Police in Los Angeles have arrested a German man in connection with a wave of 53 arson fires targeting cars and homes. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced the arrest.

Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles mayor: “Around 3 a.m., the sheriff’s department detained a 24-year-old man named Harry Burkhart, who has subsequently been charged with one count of arson of an inhabited dwelling and is currently being held without bail. We expect that as the investigation continues, he will face additional charges.”

Officials said Harry Burkhart’s mother is said to be facing deportation. Burkhart had recently attended an immigration hearing with her at which he reportedly broke into an anti-American tirade.