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A homeless man was arrested in Azusa, California Friday night after he started a fire in a park, not far away from where the deadly Eaton Fire is still burning.
The Axusa Police Department posted the following press release on Facebook Saturday:
On Friday, January 10, 2025 at approximately 11:37pm, officers were dispatched to Pioneer Park, located at 1360 N. Dalton Ave., in response to a reported brush fire. Upon arrival, a witness alerted officers that the individual responsible for igniting the fire was still at the scene.
Officers located the adult male suspect, identified as Jose Carranza-Escobar, a transient, with a last known address in Azusa standing next to the flames. Officers quickly detained Carranza as Los Angeles County Fire arrived to extinguish the fire. Los Angeles County Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire.
During the investigation, Carranza admitted to starting the fire and was arrested for Arson. He was subsequently booked at the Azusa Police Department Jail and is currently being held in custody. City of Azusa Public Works along with Azusa Light and Water are currently assessing the damage caused by the fire. The investigation is ongoing.
Azusa PD urges everyone to remain alert as fires continue to affect the county. We must be cautious of individuals who may enter our community with the intent to start fires. The Azusa Police Department has staffed extra officers on duty due to the ongoing fire situation. We are taking a “zero tolerance” stance on these types of criminal acts. The Azusa PD will continue to work with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, the California Army National Guard and all of our partner agencies to ensure our community’s and residents’ safety.
This investigation will be presented promptly to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of filing on all applicable criminal charges.
The police report provided no details about the man’s citizenship status.
A video has been posted to social media, allegedly of the moment the man was arrested.
Homeless man arrested for arson after setting fire in Pioneer Park in Los Angeles County.
The fire last night was quickly extinguished. Jose Carranza-Escobar admitted to setting the fire. pic.twitter.com/2f9ncl6Lt5
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) January 11, 2025
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