A convicted arsonist was arrested on suspicion of trying to set an abandoned Glendale home on fire.
On May 8, Glendale police responded to a burglary in progress at a vacant home located at 1642 S. Central Avenue shortly before 8 p.m.
The home had been red-tagged after being destroyed in a fire a week earlier, police said. Officers arriving at the home spotted the suspect, Clarence Schiebel, 56, in front of the property.
As police investigated the home, they smelled a strong odor of fresh gasoline and observed liquid on the living room floor.
Schiebel was found in possession of two lighters and a Pennzoil jug containing gasoline was found nearby. He was reportedly uncooperative during his arrest, requiring officers to physically detain him, police said.
Authorities discovered Schiebel had an outstanding $200,000 felony arson warrant issued by the Los Angeles Police Department. He had a significant criminal history, including multiple arrests and convictions for arson.
“He has served several terms in state prison and is a registered arson offender,” Glendale police said.
The case was submitted to the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office and Schiebel was charged with attempted arson, burglary, and possession of flammable/combustible material.
