Los Angeles County has found itself grappling with an arson case after the arrest of 41-year-old Alejandro Martinez, who is suspected of attempting to ignite two fires near Box Canyon in Canoga Park. According to NBC Los Angeles, the first incident was reported just after 4:30 p.m. on Monday with local authorities receiving a call about a brush fire in the 24000 block of Woolsey Canyon Road.

Witnesses at the scene displayed commendable civic duty, chasing the suspect and alerting deputies to a second attempted arson. One caller, in a daring pursuit, followed the suspect until law enforcement arrived. As reported by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Martinez was found lying on the ground, detained by citizens. His actions ignited a brush fire that burned approximately 100 square feet before being extinguished by the Fire Department.

After his detainment by the public, Martinez was arrested on suspicion of arson and is scheduled to appear in court on February 5. While it is presently unclear whether Martinez has legal representation to speak on his behalf, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department encouraged anyone with information about the incident to get in touch with their Arson/Explosive Unit, even offering avenues for anonymous tips through "Crime Stoppers."