The Florida man charged with starting January’s Palisades Fire in Los Angeles had previous encounters with law enforcement before his arrest, according to newly released video and records.

Prosecutors allege Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, maliciously set the Lachman Fire just after midnight on January 1, which smoldered underground until it was rekindled by Santa Ana winds on January 7, becoming the larger and far more destructive Palisades Fire.

Prior to his arrest on the federal arson charges earlier this month, Rinderknecht had a notable run-in with police in Florida.

Palm Bay Police released footage from an August 2, 2025, traffic stop in Brevard County, FL, where Rinderknecht was pulled over for driving 71 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone. During the stop, an officer noticed several unm

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