A California man used his martial arts skills to apprehend a suspected arsonist who had allegedly stolen a Tesla and set fire to a field in Vallejo. The suspect, believed to be homeless, reportedly ignited the blaze using road flares after stealing the vehicle in Fremont. The fire quickly spread across approximately 15 acres, an area equivalent to about 11 football fields, before firefighters contained it. Witness Alex Bello, returning home from Costco with his family, observed the suspect igniting the flames and immediately sprang into action. Driven by concern for his family and neighbors, Bello contacted 911 and followed the suspect while providing updates to the dispatcher. After receiving permission from dispatch, Bello confronted the suspect as he attempted to re-enter the Tesla. A brief struggle ensued, after which Bello restrained the suspect using a hold he described as making him look “like a pretzel,” ensuring he was immobilized but unharmed. Bello emphasized that his actions were motivated by protecting his community and not by bravado. He also expressed concern about potential legal repercussions, referencing the Daniel Penny case in New York. Police arrived promptly and took the suspect into custody. They later confirmed that the suspect confessed to both stealing the Tesla and starting the fire. Images from the scene depict the charred field near residential homes, along with the recovered road flares and the stolen Tesla parked at an electric vehicle charging station. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of wildfires in California, and authorities praised Bello for his quick thinking and intervention, which they said prevented potentially significant damage to homes and businesses.