Calif. police release video footage of female arson suspect

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a woman suspected of setting fire to people's property in California, reports CBS Los Angeles.

The El Segundo Police Department has released surveillance footage of the suspect setting fire to patio furniture at a local nail salon while casually smoking a cigarette on Sunday, according to the station.

"After she lit the fire, she left the scene and some good Samaritans were able to distinguish the fire," said Sgt. Hugo Perez.

Investigators told the station there have been at least six other arsons in the El Segundo area since late July. Two were located in dumpsters and another two have occurred inside churches. Both church fires were set from inside the building. Police said the first was set by a suspect who lighting garments on fire. The second started when a suspect burned flyers and leaflets on a table.

"On both occasions, there were people inside of the church," Perez said. "Fortunately, no one was hurt."

Detectives said the suspect has dark brown or black shoulder-length hair, is no taller than 5-foot-8 and appears to be about 55 to 60 years old. She was last seen wearing a white tank top and dark pants.

Officials told CBS Los Angeles that they believe the woman may be responsible for all of the recent arson crimes because they all took placed between at a specific time of day: 8 a.m. and noon.

"When we reviewed the video, we were surprised to see that it was an older female involved," Perez said. "We believe these acts will continue, so we're encouraging the public to call us if they see her."

Those with information about the case are asked to contact detectives at (310) 524-2258 or (310) 524-2216.