A tense confrontation unfolded in a Los Angeles neighborhood when television actor Brian J. White encountered an unexpected threat near his home.

According to the New York Post, the former "Chicago Fire" star joined forces with neighbors to detain Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, a 33-year-old Mexican national who was allegedly attempting to start fires with a blowtorch near the advancing Kenneth Fire in Woodland Hills.

The incident occurred on Thursday when White heard shouting outside his residence while preparing to evacuate due to the approaching wildfire. An alert neighbor had observed Sierra-Leyva attempting to ignite White's trash can containing leaves and sticks shortly after the suspect had allegedly tried to set fire to an old Christmas tree in the area.

Actor's Police Training Experience Proves Crucial During Tense Standoff

White, who portrayed Captain Dallas Patterson on NBC's "Chicago Fire," drew upon his experience from police ride-alongs to handle the volatile situation. The 49-year-old actor maintained his composure while confronting Sierra-Leyva, who had been cornered in a neighbor's front yard.

White described his approach to the situation, stating:

It was more a hostage negotiating training. I've gone on a lot of police ride-alongs over the years, and one of the main things they talk about is staying calm and communicating. So I was trying to clearly communicate to the gentleman that I don't really care for an explanation. He's standing on my property with an ignited blowtorch, so I'm just going to make sure that he waits until the police come.

The neighbors worked together to restrain Sierra-Leyva using zip ties and rope from nearby garages while White's wife, Paula Da Silva, documented the citizen's arrest on her phone from across the street.

Community Questions Police Response to Potential Arson Threat

Local residents expressed disappointment when police charged Sierra-Leyva only with felony probation violation, citing insufficient evidence for arson charges. The timing of the suspect's presence in the neighborhood with a blowtorch raised suspicions among residents, given the proximity of approaching fires.

White and his neighbors remain convinced of the connection between Sierra-Leyva's activities and the nearby Kenneth Fire. The actor emphasized the suspicious timing, noting that fires were approaching from the direction where the suspect had originated.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) subsequently placed a detainer on Sierra-Leyva, though sources indicated it would likely go unenforced due to California's sanctuary state legislation.

Swift Community Response Highlights Neighborhood Vigilance

The Kenneth Fire, which erupted near Victory Boulevard in West Hills, consumed 1,052 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura counties before firefighters achieved full containment on January 12, three days after its inception.

White reflected positively on the community's rapid response to the threat. The actor, who currently appears on "Criminal Minds: Evolution," characterized his actions as a "split-second decision" to protect his family.

The incident demonstrated the effectiveness of neighborhood cooperation in crisis situations. White expressed satisfaction with both his own instinctive response and the collective action of his neighbors in addressing the potential threat to their community.

Decisive Action Prevents Potential Disaster

The confrontation between Brian J. White, his neighbors, and Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva occurred during a critical period as the Kenneth Fire threatened Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The incident began when Sierra-Leyva was spotted attempting to ignite fires using a blowtorch in the Woodland Hills neighborhood, prompting swift action from residents, including the television actor.

The suspect faces felony probation violation charges while remaining in custody, with an ICE detainer placed against him. The community's quick response helped prevent potential additional fire damage in an area already threatened by the advancing Kenneth Fire, which was ultimately contained after burning through more than 1.6 square miles of territory.