A group of Los Angeles residents took matters into their own hands, stopping an alleged arsonist they claimed was trying to ignite a fire in a brush-filled area of their community.
Arsonist in Los Angeles hunted down by residents
Alejandro Martinez, 41, ended up being detained by members of the public before law enforcement arrived on the scene, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Footage of the incident, shared by journalist Gabe Cortez on Instagram shows a man running down a road while being pursued by several people in vehicles within the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Cortez told the Los Angeles Times, “He was avoiding the group following him. He seemed to be telling them to pass him up. And then you can see in my video that someone started to chase him, and he appeared scared.”
Moments later in the video, area locals physically subdued Martinez. Sheriff’s deputies quickly responded to the incident following the citizens’ intervention.
Upon searching the suspect, deputies reportedly discovered a lighter, a relatively small amount of cash, and a car battery jumper kit in his possession.
The video also shows law enforcement pulling these items out of Martinez’s pocket after he was detained.
At one point in the recording, Martinez can be heard speaking in Spanish and claiming, “No he robado nada, en serio,” which translates to, “I haven’t stolen anything, seriously.”
Another voice, belonging to a woman observing nearby, is clearly heard saying to him, “Wrong neighborhood, buddy.”
Brandon Taylor, a photographer for Traffic News LA, happened to be in the vicinity, capturing photographs after hearing reports of a brush fire nearby.
Taylor explained to FOX 11 Los Angeles, “It just seemed a little strange that there was a guy there after a brush fire was reported just a quarter-mile up the road. And he’s in the bush doing something.”
Residents, still deeply scarred by past destructive wildfires, leaped into action as soon as they noticed suspicious activity.
Taylor remarked on the residents’ motivations, saying, “They’ve gone through the Woolsey Fire, which started just a mile from there. With all the dry vegetation, they were really concerned about him starting another fire and losing their homes.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office released a statement confirming the sequence of events.
Witnesses pointed out Martinez to the deputies and claimed they had observed him trying to start a fire near the vicinity of Knapp Ranch Road and Woolsey Canyon Road.
“The witnesses stated the suspect lit the fire and left the location. The witnesses followed in their vehicle,” the statement mentioned.
Arsonist in Los Angeles faces less than a year in prison if charged
Martinez has now been charged with one felony count of arson related to a structure or forest and an additional count involving prior convictions for aggravating circumstances.
If convicted, the charges could result in a sentence of six years and eight months behind bars.
Currently, Martinez remains in custody without the possibility of bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility.
Authorities also confirmed that a small brush fire had been burning near the site of Martinez’s arrest.
The blaze reportedly consumed a 100-square-foot section of dry vegetation before firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department successfully extinguished it.
Cortez commented on what could have been a significantly worse outcome, stating, “Thank God there were no strong winds, because it could have gone so much worse. Given all the recent fires, communities and people are just so much more aware of these types of things now, and they’re on high alert.”
Reports from KNBC-TV indicated that Martinez might have attempted to ignite two separate fires earlier in areas near Box Canyon in Canoga Park. Fortunately, those did not spread significantly.
District Attorney issues warning
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman weighed in on the case, expressing the severe risks posed by suspected arsonists.
“As we continue to recover from the devastation of recent wildfires, this case is a stark reminder of the grave threat alleged arsonists pose to our communities,” he stated. “We have seen firsthand the destruction, displacement, and loss of life caused by these senseless acts.”
“Let me be clear—if you intentionally set fire to our land, endanger our residents, and threaten our first responders, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” Hochman concluded.
