Sword-Wielding Arson Suspect Arrested In California State Park As Deputies Shielded Firefighters

Deputies in California “shielded” firefighters while they worked to apprehend a sword-wielding arson suspect on Wednesday, officials said.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded along with State Parks personnel to a report of a person “exhibiting odd behavior” in the area of El Capitan Canyon Resort shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Simon Khalili, tried to flee law enforcement by driving onto a dirt access road, but his vehicle became stuck. He then fled on foot into the canyon, the sheriff’s office said.

As deputies paused to consider their pursuit into “dangerous terrain,” a fire erupted in the brush in the area of State Parks property where Khalili had fled. Deputies also learned Khalili was possibly armed with a sword.

Deputies and firefighters “briefly retreated” to provide space for two water drops from air support. Deputies also developed a plan to “shield” firefighters on the ground so they could approach the fire on foot with the suspect still at large.

A K9 was called in to assist, while Air Support continued searching from the air. At around 7:30 p.m., the suspect “surrendered to deputies,” who transferred him to park personnel for arrest.

The fire was contained at around 7:41 p.m. after burning 1.1 acres.

Khalili was charged with felony arson along with misdemeanors including trespassing, brandishing a weapon, and negligent fire setting. He was being held in jail on $75,000 bail.