Freelance Photographers Capture Footage Of Shirtless Man Accused Of Setting Brush On Fire

NEENACH (CBSLA.com) — When two freelance photographers spotted a brush fire near one of their homes, they sprung into action.

First, they called 911. Then, they started shooting footage.

It happened in the Antelope Valley near the community of Neenach, which is about 30 miles west of Lancaster on Highway 138.

"15 to 20-foot flames, just standing there. I mean, it's just crazy. It's almost unbelievable," said Bernie Deyo, a photographer.

And much to their surprise, they also saw a man they say was yelling and setting the dry brush on fire.

"To actually see somebody out here starting fires, it's just so bewildering, you don't know what to think," said Deyo.

While firefighters quickly put out the nearly 15-acre blaze, Deyo and Jeff Zimmerman, the other photographer, tried to keep the suspected arsonist from running.

"Get his hands behind his back, tried to make sure he didn't have any weapons and then the paramedics came and we were able to subdue him on an ambulance gurney," said Zimmerman.

The suspect, identified by authorities as David Artiaga, 27, was arrested.

His mother, Luc Maria Alvarez, came to the scene Wednesday to talk with Deyo and Zimmerman.

"I want to say thank you for everything and I want to say so sorry for the hard time for everybody," she said.

She said her son has been on drugs for years.

Zimmerman and Deyo say, had they not called 911 when they did, the fire could have been much bigger. But they don't consider themselves heroes.

"We're just doing our civic duty, doing what we can to help our neighbors," Zimmerman said.

Artiaga was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail. His mother hopes he will get the mental help he needs.

The case is being investigated.