An Uber driver is facing a federal charge after allegedly setting a fire that turned into one of California's most destructive wildfires.

According to the criminal complaint, Rinderknecht's two Uber passengers on the night of December 31, 2024, noticed that he appeared agitated and angry.

Rinderknecht worked as an Uber driver. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the suspect two of his passengers said he appeared "agitated" and "angry" that night. After dropping the passengers, he attempted to contact a friend and failed.

Authorities allege Jonathan Rinderknecht, who previously lived in the Pacific Palisades, was working as an Uber driver in the area on New Year’s Eve and picked up at least two rides that night before starting a fire that would become known as the Lachman Fire, according to the criminal complaint filed in California.

According to the criminal complaint, Rinderknecht's two Uber passengers on the night of December 31, 2024, noticed that he appeared agitated and angry.

Uber driver Jonathan Rinderknecht was arrested in Florida. He faces charges including malicious destruction by means of fire.

Federal officials and Los Angeles police plan to announce a “significant development” related to the criminal investigation into last January’s deadly Palisades Fire