Man with sword arrested after allegedly lighting fire along Central Coast
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Deputies arrested a sword-wielding arson suspect after a short vehicle and foot chase.
- Fire crews contained a 1.1-acre blaze allegedly sparked during the suspect’s flight.
- The suspect faces arson and multiple misdemeanor charges with bail set at $75,000.
A fire on the Gaviota Coast sparked some necessary teamwork Wednesday night as Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies detained an arson suspect armed with a sword and County Fire crews battled the blaze he allegedly started.
Simon Khalili, 40, from Woodland Hills was arrested after he fled from authorities and allegedly started a fire within State Parks property, Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Raquel Zick said.
Around 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to the area of El Capitan Canyon Resort for a report of a suspect exhibiting “odd behavior,” Zick said.
As they arrived on scene, Khalili attempted to flee in his vehicle onto a dirt access road. His vehicle got stuck, and he fled on foot into the canyon, according to Zick.
Minutes later, a fire erupted in the brush where Khalili fled within State Parks property and deputies learned he was possibly armed with a sword, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies and county firefighters briefly retreated to give a County Air Support helicopter room for two water drops onto the fire, according to Zick.
Deputies then developed a plan in which they would shield firefighters, allowing them to respond to the fire while Khalili remained an active threat, Zick said. A sheriff’s K9 unit arrived to assist while Air Support watched overhead.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Khalili surrendered to deputies and was taken into custody. County Fire stopped the fire progression at 7:41 p.m., with an estimated 1.1-acre burn area.
Khalili was booked into the Santa Barbara County Main Jail on a felony charge of arson as well as misdemeanors, including trespassing, brandishing a weapon and negligent fire setting. His bail was set at $75,000, according to Zick.
This story was originally published May 16, 2025 at 11:34 AM with the headline "Man with sword arrested after allegedly lighting fire along Central Coast."