Suspected arsonist faces felony charges in connection with fire near Chatsworth Reservoir

A man suspected of started a brush fire near the Chatsworth Reservoir is facing felony arson charges, prosecutors said Thursday.

Alejandro Martinez, 41, has been charged with one count of felony arson of a structure or forest and one count of felony attempt to burn in connection with a brush fire that broke out Monday. Around 4:30 p.m. that day, a group of neighbors chased him down and held him until law enforcement officers got to the scene and arrested him.

He pleaded not guilty Wednesday and his bail was set at $175,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 13.

Amilcar Fajardo, one of the residents who held Martinez before deputies arrived, said earlier this week that he witnessed him lighting another fire while firefighters were trying to put out the brush fire near the reservoir. 

"He just started running," Fajardo said. "There were other guys there. They all helped out. We just stopped him and that was it."

Santiago Martinez, who lives near where the fire was burning, said he sprung into action along with the other residents.

"If you see something, you do something," he said. "I drove down and I found him."

If convicted of all charges, Fajardo could face up to six years and eight months in prison.

"We have seen firsthand the destruction, displacement, and loss of life caused by these senseless acts," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement announcing the charges. "Let me be clear — if you intentionally set fire to our land, endanger our residents, and threaten our first responders, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."