Anaheim Suspected Arsonist Detained

ANAHEIM, CA - During a time of extreme fire watch one person wearing all black was seen lighting multiple fires in the Anaheim area Friday. The suspect was seen attempting to light multiple fires across Anaheim when he was discovered by an overhead helicopter.

An Orange County Fire Authority helicopter was flying over the scene and was able to direct the Anaheim Angel Helicopter and other Anaheim Police Department ground units to the location of the suspect using infrared, after 5:30 p.m.

"Once Anaheim Angel went on scene, OCFA Helicopter units backed out and Angel tracked him," Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said. "Anaheim Angel and Anaheim ground units followed the suspect from that point."

That man suspected of setting fires near the Anaheim Hills Festival shopping center Friday was detained.

"A man wearing all black was seen starting multiple vegetation fires near the shopping center Friday afternoon," Anaheim Police Sgt. Daron Wyatt said over Twitter.

Two witnesses chased the suspect and directed officers to his location, Wyatt said.

A search to determine if there are other suspects was underway.

This is a developing story and more information will be added as it is released.

Anaheim fire and rescue photo