Staff Reports

David Lin (Photo Courtesy: L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept.)

SGV – Suspect, David Lin, 42, a local transient man (formerly of West Covina), was arrested on Tues., Feb. 3 for an unusual arson spree taking its toll on retail establishment restrooms in and around the City of Rowland Heights since December 2014.

Lin, in multiple acts of dangerous bravado, allegedly paid visits to local restaurants during business hours and set fires in toilets, using toilet paper, seat covers and other flammable materials as kindling.

In total, seven fires were set in local establishments within approximately two months (three within one day), including L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in Walnut; Rolling Wok, McDonald’s, Del Taco, Ten Ren’s Tea Time, and Office Depot in Rowland Heights; and Guppy House in Hacienda Heights

According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, surveillance photos, witness accounts and other information led detectives to Lin, who was spotted by a patrol on the afternoon of Feb. 3.   Although no injuries were reported from the fires, thousands of dollars in property damage occurred from Lin’s alleged arson binge.

Lin was arrested on suspicion of arson, felony evading of police and drug possession.  Lin – who is reportedly living out of his car – was arraigned on Thurs., Feb 5, and is being held on $250,000 bail pending a Feb. 19 hearing.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Arson/Explosives Detail at (323) 881-7500.