At least 27 people charged with arson in recent cases, LA DA says
Arson suspect charged after being chased down by neighbors
Alejandro Martinez was charged with arson after bystanders saw him allegedly trying to start a fire, then chased him down.
LOS ANGELES - While firefighters were stretched thin fighting the massive Palisades, Eaton, Hughes, and Hurst fires in Los Angeles County, several small fires were intentionally set by people, according to the LA County DA's Office.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman said 27 people have been charged in recent fire-related cases.
On Thursday, a 41-year-old man was charged with felony arson in connection with a Feb. 3 brush fire near the Chatsworth Reservoir.
Neighbors chase down arson suspect
Neighbors in Chatsworth chased down a man accused of trying to start a brush fire. They detained the man, before deputies got there to arrest him.
RELATED: LA residents chase down, stop possible arson suspect: 'Wrong neighborhood, buddy'
Alejandro Martinez faces one count of felony arson of a structure or forest; and one count of felony attempt to burn. He also faces an aggravated circumstance of increasing seriousness of prior convictions. If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum sentence of six years and eight months in prison.
According to the DA's office, around 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 3, a group of residents apprehended Martinez when they saw him igniting a fire. Residents held him until law enforcement arrived and arrested him.
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On Jan. 10, 39-year-old Jose Gerardo Escobar was arrested after attempting to light a large tree on fire that had fallen to the ground at Pioneer Park in Azusa.
Man arrested for arson at Azusa park
Azusa Police arrested a man for allegedly setting a tree on fire at a park in Azusa. While he has been charged with arson, the case is not connected to any of the major wildfires burning in Southern California.
"As we continue to recover from the devastation of recent wildfires, this case is a stark reminder of the grave threat alleged arsonists pose to our communities," Hochman said. "We have seen firsthand the destruction, displacement, and loss of life caused by these senseless acts. Let me be clear — if you intentionally set fire to our land, endanger our residents, and threaten our first responders, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."