Suspected Arsonist Caught Dancing In The Firelight

LOS ANGELES, CA — As nearly 200,000 people flee their homes in fire-ravaged Southern California and firefighters braced for hurricane-force wind gusts, one alleged arsonist danced in the flickering firelight.

Los Angeles police arrested two suspected arsonists Wednesday including one who allegedly set a palm tree on fire in Van Nuys and danced as the blaze spread to nine nearby cars.

A witness called police to the scene near the intersection of Kester Avenue and Vanowen Street, according to Capt. Lillian Carranza of the Los Angeles Police Department's Van Nuys Station. The suspect was found dancing at the scene and arrested, she said. The blaze was doused, and no one was injured in the incident.

"Police and fire quick response prevented further damage or injuries," added Carranza.

Authorities have not released any information about the suspect.

Earlier on Wednesday, police arrested a homeless man for allegedly starting a small brush fire in a park near Irwindale.

The fire was reported about 1:15 p.m. at Lario Park in the 3000 block of East Huntington Drive, and was encircled by 2:20 p.m., a Los Angeles County Fire Department Inspector told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

About three-quarters of an acre burned, the newspaper reported.

The suspect, identified by Irwindale police as 33-year-old Alex Soto, made statements implicating himself, Irwindale police Sgt. Rudy Gatto told The Tribune.

Soto, who has ties to Azusa, was booked on suspicion of arson, according to Gatto.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin; Photo courtesy of Capt. Lillian Carranza of the Los Angeles Police Department.