An alleged arsonist who was detained by citizens for starting fires in Calabasas, California was released from custody. Homeowners confronted the man after he allegedly started a fire with a blowtorch and gasoline.
Surveillance video shows a group of people surrounding the man who holds a blowtorch and a yellow container of fuel. The residents detained the man until police arrived and arrested him.
NEW: Los Angeles residents execute a leg hook takedown before making a citizens arrest after finding a man allegedly trying to start fires.
Beautiful.
One witness said the men used zip ties and rope to detain the arsonist suspect.
The incident unfolded when a local was driving… pic.twitter.com/d7UlzfVmI2
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 10, 2025
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman, whose sister lost her home in the fires, told News Nation’s Ashleigh Banfield that justice would be swift. Hochman said the suspected arsonist would face charges as high as homicide and he could be sentenced to life in prison.
However, the LAPD released the man with only a felony probation violation charge on Thursday.
An LAPD spokesperson said the man was released from custody because “there was not probable cause” to arrest him on suspicion of arson. The man’s name was not released.
LAPD states there is no probable cause to charge the man caught attempting to start fires with a blowtorch for arson. pic.twitter.com/Dx2SwZdz6H
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 10, 2025
Fueled by heavy winds, the Pacific Palisades wildfires spread rapidly over 15,000 acres, destroying over 10,000 structures. At least 10 people are confirmed dead.
More than 153,000 people are under evacuation orders. Property damage is estimated to be $52 billion. Entire neighborhoods have been wiped out.
“The best way to explain it is if you look around right now at your neighborhood and you think about waving at your neighbor and walking down your street – imagine in a 24-hour period all of that being gone,” said Nic Arnzen, Vice Chair of the Altadena Town Council.
The growing list of celebrities who lost their homes in the fires include Beyonce’s mom Tina Knowles, Lakers coach JJ Redick, L.A. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, Paris Hilton, Jhene Aiko, Mel Gibson, James Woods, Hunter Biden, Ricki Lake, Melissa Rivers, Candy Spelling and more.
