Local residents observed a man at approximately 4:30pm on January 9 in the Ybarra Road vicinity of Woodland Hills. He was allegedly making efforts to ignite a fire, prompting them to contact the authorities immediately.
According to Fox 11 Los Angeles, the man was seen riding a bicycle and carrying a blow torch. He reportedly tried to set fire to garbage cans and discarded Christmas trees on the street.
Renata Grinshpun, a local resident, described to KTLA 5: “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!’”
Grinshpun observed the suspect with what looked like a ‘propane tank or a flamethrower’, and explained how the community quickly came together to follow and restrain the individual using zip ties until law enforcement arrived.
Another witness told FOX 11: “He was very, like, ‘I can’t stop. I can’t stop. I’m not putting this down. I’m doing this’. And [he was] very focused on moving forward with the blow torch. And we’re like, ‘We can’t be doing that right now.’”
Senior lead officer Charles Dinsel stated that the suspect was apprehended while allegedly trying to start a fire, with video evidence showing police taking him into custody.
An LAPD representative informed The Telegraph: “About 20 to 30 minutes later a suspect was detained over in Woodland Hills area by citizens. It is being investigated as a crime.”
Authorities are now examining if the suspect is linked to any of the ongoing fires that have been wreaking havoc in Los Angeles.
The Telegraph reported that there is consideration as to whether the suspect has ties to the Kenneth Fire, which has been burning through the West Hills, consuming over 950 acres and prompting evacuations, with officials investigating if one of the blazes was caused by arson.
Currently, fires have affected nearly 30,000 acres of Los Angeles, with five major fires still burning. The death toll stands at 10 and is expected to rise.
LADbible Group has reached out to the Los Angeles Police Department Topanga Community Police Station for further comments.
To assist those impacted by the fires, contributions can be made to the Red Cross online, by calling (800) 733-2767, or texting REDCROSS to 90999.
If you are dealing with loss and need confidential support, contact GrieveWell at (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].