A dramatic scene unfolded in the Woodland Hills neighbourhood of Los Angeles on Thursday, as a suspect was taken into custody for attempting to start a fire.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the man was apprehended around 4:30 p.m. after brave locals held him down until authorities arrived.
The Incident: What We Know So Far
The suspect’s arrest came just over an hour before the Kenneth Fire broke out in the nearby West Hills neighbourhood.
The fire, which began at around 3:16 p.m., has already burned at least 960 acres, spreading to neighbouring Ventura County.
While officials have not yet confirmed whether the suspect was responsible for the Kenneth Fire, they do believe that the fire was intentionally set.
Eyewitness Accounts and Investigation
LAPD Senior Lead Officer Charles Dinse spoke to NewsNation’s Brian Entin about the incident, revealing that the suspect was detained by citizens in the Woodland Hills area.
When asked if the Kenneth Fire was purposely set, Officer Dinse replied, “At this time, that’s what we believe, yes.”
However, the motives behind the suspected arson are still unknown, and a criminal investigation is underway.
A Region Beset by Fires
The Los Angeles area has been plagued by multiple fires since the start of the week, with drought conditions and high winds exacerbating the situation.
The Pacific Palisades have been particularly hard hit, with a devastating brush fire damaging or destroying over 9,000 structures.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents are on high alert, and authorities are working to contain the fires and bring those responsible to justice.