Accused Local Serial Arsonist in Court Today

Arraignment is scheduled this morning for Javier Adolfo Viera, who is accused of setting or trying to set a series of fires in Pasadena, South Pasadena and Los Angeles.

The arraignment is scheduled today in Dept. 5 of the Alhambra Courthouse, 150 W. Commonwealth Ave.

Viera, 35, is facing 10 counts of arson of a structure or forest, six counts of arson of property of another and two counts of attempting or aiding in an attempt to burn a structure, forest or property.

Viera is suspected in 21 arson/attempted arson incidents in South Pasadena, four in Pasadena and one in Los Angeles since mid-November.

The burnings began as small vegetation fires and escalated to blazes set under or involving parked vehicles. There was also a fire involving the exterior door to a business, authorities said.

Police said they got a break in the case when fingerprints were recovered from an incendiary device that did not burn completely. Viera was under surveillance by detectives when he was arrested in connection with a car fire in Los Angeles.