(Jae C. Hong/AP photo)
An arrest has been made in the devastating Palisades wildfire in January that reduced thousands of homes to rubble.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, was arrested this week for sparking the blaze that erupted into one of the worst wildfires to strike California.
“Today we are announcing the arrest of 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht on a criminal complaint charging him with maliciously starting what became the Palisades Fire in January,” Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli posted on X Wednesday.
Rinderknecht allegedly started the fire on New Year’s Day, according to a criminal complaint cited by Essayli.
During an examination of his digital devices, investigators found an image of a burning city that was made using ChatGPT, Essayli said.
News of the arrest was first reported by ABC News on Wednesday morning.
The fire broke out on Jan. 7, just off a hiking trail in Los Angeles, and quickly spread, leaving over 20,000 acres charred and 12 people dead.
Celebrity homes and restaurants in the Pacific Palisades were among the structures destroyed by the Palisades fire.
A-listers like Princess Bride stars Billy Crystal and Cary Elwes, as well as singer and actress Mandy Moore, reported losing their houses in the blaze.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
The post JUST IN: Authorities ID Suspect Accused of Setting Palisades Fire That Left 12 Dead first appeared on Mediaite.
