Media Contact:  Sgt. Hauptmann
Office: 818-937-8888
Cell: 818-299-1565
Email: GPDPIO@Glendaleca.gov

Juvenile Arrested for Arson After Starting Brush Fire with Fireworks

On July 5, 2021, at approximately 6:08 p.m., Glendale PD patrol officers and the Glendale Fire Department responded to the area of Remah Vista Dr and Melwood Dr regarding a brush fire.  A reporting party stated two teenagers had been setting off fireworks and that they had possibly started the fire.  The teenagers were last seen leaving the area in a vehicle and a description of the vehicle was given.

The Air Support Unit arrived over the scene very quickly and located a vehicle that matched the description of the suspect vehicle, driving away from the area.  Responding patrol units located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.  Members of the Glendale Fire Department arrived at the location of the brush fire and were able to extinguish it in a short period of time; before it was able to grow into a larger brush fire and/or cause any damage to residences and structures in the immediate area.

During their investigation, officers were able to locate the teenagers involved in lighting the fireworks at a residence in the immediate area.  One of the teenagers admitted to officers that he was solely responsible for lighting the fireworks that started the brush fire, but that he immediately called 9-1-1 to report the fire.  The teenager was arrested and booked for felony arson, but was later released to his parent with a notice to appear in court at a later date.

Remember, if you see something, say something.  The immediate reporting of these subjects setting off fireworks and the subsequent fire that was started, allowed for a quick response by the Glendale Fire Department and prevented what could have been a much more serious brush fire in a residential area.  It also resulted in the apprehension of the suspect responsible.  Suspicious activity can be reported to the Glendale Police Department’s non-emergency line at (818) 548-4911; if you need emergency response, please call 9-1-1.