A homeless man allegedly using a blowtorch to start a fire in Woodland Hills was subdued by residents and handed over to police.
The dramatic citizen’s arrest has drawn widespread attention amid ongoing wildfires devastating Southern California.
Residents reported seeing the man riding a bicycle with what appeared to be a propane tank or flamethrower.
While, witnesses claim they saw him attempting to ignite an object behind a vehicle near the 21700 block of Ybarra Road on Thursday afternoon.
Renata Grinshpun, a local resident, recounted how the community banded together.
“A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees,” she said. Using zip ties and ropes, the group restrained the suspect until police arrived.
Police investigate suspected arson
The LAPD responded to the incident around 4:30 p.m., taking the man into custody.
Authorities confirmed that the Kenneth Fire, which erupted later that day in the San Fernando Valley, is being investigated as arson.
However, police have not yet confirmed whether the detained individual is linked to the larger wildfires.
LAPD Officer Charles Dinsel told NewsNation, “We believe the fire was set intentionally.”
However, further investigations are needed to establish a connection between the man detained in Woodland Hills and the catastrophic fires across Los Angeles.
