Suspected arsonist on the run in downtown LA

Man sets car ablaze in downtown LA

Nearby security cameras show a masked man walking up behind a white van, then suddenly the van is on fire.

LOS ANGELES - A suspected arsonist was captured on security footage setting a white van ablaze in downtown Los Angeles on Monday night, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

What we know:

Security cameras in the 1000 block of San Julian Street captured a masked man approaching the rear of a white van around 9:40 p.m. 

After the man disappeared from the camera's view for a brief moment, the vehicle suddenly burst into flames. 

Firefighters arriving at the scene found the van fully engulfed. 

Investigators believe an accelerant was used to intentionally start the fire, though no injuries occurred during the incident.

The LAPD told FOX 11 they did not respond to the scene because they did not receive reports of arson at that location.

What we don't know:

The identity of the masked man remains unknown as of Tuesday morning. 

While firefighters have characterized the incident as a suspected case of arson involving an accelerant, authorities have not yet identified a specific motive or announced any arrests related to the fire.