Man Caught Pouring Lighter Fluid at Lancaster Station Gate

LANCASTER, Calif. — A Lancaster man was arrested Monday after a sheriff's station supervisor saw him pouring suspected lighter fluid over the station's entrance gate, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reported.

Read the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department release: https://nixle.us/HT9PK

The incident happened on Monday, November 9, 2026, at approximately 2:40 p.m., according to the release.

Brion Williams, 25, of Lancaster, was arrested and booked at the Lancaster Station Jail, officials reported.

He is being held on $250,000 bail, according to the release.

A Supervisor Watching, A Gate Doused, And A Suspect Detained

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 man reaching over the station's entrance gate, according to the release.

The man was pouring suspected lighter fluid onto the entrance driveway and the adjacent pedestrian gate, officials reported.

He was also shouting obscenities directed at law enforcement, according to the release.

Nearby deputies responded and detained him near the intersection of Sierra Highway and Lancaster Boulevard, officials reported.

At the time of his detention, he was still in possession of a container of lighter fluid and an operable lighter, according to the release.

Deputies detained him before the lighter fluid was ignited, officials reported.

An Attempted Arson Charge, A Quarter-Million Bail, And An Ongoing Case

Williams was arrested for violating Penal Code § 451(b), attempted arson of an inhabited structure or property, according to the release. The charge is an allegation, and Williams is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The department stated that 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 Lancaster Station 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," Captain Bartlett said. "We're incredibly proud of his actions and all the deputies who were involved."

The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available for release at this time, officials reported.

Anyone with information can contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and tips can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or at lacrimestoppers.org.

Sources

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, "Flames Foiled at the Station Gate, Lancaster Deputies Make Swift Arrest," November 10, 2026: https://nixle.us/HT9PK