Arsonist Blamed for Aliso Elevator Fires

Elevators have been set on fire six times over the last few months at City Lights at Town Center in Aliso Viejo, said Sgt. D.J. Haldeman with the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

The most recent blaze was reported about two weeks ago, he said.

Maintenance crews first alerted deputies at the beginning of January that small fires were being set in the panels of the apartment complex's elevators. The fires "knocked out the electrical portion of the elevator," Haldeman said.

"We believe it was intentional," he said, adding that the Sheriff's Department is joining forces with the Orange County Fire Authority to find the arsonist.

He said the fires have not threatened any lives.

Haldeman said OCFA is likely searching the state's registry of known arsonists to look for matches with residents of the large complex.

A message left with Shea Apartments seeking comment was not returned.