A suspect was apprehended in Woodland Hills after allegedly attempting to start a fire while the Kenneth Fire rages nearby.
A man was detained by residents and later arrested by police, amid suspicions of arson as wildfires ravage the region, Newsmax reported.
The arrest occurred on Thursday when Los Angeles police officers responded to calls regarding a man allegedly trying to ignite a fire. Around 4:30 p.m., officers received reports about the suspect near the active Kenneth Fire site. Local residents managed to detain the man until police arrived and took him into custody.
Renata Grinshpun, a local resident, recounted the tense situation that unfolded in their neighborhood. She described a chaotic scene as someone alerted others that the suspect was attempting to start a fire. According to Grinshpun, community members acted swiftly to immobilize the suspect.
We were sitting in the backyard and suddenly, we hear a car come to a screeching halt and the guy is running out saying, 'Stop! Drop what you're holding! Neighbors, he's trying to start a fire! Call 911!' We really banded together as a group. A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees. They got some zip ties, a rope, and we were able to do a citizens' arrest.
The man reportedly had a propane tank or a flamethrower and was seen trying to ignite an object behind a vehicle. Photos shared on the Citizen app captured police officers at the scene where the suspect was handcuffed.
Detective Sean Dinse of the LAPD's Topanga Division noted that the suspect was detained by citizens before police arrived. The incident at Victory Trailhead is now part of an active arson investigation and has been declared a crime scene.
Brian Entin from NewsNation reported that the Kenneth Fire, spanning 900 to 1,000 acres, is a top priority for the fire department. The blaze, which has caused casualties and destroyed nearly 10,000 structures, was first reported earlier that day.
By 9 p.m., the fire's containment had reached 35%, with firefighters continuing efforts to control the flames in the affected area.
The suspect's motives remain unclear, and authorities have not established a link between the individual and the ongoing wildfires. Investigators are working to determine any potential connection.
The community's swift and decisive response was crucial in preventing a further escalation of the fire. Residents acted quickly and effectively, demonstrating strong solidarity in difficult times.
In summary, the incident highlights both the ongoing risks posed by the fires and the resilience of local communities in the face of danger. The investigation continues while firefighters focus on containment and safety.
