A group of residents in Los Angeles took swift action by conducting a citizen's arrest after witnessing a man allegedly starting a fire in the brush of their neighborhood. The suspect, identified as a 41-year-old man named Alejandro Martinez, now faces a charge of arson as per the LA County Sheriff’s Department.
Video footage shared on social media depicted the dramatic scene where concerned residents chased down Martinez in their vehicles before apprehending him in the neighborhood of Chatsworth. The video captured the moment when the residents tackled Martinez, with one resident shouting, 'Wrong neighborhood, buddy! Wrong neighborhood!'
Following the citizen's arrest, sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene and conducted a search of Martinez. They discovered a lighter, a small amount of cash, and a car battery jumper kit in his possession. Martinez could be heard protesting his innocence in Spanish, claiming he had not stolen anything.
Brandon Taylor, a photographer with Traffic News LA, recounted how he noticed Martinez behaving suspiciously in the area after a brush fire was reported nearby. Concerned about the potential risk of another fire, residents took action to prevent any further damage to their neighborhood.
For the residents of Chatsworth, the incident struck a nerve as they continue to recover from the devastation caused by previous wildfires, such as the Woolsey Fire that started just a mile away. The fear of losing their homes due to another fire fueled the residents' anger and determination to apprehend the suspected arsonist.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward and assist the LA County Sheriff's Department in their investigation. Chatsworth, located approximately 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, remains on high alert following this alarming incident.
