Video captures arrest of Los Angeles wildfires suspect in California

In Azusa, California, a small city in Los Angeles County, police and residents joined forces on Friday to apprehend a suspected arsonist, as three large wildfires loomed over the region and winds were forecast to intensify once again.

The first responding officer arrived promptly to the scene at Pioneer Park around 11:30 p.m. after neighbors confronted the homeless suspect, who was still present when the officer arrived.

"Landeros told Planet Chronicle Digital Monday that he intentionally set the fire in the park, but some neighbors confronted him and stopped him from setting another one."

An Azusa officer handcuffed a man near a billowing brush fire that was quickly extinguished by county firefighters, as shown in a video.

The suspect, a 39-year-old transient named Jose Carranza-Escobar, has been identified by the police. His last known address was in Azusa, and he admitted to starting the brush fire.

At least three active wildfires in Los Angeles County have resulted in the arrest of an individual, while firefighters continue to battle the fires that have killed at least 24 and damaged thousands of homes and businesses.

Arson charges led to Carranza's imprisonment, and Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman is expected to provide more details about Carranza and fire-related looting arrests in a news briefing on Monday.

Azusa police and partner agencies, including Hochman's office, the county sheriff's office, arson investigators in neighboring departments and the California National Guard are adopting a "zero-tolerance" stance towards arson as high winds and the dry climate fuel wildfires across Southern California.

"All are present," he stated. "We observe. Our people do too."

The foothills outside town are both a high-risk fire area and a location of homeless encampments, where fires have occurred in the past, he stated.

"Enforcement operations are consistently carried out in that region," he stated. "Obviously, residents become anxious during significant fires."

This week, strong winds are predicted to return to the region, which may exacerbate the current fires and cause additional damage as firefighters continue their efforts. Both blowing flames and toppling trees and branches can contribute to the spread of the fire.

"Landeros advised caution against individuals who may enter the community with the intent to start fires, as Azusa PD continues to urge everyone to remain alert amidst ongoing fires in the county."

Another group of Los Angeles residents stopped a homeless man carrying a blowtorch last week. Despite being taken into custody, the police lacked sufficient evidence to charge him with arson.

A video depicts him with a torch head and a yellow fuel tank before at least five residents overpowered him and pinned him to the ground.