Local Chatsworth residents chased down and tackled a suspected arsonist after witnessing him lighting a brush fire. Police officers arrived at the scene and arrested 41-year-old Alejandro Martinez and later charged him with arson.
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According to the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a brush fire report at Woolsey Canyon Road before 4:30 p.m. It was a 50-by-50 foot fire which was, fortunately, contained by firefighters.
At the same time that the firefighters were containing the fire, a group of neighbors was already chasing down Martinez. Right after the fire was reported, many noticed Martinez acting suspiciously and was near the fire. Brandon Taylor, a photographer, was at the scene and captured the chase.
"It's one of those moments where you're filming, and you're like, 'Wait, is this really happening in real life right now?'" Taylor told FOX 11. "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."
According to Taylor, the neighbors' anger also stemmed from the recent Woolsey Fire they had to endure. "They were really concerned about him starting another fire and losing their homes," he said.
Chased Down And Arrested
Gabe Cortez, a video journalist, was also able to capture the chase. Reportedly, even a vehicle, that belonged to the person who reported the fire, was chasing Martinez.
"He was avoiding the group following him," Cortez told the Los Angeles Times. "He seemed to be telling them to pass him up. And then you can see in my video that someone started to chase him and he appeared scared."
"Thank God there were no strong winds, because it could have gone so much worse," Cortez added. "Given all the recent fires, communities and people are just so much more aware of these types of things now and they're on high alert."
Authorities then arrested and charged Alejandro Martinez with felony arson of a structure or forest. He was also charged with attempting to burn in a separate case. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently being held at the Lost Hills Sheriff's station on a $75,000 bail.
