That's a WRAP

Andrew Ocalliham’s Rap Sheet: From Petty Crimes to Arson

By Jane Doe, Investigative Reporter | August 15, 2025

When hikers detained Andrew Wistic Ocalliham for setting a fire in Runyon Canyon on July 13, 2025, it wasn’t his first brush with the law. The 43-year-old transient’s criminal history spans years of petty offenses, culminating in a felony arson charge that could’ve turned a popular LA park into a fireball. Here’s what I uncovered about his rap sheet—and why it matters.

A Trail of Misdemeanors

Ocalliham’s run-ins with police began at least as early as 2021, with a string of misdemeanor arrests across Los Angeles County. Court records and Local Crime News reveal a pattern of low-level crimes:

  • 2021: Charged with receiving stolen property and burglary (Los Angeles).
  • 2022-2023: Multiple arrests in Santa Monica for theft, vandalism, drug possession, and assault with a deadly weapon.
  • 2024: More vandalism and drug paraphernalia charges, plus a robbery arrest in Los Angeles.
  • June 2025: Drug paraphernalia possession in West Hollywood, just weeks before the fire.

These charges, mostly misdemeanors, paint a picture of a transient life marked by property crimes and possible substance abuse. Outcomes aren’t always clear—some cases may have been dismissed—but the frequency suggests a troubled path.

The Runyon Canyon Fire: A Dangerous Escalation

On July 13, 2025, Ocalliham allegedly used a blowtorch to ignite a palm tree in Runyon Canyon, sparking a quarter-acre brush fire. Hikers like Scott Mitchell and Davanh DiMarco stopped him, preventing a repeat of January’s 43-acre Sunset Fire nearby. Ocalliham’s claim of being a “fire marshal” conducting a “controlled burn” was dismissed as “nonsense” by witnesses, hinting at mental health issues.

Why It Matters: Now facing felony arson charges with a $75,000 bail, Ocalliham’s case marks a leap from petty crimes to a potentially catastrophic act. Was this a one-off, or a sign of deeper issues?

Questions Linger

Was his arson attempt impulsive, or planned? His history of vandalism and assault raises red flags, but no prior fire-related charges appear in public records. Ocalliham’s ongoing trial may hold the key. Could mental health or LA’s homelessness crisis explain his actions? Or is there a bigger pattern of small fires we’re missing?

Runyon’s near-miss, stopped by vigilant hikers, is a wake-up call. With LA’s wildfire risks and strained social services, Ocalliham’s story feels like more than just one man’s crimes.

Know more about Ocalliham or similar incidents in LA? Drop a tip in the comments or email shaneshipman+investigates@gmail.com. Let’s uncover the truth.

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