A man caught on camera setting the front of a Miami apartment building on fire was charged Monday for arson and attempted murder.
Surveillance cameras captured a witness tackling Luis Menendez, 23, after he poured gas and ignited the flames early Monday in the 1500 block of NW 15th Street.
Police say Miguel Quintero became suspicious after the man went up to him and asked for directions.
"Instead of going back to work upstairs, I was like, I'm going to hang out here and see what happens," Quintero said.
A few minutes pass and Quintero notices a shadow pass his window.
"A big ball of fire!" he said.
Quintero runs outside and bangs on his neighbor's door as the doormat engulfs in flames. He moves the flaming mat out in the middle of the street and tackled the suspect. A struggle ensued, but Quintero was able to hold him down until police arrived.
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"I explained to him there are two babies in that apartment, my wife is upstairs," he said. "That's attempted murder. There's only one way in and out of these small apartments."
Menendez is facing three counts of attempted murder, one count of first-degree arson and a battery charge. He is being held on $21,500 bail, according to an arrest form.
