Los Angeles is currently facing a crisis as two severe wildfires have been raging for the past 11 days. The fires have resulted in at least 27 fatalities and over 12,000 buildings destroyed. The wildfires continue to burn, with the entire region still under a state of emergency. The high fire risk weather alert was just lifted on the evening of January 15. Law enforcement officials have arrested at least five suspects for intentionally setting fires during this period, with three of them already facing charges. Additionally, more suspects believed to have taken advantage of the chaos to commit looting have been apprehended and charged.
On January 15, Nathan Hochman, a local prosecutor in Los Angeles County, announced that two arson suspects were facing felony charges. One individual was accused of setting a fire in the City of Industry on January 11, while another was linked to a fire in the City of Irwindale on January 12. These cities are located in the eastern part of Los Angeles County, outside of the current active fire zones.
Hochman stated in a press release, “While firefighters and residents continue their tireless efforts to save lives and property, we will not tolerate anyone taking advantage of this tragedy to commit arson or looting, which is reprehensible behavior.” He emphasized that his office will continue to diligently pursue those who pose a threat to the safety of the county.
The suspect in the City of Industry arson case is 37-year-old Jaime Mota, who is charged with one count of arson and one count of arson during a state of emergency. If convicted, Mota could face up to seven years in prison. According to the prosecutor’s office, Mota allegedly set fire behind a warehouse and shipping yard in the City of Industry, causing fires in brush, pallet stacks, and the rear of a trailer.
The suspect in the City of Irwindale arson case is 27-year-old Ruben Michael Montes. Montes is charged with one count of arson during a state of emergency and several other felony charges related to the possession, manufacture, and release of flammable materials. If found guilty, he could face up to 14 years in prison. Montes is accused of setting fires on underpasses and nearby roads under the 605 freeway in Irwindale.
The prosecutor’s office stated that these charges “underscore our unwavering commitment to protecting public safety and holding criminals accountable.” Hochman warned, “This should serve as a warning to anyone considering similar actions: you will face full legal consequences.”
Earlier on January 13, the prosecutor’s office had filed charges against one arson suspect and nine individuals suspected of looting during the fires.
On January 15, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim MacDonell announced the arrest of two more arson suspects during a morning press conference. The arrests were made in the afternoon and evening of the previous day, and the arson incidents occurred outside the fire zones.
In one case, a suspect who was allegedly setting trees on fire had already been detained by local residents by the time police arrived. MacDonell revealed that during the investigation, the suspect admitted to setting fires because he liked the smell of burning leaves.
In the other case, the Los Angeles Fire Department received reports of a suspect setting fire to multiple trash piles. MacDonell stated, “The suspect confessed to setting multiple fires that day and mentioned that she enjoyed causing chaos and destruction.”
MacDonell noted that prior to these arrests, the police had already apprehended three arson suspects in different areas, all outside the active fire zones.