Investigation Nabs Suspects in Car Fire That Seriously Injured LAFD Captain

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Fire Department is pleased to announce the arrest of Maria Porras, 35 and Rigoberto Diaz, 37 both of Los Angeles, in conjunction with an auto-insurance fraud scheme involving an auto fire which occurred near Elysian Park on January 9, 2011.

Suspect Rigoberto Diaz (Age 37)

Suspect Maria Porras (Age 35)

An LAFD Fire Captain was seriously injured battling the blaze, when an explosion occurred similar to an unrelated incident caught on tape eight months later...



Both Porras and Diaz have been charged with: Insurance Fraud, Arson of Property, Arson with Great Bodily Injury, Attempted Grand Theft and Conspiracy. The charges are all felonies.

"These arrests are the culmination of a months-long coordinated effort between LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section Investigators and Detectives with the California Department of Insurance" said Los Angeles Fire Chief Brian Cummings, who emphasized "vehicle arson is not a victimless crime".

Anyone who recognizes these persons as being tied to any other crime or fire is encouraged to contact law enforcement authorities or the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section directly at (213) 893-9800.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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