Homeless Man Tries to Burn Down Pasadena Strip Mall for “Amusement”

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A 42-year-old transient admitted early Sunday morning to trying to set fire to a Pasadena strip mall for his own amusement, police said, after city firefighters and wet weather thwarted his plan.

Pasadena police Lt. John Luna said the suspect, identified as Jeremy Skynyrd, gathered newspapers and trash next to a mall business in the 2500 block of East Foothill Boulevard and set them ablaze.

The fire never grew significantly but it damaged a closed business. During the attempt, a late night donut shop was open with an employee inside. No one was injured in the arson attempt, Lt. Luna said.

Skynyrd was arrested for arson by police. Pasadena Fire Dept. spokesperson Lisa Derderian said a Fire Dept. arson investigation is underway.

No damage estimates for the strip mall were available.