Fed up and frustrated, residents of Los Angeles are taking matters into their own hands to stop the aftermath of the wildfires that ravaged the area.
And for criminals that are trying to start new fires.
In a shocking video, a group of residents stepped in and conducted a citizen’s arrest after spotting a man allegedly sparking a fire in the brush of their neighborhood in Los Angeles, as the region deals with the aftermath of wildfires.
Alejandro Martinez, 41, faces a charge of arson, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department.
Video posted by journalist Gabe Cortez on Instagram showed a man running down a road being chased by people in cars in a neighborhood in Chatsworth, a neighborhood in LA.
The video captured concerned residents taking matters into their own hands and tackling Martinez.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived in the neighborhood following the citizen’s arrest.
When deputies searched Martinez, they found a lighter in his pocket, a small sum of cash and a car battery jumper kit. Footage showed authorities removing the illicit items from his pockets following the apprehension.
Brandon Taylor, a photographer with Traffic News LA, said that he was capturing photos in the area after he was alerted to a brush fire in the area.
“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,” Taylor explained to FOX 11 Los Angeles. “And he’s in the bush doing something.”
After spotting Martinez in the bush, citizens went after him, leading to a swift apprehension.
“The residents were furious,” Taylor said. “They’ve gone through the Woolsey Fire, which started just a mile from there. With all the dry vegetation, they were really concerned about him starting another fire and losing their homes.”