2 Teens Arrested in Arson

Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of setting fire last month to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, one of the oldest churches in Los Angeles, authorities announced Friday.

The male suspects, ages 17 and 18, were arrested late Thursday in connection with the Jan. 21 fire, which caused about $60,000 in damage to the structure’s doors, said authorities and church officials. The church in Lincoln Heights was built in 1887.

Investigators said the fire was probably purely vandalism.

“We don’t have any evidence it was a hate crime at this point,” said Los Angeles Police Det. Olivia Spindola.

Because of the church’s historical significance, the city and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the crime. The doors that burned were installed in 1990.

Spindola said police received help from the community during the investigation, but she declined to say if anyone would collect the reward.

Father Mario Torres, the church’s pastor, said Sacred Heart’s 5,000-member congregation felt “relieved but sad.”

“I’m sad it was young people,” he said. “I’m praying and hoping we can continue working ... in trying to build community here.”