Los Angeles police arrested a man on Friday morning after he was seen carrying a lighter that resembled a handgun near the intersection of Melrose Avenue and Westmount Drive in West Hollywood. The suspect was detained after a brief standoff with officers.
A retired Chicago police officer observed the man's erratic behavior and reported the situation to the LAPD, prompting the response that led to the arrest. The lighter's appearance as a firearm caused the bystander to alert authorities.