Crime & Safety
Fire Damages Valley Church, 'Worship Arson Task Force' Investigating
St. Mark's Presbyterian Church on Sherman Way incurred heavy damage.
An arson fire heavily damaged an office and classrooms on the grounds of St. Mark's Presbyterian Church in Van Nuys today, authorities said.
Firefighters sent to 17251 W. Sherman Way at 12:24 a.m. extinguished the flames in about 20 minutes, said Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The church was not damaged, and no injuries were reported.
"The cause was incendiary, and is under active investigation," Scott said.
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"The LAFD considers the crime of arson to be the most egregious crime committed in the city of Los Angeles," he said. "The LAFD will utilize all of our resources to investigate and prosecute the responsible parties for these crimes."
The fire was being investigated by the House of Worship Arson Task Force, which includes personnel from the LAFD, Los Angeles Police Department, FBI, and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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--City News Service
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