A 29-year-old former Pacific Palisades resident was in custody Wednesday in Florida for allegedly sparking the deadly Palisades Fire that killed 12 people and destroyed much of the exclusive community.

Jonathan Rinderknecht was arrested Tuesday in Florida and made his initial appearance in federal court there Wednesday. He is expected back in Florida federal court before a magistrate judge Thursday for a detention hearing, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, Rinderknecht — who was working as an Uber driver — allegedly started a fire in the Palisades area shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day, after dropping off passengers nearby.

Prosecutors contend Rinderknecht — who once lived in the neighborhood — drove toward Skull Rock Trailhe

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