Los Angeles

Man Arrested in Connection With Coachella Mosque Fire

A man was arrested in connection with a fire that burned a mosque in a desert city east of Los Angeles on Friday.

Carl James Dial Jr., 23, was taken into custody at around 9 p.m. Friday and booked on five felony charges, including arson, second-degree burglary and commission of a hate crime, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The fire was reported around noon at the Islamic Society of the Coachella Valley at 84650 Avenue 49.

The flames were contained to the front lobby of the 1,800-square-foot building, but there was smoke damage throughout the structure, officials said.

Video showed damage to the building's entrance. No injuries were reported.

A bomb squad was called in to investigate, as well as the FBI.

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