CHATSWORTH, LOS ANGELES – A 41-year-old man, Alejandro Martinez, is facing felony arson charges after allegedly starting a brush fire near the Chatsworth Reservoir on Monday, according to prosecutors. Martinez was charged with one count of felony arson of a structure or forest and one count of felony attempt to burn.
Incident Details
The fire broke out around 4:30 p.m. Monday, prompting swift action from nearby residents who chased and detained Martinez until law enforcement arrived and arrested him.
Key Witness Statements:
- Amilcar Fajardo, one of the residents who helped stop Martinez, said he saw him attempting to light another fire while firefighters worked to control the brush fire.“He just started running,” Fajardo said. “There were other guys there. They all helped out. We just stopped him and that was it.”
- Santiago Martinez, another resident who assisted in detaining the suspect, emphasized the importance of community action:“If you see something, you do something,” he said. “I drove down and I found him.”
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Martinez pleaded not guilty during his court appearance on Wednesday, and his bail was set at $175,000.
Upcoming Court Date:
- Preliminary hearing: Feb. 13
If convicted on all charges, Martinez could face up to six years and eight months in prison.
District Attorney’s Statement
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman condemned the arson, highlighting the danger these acts pose:
“We have seen firsthand the destruction, displacement, and loss of life caused by these senseless acts. If you intentionally set fire to our land, endanger our residents, and threaten our first responders, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Community Action Prevents Potential Catastrophe
Thanks to the quick response from local residents, authorities were able to detain the suspect before further damage occurred. No injuries were reported, and firefighters successfully contained the blaze near the reservoir. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in preventing potential disasters.
