A 25-year-old man suspected of reaching over a sheriff’s station entrance gate and pouring lighter fluid onto the driveway while shouting obscenities directed at law enforcement has been taken into custody, authorities announced Tuesday.
Deputies assigned to the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station were conducting routine duties near the station’s booking area around 2:40 p.m. Monday, when a supervisor observed the suspect pouring lighter fluid onto the entrance driveway and pedestrian gate, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The suspect was subsequently detained by deputies near Sierra Highway and Lancaster Boulevard, still in possession of a container of lighter fluid and an operable lighter, sheriff’s officials said.
He was later identified as Brion Williams of Lancaster, who was arrested and booked at the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station Jail on suspicion of attempted arson of an inhabited structure or property, with bail set at $250,000.
”Sgt. Robert Jensen’s awareness and quick thinking prevented what could have been a very dangerous situation,” Capt. Paul R. Bartlett said in a statement. “He saw something wasn’t right, acted decisively, and did exactly what we train our personnel to do.
“That kind of professionalism and judgment protects fellow personnel and our entire community. We’re incredibly proud of his actions and all the deputies who were involved.”
Anyone with additional information about the attempted arson was urged to call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.