“Thank you to the responding State Park rangers, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies and county firefighters.  Their efforts resulted in the arrest of someone suspected of dangerous behavior and kept a fire from burning out of control. 

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SANTA BARBARA – On May 14, 2025, at approximately 5:15 p.m., California State Park rangers, along with deputies from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of El Capitan Canyon Resort for a report of a suspect exhibiting odd behavior. As they were responding, the suspect, identified Simon Khalili, 40, from Woodland Hills, attempted to flee in his vehicle onto a dirt access road where his vehicle became stuck. Khalili then fled on foot into the canyon.

The law enforcement officers paused their pursuit into the dangerous terrain and minutes later, a fire erupted in the brush where Khalili fled within State Parks property.  It was suspected that Khalili was possibly armed with a sword.

Deputies along with County Fire briefly retreated to give County Air Support room for two water drops. Deputies developed a force protection plan where deputies shielded firefighters, allowing them to approach the fire on foot while the suspect remained an active threat. A Sheriff’s K9 unit arrived to assist while Air Support maintained observation overhead. At approximately 7:30 p.m., the suspect surrendered to deputies and his custody was transferred to State Parks for the arrest. County fire stopped forward progress of the fire at 7:41 p.m., with an estimated 1.1 acre burn area.

Khalili was booked at the Main Jail by State Parks for a felony charge of arson as well as misdemeanors including trespassing, brandishing a weapon, and negligent fire setting. He is being held on $75,000 bail.