Prosecutors have asked for further investigation into one of two suspects arrested on suspicion of attempted murder for allegedly starting a brush fire last week in Eagle Rock next to a homeless encampment that threatened dozens of homes.
The fire was ignited by an incendiary device after a someone inside a blue pickup truck exchanged words with the occupants of a homeless encampment, leading authorities to conclude the fire was set with the intention of killing the campers, the sources said.
The men were arrested Saturday afternoon at a home on Hill Drive in Eagle Rock, a few blocks away from where the fire started near the encampment next to the Glendale Freeway.
Records identified them as Bryan A. Araujocabrera, 25, of Pacoima and Daniel M. Nogueira, also, 25, of Eagle Rock.
Both were booked by detectives from the LAPD's Major Crimes unit, which works with LA City Fire Department investigators on certain arson cases. Jail records showed Nogueira was released Sunday after posting $1 million bail and was due to appear in court later this month. Araujocabrera remains in custody.
It was not immediately clear if Araujocabrera will be released from custody. Prosecutors are still reviewing the case against a second suspect in the fire, Daniel M. Noguiera, according to Greg Risling of the District Attorney's Office.
The fire started just after 4 p.m. Aug. 25 in the 2900 block of Colorado Boulevard, on a hillside near the Glendale Freeway. Within hours it had grown to about 30 acres and led to the evacuation of about 100 homes in Glendale, fire officials said.
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City News Service contributed to this report.
