A LOS Angeles arson suspect admitted he started a vicious blaze because he “liked the smell of burning leaves,” according to the city’s police chief.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Chief Jim McDonnell mentioned that a particular individual, who was apprehended in a citizen’s arrest, was not the sole firestarter causing problems for law enforcement in the city, which has been plagued by fires.
The authorities received a report on Tuesday in Pacoima about a potential arsonist in the vicinity of Glenoaks and Van Nuys boulevards around 5:15 pm, leading to the arrest of a suspect connected to arson.
A brave citizen not only detained the suspect but also extinguished the blaze before the man was then taken by police.
The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed but was detained on suspicions of arson, confessed to setting a small fire that resulted in the destruction of a tree because he enjoyed the scent of burning leaves.
A mere few hours later, around 9:30 pm firefighters received multiple reports of a person setting fire to several piles of trash near the intersection of Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood.
The heroic firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze while officers took the unidentified suspect into custody who was later booked for arson, McDonnell revealed.
The police chief said: “The suspect admitted to setting multiple fires that day and stated that she enjoyed causing chaos and destruction.”
The two suspects were located outside of the burn areas of the Eaton and Palisades fires, with no immediate indication that they were connected to the major fires burning in LA.
McDonnell added: “As we continue to manage this historic, catastrophic event, we want to express our gratitude to everyone who has provided tips and remained vigilant in keeping the city safe.”
Police confirmed that two other wannabe arsonists had also been arrested in separate incidents with one suspect charged with three counts and facing nine years behind bars.
Jose Gerardo Escobar was arrested on Friday after being accused of intentionally trying to start a fire in the eastern suburb of Azusa.
Another suspect was arrested after allegedly using a barbecue lighter to start fires in North Hollywood on Sunday night.
Footage has shown how locals took action when they saw suspected firebug and illegal immigrant Juan Manuel Sierra-Levya riding around on his bike with a blowtorch.
TWISTED CRIMINALS
As cops and heroic locals battle with suspected arsonists, looters are also causing chaos across the city with various arrests made.
Around 2,500 soldiers have been drafted in to help fight the fires and prevent looting as heartless thieves have been caught rifling through multi-million dollar homes that were evacuated.
What started the LA fires?
FIERCE and desperate questions into how these devestating wildfires could have ripped through Los Angeles to this extent have been raised.
These terrifying blazes started on Tuesday morning in the ultra-wealthy Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
It is feared this deadly inferno could have been sparked by fireworks.
A small blaze caused by fireworks on New Year’s Day left scorch marks, according to the Washington Post.
Analysis of satellite images, radio communications, and videos revealed the deadly inferno began in an area close to where these fireworks flames were put out.
Residents claimed they were frustrated by an apparent slower response by firefighters to the second blaze.
Local Michael Valentine said he and his wife were home for both fires and claimed he was met with a long wait when they called the emergency services on Tuesday.
Crews were reportedly stuck dealing with two other incidents in different areas of the city.
Experts have claimed the perfect mix of strong winds and drought conditions could have caused the slight remnants of the previous fires to restart.
Investigators have launched a probe to investigate the cause of the devastating blaze but they have not revealed an official cause yet.
Shocking CCTV footage shows the thugs rifling through homes of the rich and famous that were evacuated during the Los Angeles wildfires.
Burglars are captured wearing gray tracksuits and carrying bags as they walk through the ultra-luxurious stairway of a home in the Palisades that’s estimated to be worth around $34 million.
One opportunistic looter was even spotted stealing an Emmy award which has since been recovered.
LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said that the twisted burglars stole at least $200,000 worth of items.
Naming one of the suspects, Travon Coleman, the district attorney said that the 27-year-old crashed his vehicle while trying to flee from police and left someone with serious injuries.
Three suspects were arrested after this raid and one individual had been armed, police have said.
Six others have been charged with looting evacuated homes in Altadena after citizens fled due to the Eaton fire, which has killed 16 people.
One had allegedly dressed as a firefighter to carry out their sick crimes but was caught wearing a yellow fire jacket with the city’s fire department’s old acronym CDF, fire boots, and jeans.
Other crimes have also been reported in the area with Hochman saying there are concerns about price gouging and charity and insurance scams.
Meanwhile, another person was arrested on Tuesday night for impersonating a firefighter.
On Monday Hochman issued a warning to the opportunist criminals: “The question is not if, but when, you will be caught if you engage in these crimes.”
“These crimes are appalling and represent a direct attack on our community during a time of unprecedented loss and vulnerability.
“Let me be clear: If you exploit this tragedy to prey on victims of these deadly fires, we will find you and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Two of those charged with looting Coleman and Martrell Peoples could get a life sentence in prison if convicted under Californian law.
Several LA neighborhoods have been decimated by the raging infernos that have killed at least 25 people and forced more than 100,000 to flee their homes.
Firefighters continue to work around-the-clock to get the blazes under control.
