Former television star Brian J. White found himself in an unexpected real-life drama outside his Woodland Hills residence last week.
According to the New York Post, the "Chicago Fire" actor joined forces with neighbors to detain Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, a 33-year-old Mexican national who was allegedly attempting to ignite fires with a blowtorch near their homes during the Kenneth Fire emergency.
The incident unfolded when White heard screaming outside his home while preparing for potential evacuation as the Kenneth Fire threatened to spread from West Hills. An alert neighbor had spotted Sierra-Leyva attempting to set fire to White's trash can filled with leaves and sticks, merely 20 minutes after witnessing the same individual trying to ignite an old Christmas tree.
The 49-year-old actor, who portrayed Capt. Dallas Patterson on NBC's hit series, demonstrated quick thinking during the tense confrontation. White's experience from police ride-alongs proved invaluable as he approached the situation with tactical precision. His wife, Paula Da Silva, documented the citizen's arrest from across the street while their daughter sought refuge in a closet.
White shared his approach to the dangerous situation. As quoted by the actor:
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 confrontation culminated in Sierra-Leyva being restrained with zip ties and rope retrieved from nearby garages. The suspect reportedly displayed erratic behavior while waiting for law enforcement to arrive.
Police took Sierra-Leyva into custody, charging him with felony probation violation rather than arson due to insufficient evidence. This decision has drawn criticism from the involved neighbors who noted suspicious timing between Sierra-Leyva's presence and the approaching fires.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) subsequently placed a detainer on Sierra-Leyva. However, sources indicated that California's sanctuary state laws may prevent the detainer from being honored.
The Kenneth Fire, which prompted the initial evacuation preparations, consumed 1,052 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura counties before firefighters achieved full containment on January 12, three days after its inception near Victory Boulevard in West Hills.
The incident demonstrated the power of neighborhood solidarity during crisis situations. White reflected on the experience as a validation of both his personal instincts and community preparedness.
White's split-second decision to protect his family and neighborhood garnered praise from local residents. The actor, who currently appears on "Criminal Minds: Evolution," emphasized the importance of community awareness and rapid response during emergencies.
These events underscore the ongoing challenges faced by Los Angeles communities during fire season while highlighting how civilian vigilance can play a crucial role in maintaining public safety.
Brian J. White, known for his role as Capt. Dallas Patterson on "Chicago Fire," led a group of neighbors in detaining Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, who was allegedly attempting to start fires with a blowtorch near the Kenneth Fire zone in Woodland Hills. The incident occurred on January 9, 2025, as the surrounding area faced significant wildfire threats. Following the citizen's arrest, Sierra-Leyva was charged with felony probation violation, while ICE placed a detainer on him that may not be enforced due to California's sanctuary state policies.
