Massive arson fire suspect arrested in Los Angeles

A 56-year-old man was arrested as the suspect of a massive arson fire taking place in Los Angeles last year, police said Wednesday.

Dawud Abdulwali was arrested Tuesday by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)'s Anti-Terrorism Division in connection with the fire on Dec. 8 that destroyed an under-construction, seven-story apartment complex in downtown, melted nearby freeway signs and damaged neighboring buildings.

The overnight blaze caused a loss of 20 million U.S. dollars to 30 million to the DaVinci apartment complex. In addition, it damaged two nearby office towers owned by the city. Mayor Eric Garcetti said the city property damage in the flame totaled between 50 million dollars and 60 million.

Officials said that due to the extent of damage caused by the fire, Abdulwali could face life in prison if convicted.

No information was released about the motive for the arson, but investigators said they collected "electronic and physical evidence connecting Abdulwali to the crime."