Dana Point resident Erik Bloom was one of two 18-year-old men arrested on October 23 on suspicion of attempted murder and arson in Hawthorne, according to authorities. The second suspect was identified as Jonathan Palomo of Los Angeles.
Hawthorne Police Department officers responded to a call about a suspicious person reportedly looking into the windows of a house near the area of 135th and Glasgow Place in Hawthorne at 2:45 a.m. Officers reportedly saw the subject pouring gasoline outside the home. The subject ran from
officers but was apprehended following a foot pursuit.
A second suspect was discovered in a parked “getaway” car nearby along with additional evidence suggesting arson.
Upon inspection of the area, officers reported finding evidence—gasoline containers and Molotov cocktails—suggesting the subject had been attempting to set the house on fire. The home was occupied at the time but no injuries were reported.
Both men were arrested and booked on suspicion of attempted murder and arson among other charges. Bail was set for each at $2 million.
Two other arson attempts have been made at the same house; one in March and another in May.
Bloom is a 2009 Dana Hills High School graduate.
Hawthorne detectives are working with the Los Angeles County Fire arson investigator to determine whether the suspects are involved in the two previous attempts to burn the house.
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