A group of residents proved their community is not to be messed with after a homeless man allegedly sparked a fire in Runyon Canyon, California. The group united together and prevented the suspect from escaping while they waited for Law enforcement to intervene.
A video shared on Instagram captured the moment the community members gathered in numbers to confront the man for starting the fire. The clip began with a view of the fire burning in a wide expanse of land, while the person filming was heard reporting that it was the homeless man who committed the act.
The camera immediately panned to show the suspect walking away from the scene of the incident. However, he was apprehended by another witness who began questioning him. A close-up view showed the suspect carrying a backpack, alongside a suspicious black bag.
When questioned about starting the fire, the suspect admitted to it without remorse. The person recording the video said, “You started that fire. You just came from over there, we saw you.” The culprit replied, “I did. You’re right.” He added, “You have the warrant for the [expletive], right? I wish you did. So shut up!”
Another community member admonished the man, saying, “You should be hospitalized! You are going to be fined.” As the fire spread, a crowd of residents gathered at the scene. In no time, the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived at the scene, extinguishing the fire. Throughout this time, the suspect remained at the scene, being watched by an individual.
Before the clip cuts, the Los Angeles Police Department arrived at the scene and the suspect was arrested. As he was handcuffed, the group applauded the individual who watched over the culprit.
Social media users reacted to the video by showering praises on the group for uniting and apprehending the suspect. One netizen remarked, “Finally, people are doing something instead of just filming. Props to all involved here (except for the idiot that started the fire obviously).”
Another observer added, “Glad to see some normal people responding normally for a change!” A third netizen chimed in, “Awesome to see people calling it out and looking out for this community – great job!!”
This netizen seized the opportunity to take a jab at the left, writing, “And if it burned down half of LA, the left would call it Climate Change.” One other observer joked, “Watching climate change happen.”
As of this moment, there have been no reports of serious damage from the fire. Although the suspect remains unidentified, he may likely face charges related to arson.
