Jonathan Rinderknecht was arrested in Florida and charged with igniting the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, a lethal blaze authorities say he “maliciously” began after working a shift as an Uber driver.

The 29-year-old former driver now faces a federal cost of destruction of property by fireplace, in keeping with performing U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli, who confirmed the arrest through a submit on Twitter (X). The fireplace, which erupted in early January and wasn’t absolutely contained till January 31, claimed a dozen lives and scorched components of Pacific Palisades.

“A single person’s recklessness caused one of the worst fires Los Angeles has ever seen, resulting in death and widespread destruction in Pacific Palisades,” Essayli mentioned in a press release. “While we cannot bring back what victims lost, we hope this criminal case brings some measure of justice to those affected by this horrific tragedy.”

Federal investigators allege Rinderknecht set off what grew to become the Palisades Fire by first igniting the Lachman Fire on New Year’s Day. Though firefighters initially thought they’d extinguished it, the blaze continued to smolder underground. On January 7, sturdy winds reignited the hearth, which then unfold quickly by means of the world.

According to a felony criticism, Rinderknecht had not too long ago dropped off a passenger in Pacific Palisades earlier than heading towards the Skull Rock Trailhead. There, he reportedly tried to contact a former pal, took photographs along with his telephone and listened to a tune by a French artist “whose music video included things being lit on fire,” the Department of Justice mentioned in a launch.

At 11:47 p.m., Rinderknecht recorded two movies from atop the hill. No flames had been seen on the time. Roughly 25 minutes later, sensors within the space detected a hearth. Investigators say he tried calling 911 a number of instances however couldn’t join as a consequence of poor cell service. He ultimately reached an emergency operator and reported the hearth. Another resident close by additionally referred to as it in.

Authorities say Rinderknecht then fled the world in his car however returned shortly after to comply with fireplace vehicles and movie the scene as crews battled the flames. Two passengers who rode with him earlier that evening advised investigators he appeared “agitated and angry,” in keeping with the criticism.

Uber confirmed to NBC Los Angeles that Rinderknecht was instantly banned from the platform after the corporate realized of his alleged involvement. The firm mentioned it’s cooperating with legislation enforcement. Investigators dominated out different attainable causes of the hearth, together with fireworks, lightning and downed energy strains. Rinderknecht was taken into custody close to his residence in Florida on October 8.

He faces as much as 20 years in jail if convicted.

Related