CHATSWORTH – Witnesses detained an arson suspect who allegedly started a brush fire that charred an approximately 100-square-foot area near the Chatsworth Nature Preserve, authorities said Tuesday.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 24000 block of Woolsey Canyon Road in Chatsworth regarding a brush fire around 4:30 p.m. Monday afternoon.
Upon arrival, deputies saw a group of witnesses detaining the suspect who was in a prone position on the ground.
The witnesses pointed to the suspect and told deputies they witnessed him lighting a brush fire near Knapp Ranch Road and Woolsey Canyon Road. The witnesses stated the suspect lit the fire and left the location.
The witnesses followed the suspect in their vehicle. The suspect eventually surrendered, placing himself in the prone position.
The fire burned an approximately 100-square-foot area of brush before being extinguished by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The suspect was arrested for Arson (Violation 451 P.C.) Suspect Martinez’s court date is February 5, 2025. The investigation is being handled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Arson/Explosive Unit.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Arson/Explosive Unit at (323) 881-7500
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website lacrimestoppers.org