The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced Thursday that they have arrested the suspect suspected of starting the Kenneth Fire.
Los Angeles Police Department Senior Chief Police Officer Charles Dince noted that the fire broke out in the West Hills neighborhood around 3 p.m. Thursday. It is being investigated as a crime.
“What we know now is that this is where it all started,” Dince said. said in an interview With NewsNation's Brian Entin. “And approximately 20 to 30 minutes later, the suspect was taken into custody by a citizen in the Woodland Hills area.”
He added that investigators do not currently know the motives of the individuals who started the fires that spread 900 miles across the Golden State. Citizens assisted in detaining the suspect.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hockman another interview NewsNation reported that the punishment could be as high as the murder charge, which could result in life in prison.
Hockman told NewsNation's Ashley Banfield on Thursday: “Justice will be served swiftly. We will be determined to seek the maximum penalty.”
“Our goal is to send this warning: whether it’s looting, internet fraud, robbery, future arson,” he continued, “the days of the prosecutor’s office sitting on the sidelines are over. We want to bring justice, and we will.”
Their comments come as wildfires continue to wreak havoc in the region.
Authorities ordered evacuations for 180,000 people and said at least 10 people had died in the fire. More than 35,000 acres have burned in recent days.
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