Transient arrested on suspicion of starting fire while trying to cook in Azusa encampment

A 42-year-old transient suspected of sparking a small brush fire in a homeless encampment in Azusa was jailed Thursday evening.

Officers responded about 5 p.m. to a brush fire near the San Gabriel River Trail along the 1900 block of San Gabriel Canyon Road and spotted flames, according to the Azusa Police Department.

Using fire extinguishers and dirt, officers were able to stop the fire’s spread and Los Angeles County Fire Department crews arrived and snuffed out the remaining flames, police said.

While on scene, officers located and detained a suspect, identified as Daniel Velez, formerly of San Bernardino. An investigation determined Velez caused the fire while attempting to cook food in the illegal encampment, police said.

Velez was arrested and booked at the Azusa Police Department jail.

The department has placed additional officers on patrol in the riverbed area to lessen the risk of fire and other criminal activity, police said.

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