New Suspect Arrested In Fire That Scorched 5 Hermosa Beach Homes

HERMOSA BEACH, CA — A new suspect was arrested in connection to a fire that badly damaged five homes on The Strand and injured one firefighter Thursday morning.

Keith Yessner, 50, of La Quinta, was arrested on suspicion of arson yesterday at approximately 10:24 p.m. in the 1600 Block of Beach Drive.

The fire was reported on Thursday, June 13 shortly before 2 a.m. in the 800 block of The Strand, the Los Angeles County Fire Department reported. About 75 firefighters responded to the fire, which was knocked down before 3 a.m., but they remained on the scene throughout the morning, extinguishing hot spots and inspecting the damage, the City of Hermosa Beach said.

Witnesses reported seeing a man inside the structure walk out just as the fire ignited. A description was given and officers began a search for the suspect after evacuating the homes in danger, the Hermosa Beach Police Department press release said.

HBPD Officers found a man matching the description of the suspect, and arrested him for suspicion of arson. Michael Kotva was interviewed by Los Angeles County Fire Department Arson Investigators, but further investigation revealed Kotva was not responsible for igniting the fire, and he was released without charges, police said.

HBPD was provided with surveillance video from the scene of the fire, and officers "immediately recognized the arson suspect as Keith Yessner, who had previous contacts with HBPD," police said. Patrol Officers began an extensive search throughout Hermosa Beach and found Yessner in the 1600 Block of Beach Drive, where he was arrested without incident.

The Hermosa Beach Police Department is encouraging anyone with additional information or additional victims to contact Los Angeles County Fire Department Arson Investigator Randy Brown at (323) 855-0070 or randyd.brown@fire.lacounty.gov

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