Man Suspected of Setting Fire to Kathleen’s Restaurant is Arrested

[UPDATED] A man is accused of arson in connection with a fire that damaged a Pasadena restaurant early Wednesday, officials said.

The blaze broke out just after 4:20 a.m. at Kathleen’s Restaurant, 595 N. Lake Ave., according to city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. Firefighters arrived to find an “exterior fire that extended into the interior and attic.”

Firefighters extinguished the flames. No injuries were reported.

A review of surveillance footage from a nearby business showed a man appearing to ignite the fire, Pasadena police Lt. Sean Dawkins said.

He could be seen tossing an unidentified item into the bushes in front of the restaurant, just before smoke begins emanating from the spot where the item was tossed, according to the lieutenant.

Officers found a man matching the description of the alleged arsonist about 7 a.m. within the same neighborhood, Dawkins said. Christopher Richer, described as a 37-year-old transient, was taken into custody without a struggle.

He was booked on suspicion of arson and making criminal threats, Dawkins said.

A motive for the crime was not clear.

According to Los Angeles County booking records, bail for Richer was set at $50,000 pending his initial court appearance.

Wednesday’s fire marked the second time in just over two weeks that a Pasadena restaurant sustained fire damage.

Villa Sorriso on Colorado Blvd. in Old Pasadena suffered a significant fire to its kitchen are on Jan. 18, officials said. The fire was blamed on an electrical malfunction, and the restaurant was expected to remain closed for several months to allow for repairs.

See also:

Second Pasadena Restaurant Hit by Fire as Kathleen’s Restaurant is Damaged This Morning

Sorriso Italian Cafe Badly Damaged in Fire