LA Locals Tackle Suspected Arsonist Near Wildfire Area [WATCH]

A group of Los Angeles residents took swift action, detaining a man they believed was attempting to start a fire in their neighborhood.

The incident occurred in Chatsworth, a suburban area northwest of downtown Los Angeles, as the region continues to recover from devastating wildfires.

The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Alejandro Martinez, was taken into custody and charged with arson, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

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Footage captured by journalist Gabe Cortez and shared on Instagram, later obtained by Fox News Digital, showed a man running through the neighborhood with several people in cars chasing after him.

The video then showed residents catching up to Martinez and tackling him to the ground.

Law enforcement arrived shortly after the citizens had subdued the suspect.

A search of Martinez’s pockets led deputies to recover a lighter, a small amount of cash, and a car battery jumper kit.

Footage from the scene showed officers removing these items during the arrest.

Citizens arrest on alleged arson in Los Angeles, notice anything at 23 seconds? pic.twitter.com/A2Rd3Zsom2

— TaraBull (@TaraBull808) February 6, 2025

At one point in the video, Martinez could be heard saying in Spanish, “No he robado nada, en serio,” which translates to, “I haven’t stolen anything, seriously.”

Brandon Taylor, a photographer with Traffic News LA, was in the area documenting the aftermath of a nearby brush fire when he noticed Martinez’s unusual behavior.

“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,” Taylor told FOX 11 Los Angeles.

“And he’s in the bush doing something.”

Concerned residents quickly took action, chasing Martinez down and preventing what they feared could have been another fire in an area already scarred by past blazes.

Many in the community remain on edge following destructive wildfires in the area.

The Woolsey Fire, which devastated parts of Los Angeles County, started just a mile from the scene of the citizen’s arrest.

“The residents were furious,” Taylor said.

“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 Department continues to investigate the case and has encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward.

Chatsworth, located about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, has seen its share of fire-related disasters.

With the dry conditions creating a constant fire risk, residents remain vigilant in protecting their homes and neighborhoods from potential threats.

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