Los Angeles police on Tuesday arrested two people who confessed to setting a fire outside the prison wildfire zones.
At a news conference Wednesday, Chief Jim McDonnell said two people have been arrested for arson in connection with fires outside affected areas caused by the Eaton And Palisades burn.
KCAL News
At approximately 5:15 p.m., LAPD officers responded to a radio call near the intersection of Glenoaks and Van Nuys boulevards. McDonnell said that when officers arrived, a citizen had already apprehended the possible arson suspect and extinguished a nearby tree fire. The person was arrested and prosecuted for arson.
“During the investigation, the suspect admitted that he started the fire because he liked the smell of burning leaves,” McDonnell said.
Later that evening, around 9:30 p.m., firefighters responded to the area of Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue for reports of a person setting several piles of trash on fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames and officers took the person into custody and filed a report for arson.
“The suspect admitted to setting several fires that day and stated that she enjoyed causing chaos and destruction,” McDonnell said.
The LAPD and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have increased safety patrols since the wildfires began. LA County Sheriff Robert Luna has called in the National Guard to prevent looting and other crimes while residents remain evacuated.
McDonnell said yes arrested 14 people in or near the fire zones. The Sheriff’s Department has arrested 39 people. Officials have clarified that not all arrests are related to looting or burglaries.