The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said they apprehended a suspect on Thursday accused of sparking the Kenneth Fire.
LAPD Senior Lead Officer Charles Dinse noted that the fire began Thursday at around 3 p.m. in the West Hills neighborhood. It is being investigated as a crime.
“What we know right now is that incident occurred, started here,” Dinse said in an interview with NewsNation’s Brian Entin. “And about 20 minutes, 30 minutes later, a suspect was detained over in Woodland Hills area by citizens.”
He added that investigators are currently unaware of the individual’s motive for starting the fire that has spread across 900 miles in the Golden State. Citizens helped detain the suspect.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman, in a separate interview with NewsNation, said the penalty could be as high as a homicide charge, which could result in life in prison.
“Justice will be swift," Hochman told NewsNation's Ashleigh Banfield on Thursday. " It will be firm, and the maximum punishment will be sought."
"Our goal is to send this warning. Whether it’s looting, these internet scams, robbery or future arsons," he continued, adding that "the day and age of a DA’s office standing on the sidelines is over. We want to bring justice, and we will.”
Their comments come as wildfires continue to ravage the region.
Officials have issued evacuation orders for 180,000 people and said at least 10 have been killed as a result of the blazes. More than 35,000 acres have been burnt in recent days.
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