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On Friday, May 14, 2021, at 10:02 p.m., a brush fire occurred in the 1800 block of Michael Lane in the City of Los Angeles. When the first responding engines from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) arrived, crews encountered multiple, separate, slow-moving fires in steep and remote terrain with thick understory dry and dead vegetation.
Immediately, the Department launched an all-out attack – deploying dozens of engines, aircraft, bulldozers, water tenders, and more than 100 firefighters.
Just after midnight, LAFD arson investigators were dispatched to the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Due to the inaccessible terrain and darkness, investigators gathered preliminary information and returned the next day.
On Saturday morning, LAFD helicopter pilots observed an adult male moving around in the brush along a steep hillside near the fire. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) air patrol was dispatched to monitor the individual. Officers from the West Los Angeles Community Police Station kept watch on the ground while the Air Support Division provided eyes in the sky. During an aerial observation, the Tactical Flight Officer witnessed the individual ignite multiple additional fires.
Arson investigators from LAFD requested the assistance of specialized deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Services Detail to locate and apprehend the alleged suspect within the rugged terrain. Deputies were lowered into the brush to begin their search. Because the fires were growing rapidly, deputies were forced to retreat.
At 10:56 a.m. on Sunday, May 16th, the individual emerged from the brush in the 1200 block of Palisades Drive.
A private security officer in the area recognized the person as a possible suspect and notified LAPD and LAFD. Police officers arrived and detained the suspect only 36 hours after the fire began. The suspect was transported to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.
After interviews from eyewitnesses, firefighters, and police officers, as well as hours of analyzing burn patterns and documenting the fire scene, arson investigators determined that the fire was incendiary in violation of section 451(c) of the California Penal Code Arson of Forest Land.
This morning, arson investigators are presenting this case to the Target Crimes Division Arson & Explosives Section of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for felony filing considerations.
Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas is grateful to our public safety partners and attentive community members for working quickly in identifying and apprehending the alleged suspect.
INCIDENT / ARRESTEE DETAILS:
Arrestee: Rodriguez Flores, Ramon*
DOB: December 30, 1972
Residence: Transient
Court Case: Will be presented to LA County DA’s Office
Bail: TBD by DA’s Office
Charge: TBD by DA’s Office
Date of Inc.: May 14, 2021
LAFD Inc.: 1448
Time: 2202 hours
*Arrestee has multiple name variations in law enforcement database.
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