A homeless man has been arrested on suspicion of arson near the site of one of the fires that devastated Los Angeles.
There were several citizens who stopped him after they saw him with an object in his hand that was suspected to be a gas canister for arson.
The unidentified suspect was seen riding around Woodland Hills on a bicycle Thursday afternoon setting fire to several old Christmas trees and trash cans at the same time the Kenneth fire started, residents said.
A resident said she was in her yard when she heard a car stop and a man yelling, "Neighbor, he's trying to start a fire! Call 911!"
One person has been arrested in connection with the Kenneth Fire, which broke out Thursday in West Hills, California, according to reports.
Another resident said he saw the suspect holding a large "propane tank or a flamethrower," which others described as a fire starter, as he tried to ignite debris in the street.
Neighbors sprang into action and cornered the man as he tried to leave, which was partially captured on video.
"Some gentlemen surrounded him and made him kneel. They took some chains, a rope and we were able to arrest him until the police arrived," the resident said.
NEW: Los Angeles residents execute a leg hook takedown before making a citizens arrest after finding a man allegedly trying to start fires.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 10, 2025
Beautiful.
One witness said the men used zip ties and ropes to detain the arsonist suspect.
The incident unfolded when a local was driving... pic.twitter.com/d7UlzfVmI2