleys, such as mattresses, furniture pieces and papers. Several dumpster fires located in alleys had also been reported and investigated.

The most serious fire occurred on April 19, 2014 at approximately 4:57 a.m. The Glendale Police Department and the Glendale Fire Department responded to a garage fire in the 400 Block of East Harvard Street. The fire was quickly extinguished by the Glendale Fire Department and there were no injuries reported. Investigation revealed a mattress that was leaning up against a telephone pole was deliberately set on fire, igniting and spreading to a nearby garage containing a car and personal items. The damages were estimated at $250,000.00.

As a result of the lengthy investigation; evidence collected, citizen interviews, countless hours of surveillance by Glendale Detectives and the collaboration with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, STEVAN SKENDZIC was identified as the suspect allegedly responsible for the Glendale fires, was taken into custody and charged with arson.

“This is another exemplary and tenacious investigation by the members of the Glendale Police Department. The detectives and officers utilized investigative and technical resources to apprehend and remove this dangerous individual from our community,” said Chief Robert Castro. “Arson investigations are difficult and dangerous. We are pleased Stevan Skendzic is in custody, and there were no injuries or deaths as a result of his dangerous behavior.”

On Wednesday the case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office in Pasadena and five felony counts of arson were filed.

The case remains under investigation by Glendale Detectives. If anyone has information relating to this case, they are encouraged to contact the Glendale Police Department at 818-548-4911.