On Monday, November 9, 2026, at approximately 2:40 p.m., deputies assigned to Lancaster Sheriff's Station were conducting routine duties near the station's booking area and rear parking lot when a supervisor observed a suspect reaching over the station's entrance gate and pouring suspected lighter fluid onto the entrance driveway and adjacent pedestrian gate. The suspect was also shouting obscenities directed at law enforcement.
Nearby deputies quickly responded and detained the suspect near the intersection of Sierra Highway and Lancaster Boulevard. At the time of his detention, the suspect was still in possession of a container of lighter fluid and an operable lighter.
Thankfully, the suspect was detained before the lighter fluid was ignited.
The man, identified as Brion Williams, a 25-year-old resident of Lancaster, was arrested for violating Penal Code A451(B) “attempted arson of an inhabited structure or property.” Williams was booked at the Lancaster Station Jail and is being held on $250,000 bail.
The vigilance, communication, and coordinated response of Lancaster Station personnel brought the incident to a swift conclusion, potentially preventing a dangerous fire and significant damage to the facility.
“Sergeant Robert Jensen’s awareness and quick thinking prevented what could have been a very dangerous situation," said Captain Paul R. Bartlett. "He saw something wasn't right, acted decisively, and did exactly what we train our personnel to do. That kind of professionalism and judgment protects fellow personnel and our entire community. We're incredibly proud of his actions and all the deputies who were involved."
This investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available for release at this time.
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
Forwarded by:
Sheriff's Information Bureau
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
211 West Temple Street,
Los Angeles California 90012
213-229-1700
http://www.lasd.org
*Text & Email, Register for LASD Nixle messages: To receive more detailed, up-to-date information via E-MAIL and/or TEXT directly from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), sign up for "Nixle" alerts at http://www.Nixle.com and register for "LASD – Headquarters Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff" AND your local LASD station area. Or, to receive URGENT TEXT ALERTS ONLY, text your zip code to 888777. Standard text messaging rates may apply depending on your calling plan.
Robert G. Luna, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
