Man arrested in connection with deadly Palisades fire, officials to announce ‘significant development’

A Florida man has reportedly been arrested in connection with the deadly Pacific Palisades Fire in Los Angeles that killed 12 people in January. It is suspected that he intentionally ignited the devastating blaze. The US Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Los Angeles Police Department are expected to announce additional details regarding a “significant development” related to the investigation in a news conference on Wednesday (Oct 8).

Reuters reported, citing a law enforcement official, that the man is facing three federal criminal charges related to the fire. The arrest came after an extensive investigation into the disaster by the Los Angeles field division of the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Los Angeles Fire Department; and the Los Angeles Police Department.

The Palisades fire, which started in early January, burned down more than 23,000 acres (9,308 hectares), destroying about 6,000 structures around Los Angeles and resulting in damages of about $150 billion.

What we know about the suspect

Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, a former Uber driver, was arrested on Tuesday (Oct 7) for “maliciously” setting the blaze that burned down more than 23,000 acres (9,308 hectares) and took until January 31 to contain. He was arrested near his home in Florida and has been charged with destruction of property by means of fire, said Bill Essayli, acting US Attorney for the Central District of California.

Authorities revealed that among the evidence collected from his digital devices was an AI-generated image depicting a burning city made by him.

Rinderknecht’s is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday (Oct 8) at 1:30 pm EDT in the US District Court in Orlando. Essayli added that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.