Watch CBS News

Hunt in Calif. for serial arsonist intensifies

Serial arsonist on the loose in San Jose 01:35

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The hunt for an arsonist intensifies as two more suspicious fires strike a downtown San Jose neighborhood that has seen a string of fires this week, reports CBS San Francisco.

Fire Department Capt. Rob Brown said Sunday 11 of 13 fires that broke out in the area were intentionally set. They include two that struck early Sunday. 

sj_serial_arsonist.jpg
Sketch of serial arsonist suspected in a string of fires in San Jose. CBS
One was extinguished by residents before firefighters arrived, and a second one further charred a storage trailer that was burned in a Wednesday blaze behind a Baptist church.

Brown said the arsonist appeared to be growing bolder by apparently returning to the scene of the crime.

Authorities have released a sketch of the suspect and offered up to $10,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.