Crime
Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva arrested in connection with Kenneth Fire in Los Angeles
A homeless man accused of attempting to ignite fires near a Los Angeles wildfire has been identified as 36-year-old Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, a Mexican national in the U.S. illegally.
The incident unfolded near the Kenneth Fire, which burned over 1,050 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura counties before being fully contained on Sunday.
Sierra-Leyva was tackled and restrained by residents of Woodland Hills after he was allegedly seen using what appeared to be a makeshift flamethrower to set old Christmas trees and debris on fire.
Witnesses detained him with zip ties and rope until the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) arrived. Video footage of the confrontation shows residents surrounding the suspect, with one shouting, “Put it down!”
According to LAPD Assistant Chief Dominic Choi, while detectives are investigating the case as a possible arson, there was insufficient evidence at the time of arrest to charge Sierra-Leyva with arson.
Instead, he was booked for a felony probation violation, though authorities have not disclosed details of his prior conviction.
Sierra-Leyva’s immigration status has raised concerns among law enforcement officials. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed he is in the country illegally and plans to issue a detainer request.
However, due to California’s sanctuary state laws, local authorities are unlikely to honor the request.
California’s sanctuary policies, enacted in 2017, limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
These policies were further reinforced by a Los Angeles City Council ordinance passed in November, prohibiting the use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Law enforcement sources expressed frustration, stating that the lack of collaboration between local and federal agencies has allowed individuals with extensive criminal histories to remain in the U.S.
Court records reveal Sierra-Leyva has a lengthy criminal history in Los Angeles County, including a 2023 conviction for assault with a deadly weapon. Over the years, he has spent more than two years in jail for various offenses. It remains unclear where and when he entered the United States.
The Kenneth Fire, which erupted last Thursday, consumed over 1,050 acres across two counties before being fully contained.
The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation, and it is not yet confirmed whether Sierra-Leyva’s actions contributed to its spread.
Residents who apprehended Sierra-Leyva expressed their alarm at the situation. “A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees. They got some zip ties and rope, and we were able to perform a citizen’s arrest,” said a witness identified as Grinshpun.
Local authorities, including the LAPD’s Major Crimes Squad, are continuing their investigation into the incident.
Anyone with additional information about the Kenneth Fire or the suspect’s activities is urged to contact the LAPD or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.