By Gina Yarbrough
Azusa, CA–A transient was arrested after he allegedly confessed to starting a brush fire at Pioneer Park in Azusa on Friday night, authorities said.
Azusa Police officers were dispatched to the park at 1360 North Dalton Avenue in response to a reported brush fire. Upon arrival, a witness alerted officers that the individual responsible for igniting the fire was still at the scene.
Officers located the suspect, identified as Jose Carranza-Escobar, with a last known address in Azusa standing next to the flames. Officers detained Carranza as Los Angeles County Fire arrived to extinguish the fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze.
During the investigation, Carranza admitted to starting the fire and was arrested for arson. He was booked at the Azusa Police Department Jail and is in custody. The City of Azusa Public Works and Azusa Light and Water are assessing the damage caused by the fire. The investigation is ongoing.
“We must be cautious of individuals who may enter our community with the intent to start fires. The Azusa Police Department has staffed extra officers on duty due to the ongoing fire situation. We are taking a ‘zero tolerance’ stance on these types of criminal acts. The Azusa PD will continue to work with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, the California Army National Guard, and all of our partner agencies to ensure our community’s and residents’ safety,” Azusa Police Department stated in a news release.
The investigation will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of filing all applicable criminal charges.
