Man seen with rifle in Buena Park not connected to fire, police say

BUENA PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- A man who was arrested after he was allegedly spotted on a roof brandishing a rifle as firefighters put out a blaze in Buena Park was not connected with the fire, investigators said.

But neighbors say that suspect Edgar Salazar, 28, has displayed unusual and confrontational behavior in the past. Two sisters who live in the neighborhood say a few months ago they saw Salazar shoot out some street lamps and point a BB gun at them.

Police confirmed they have received reports in the past of him brandishing a BB gun, but no citations were issued at that time.

On Sunday, firefighters responded to an explosion and fire at a home in the 7700 block of 11th Street in Buena Park around 5:30 p.m.

When they got there, some neighbors pointed out a man on a roof holding a rifle.

A SWAT team was called in to conduct a door-to-door search even as firefighters worked on the fire.

Residents were warned to stay inside for safety.

Eventually Salazar was taken into custody around 1:30 a.m. Monday, according to Buena Park police.

He remains in custody. Police say he did not fire at anyone but he is facing criminal threats charges and brandishing a weapon in the presence of officers.

A man in his 30s suffered second and third degree burns in the fire.

Authorities pulled dozens of butane containers from the home after the fire and said they are looking into it as a possible drug lab.