Hiker couple at Runyon Canyon spotted a palm tree on fire in distant hills and suspected a man who was emerging from the bushes. The responsible duo confronted the man and detained him for around an hour after finding lighter in his hands. Other hikers too barged in and abducted the man till cops arrived and arrested the accused. Later, the cops confirmed that the accused has long criminal record. He was fined for setting a tree on fire.
Scott Anthony Mitchell and Davanh DiMarco of Hollywood were on their regular Sunday hike at Runyon Canyon when they spotted a fiery palm tree and a suspicious man emerging through the bushes. DiMarco recorded the sight on her phone camera while Anthony, who is also a former professional football player was able to catch the accused and detain him on camera.
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Other hikers too joined in to help detain the man and to call the police and fire authorities. The Los Angeles Fire Department arrived at the scene with helicopters and fire trucks, and the fire was out within an hour. State park rangers and Los Angeles Police Department officers arrested the suspect.
Long Criminal History
When the couple got off the hill, DiMarco uploaded the video on social media. The video quickly grabbed netizen's attention and sparked thousands of comments. Some of the users also cliamed that they saw the same man at other parks trying to set fires.
According to online records, the accused man is from Santa Monica, CA and has been arrested more than 15 times since July 2020. Including for charges like robbery, vandalism, theft, and possession of controlled substances.
Legal Action By The Cops
A spokesperson from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said, “The accuse was charged with one count of PC 451 (c), arson of forest land, a felony.”
