Overview

• Deputies responded to reports of a man exhibiting odd behavior near El Capitan Canyon Resort on Wednesday evening.
• The suspect, identified as Simon Khalili of Woodland Hills, fled on foot after his vehicle became stuck on a dirt road.
• A brush fire erupted in the rugged terrain where Khalili fled, prompting firefighters and aerial water drops to contain the blaze.
• Deputies implemented a force protection plan to shield firefighters as they worked to control the fire, which was fully contained to about one acre.
• Khalili surrendered around 7:30 p.m. and was booked on charges including felony arson, trespassing, weapon brandishing, and negligent fire setting, with bail set at $75,000.