Suspected Arsonist Behind Devastating LA Fires Identified as Illegal Immigrant
According to a report from The Daily Mail, police in Los Angeles County have arrested a suspected arsonist, caught by residents allegedly attempting to start fires with a blowtorch. It was later revealed that the suspect, identified as Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, is an illegal immigrant from Mexico.
Residents in the West Hills area restrained the man after witnessing him allegedly trying to ignite fires. Initially described as a homeless individual, Sierra-Leyva is suspected of starting the Kenneth Fire, one of three major wildfires that caused extensive damage in the LA area. The Kenneth Fire burned approximately 1,000 acres in the West Hills but was contained relatively quickly compared to the more destructive Palisades and Eaton fires.
Witnesses reported seeing Sierra-Leyva with a blowtorch roughly 20 to 30 minutes after the fire began. He was detained by citizens before being taken into custody by the LAPD. LAPD’s Charles Dinsel confirmed on January 9, “A suspect was detained in the Woodland Hills area by citizens. It is being investigated as a crime.” When asked if the fire was intentionally set, he added, “At this time, that’s what we believe. Yes.”
One witness told FOX 11 that the suspect appeared “very focused on moving forward with the blowtorch,” allegedly stating, “I can’t stop. I can’t stop. I’m not putting this down. I’m doing this.” Another witness, speaking to KTLA, described how the community banded together to subdue the suspect. “A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees. They used zip ties and a rope to perform a citizen’s arrest.”
While these details were initially reported in the days following the fire, new information emerged on January 12, revealing that Sierra-Leyva is a Mexican national and an illegal immigrant. This update was widely reported on January 13, with The Daily Mail confirming, “The homeless arson suspect who was taken into custody near one of the Los Angeles wildfires is an illegal immigrant.”
Despite the seriousness of the situation, the LAPD initially lacked sufficient probable cause to charge Sierra-Leyva with arson. LAPD Divisional Chief Dominic Choi explained, “After interviews and additional investigative steps, we determined there wasn’t enough probable cause to arrest this person on arson or suspicion of arson.” However, Sierra-Leyva was detained on a probation violation, allowing the investigation to continue while more evidence was gathered.
Watch footage of citizens detaining the blowtorch-wielding suspect here:
Residents of Los Angeles played a crucial role in the apprehension of suspected arsonist Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, after witnessing him allegedly attempting to start fires with a blowtorch. Sierra-Leyva is believed to have ignited the Kenneth Fire, which burned 1,000 acres in the West Hills area. The fire was quickly contained, but the incident highlighted the destructive potential of arson in wildfire-prone California.
Witnesses described Sierra-Leyva as determined, stating he refused to stop even when confronted. Local residents performed a citizen’s arrest using zip ties and rope before the LAPD took him into custody. Initially, law enforcement lacked sufficient evidence to charge him with arson, but Sierra-Leyva was detained on a probation violation while investigations continued.
The revelation that Sierra-Leyva is an illegal immigrant has added to the complexity of the case, sparking public and media interest as authorities build their case.
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