Caught on video: Man sets fire to American flag at Long Beach home

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Police arrested a man accused of setting fire to American flags that were on display at several homes in Long Beach.

Firefighters were initially sent to a reported vehicle fire in the 2800 block of Iroquois Avenue at around 3:30 a.m. on Thursday. Moments later, calls began coming in from residents who reported seeing flags on fire on the same street.

Video obtained by Eyewitness News shows a man approaching a home and grabbing an American flag that was anchored out front. He was seen setting it on fire.

Alexis Lenon says she woke up when her dog started barking and stepped outside to see flames shooting from her best friend's home across the street.

She credits her dog Lucca, who normally doesn't bark, for making sure everyone got out of their homes safely.

"I think because of him we were able to get our friends out in time, and I just can't imagine what would have happened if he didn't wake us up," Lenon said.

With the assistance of the Long Beach Police Department, the suspect was taken into custody at around 4 p.m.

It was not immediately known how many flags had been set on fire, but the fire department said several properties were involved.

Authorities have yet to release the name of the suspect or where he was arrested. The incident remains under investigation.

City News Service, Inc. contributed to this report.

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