As firefighters continue to battle devastating wildfires across Los Angeles County, authorities are facing a new challenge: looters exploiting the crisis. In a shocking incident, a looter disguised as a firefighter was caught attempting to burglarize an evacuated home in Malibu.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna revealed the incident during a press conference, expressing his dismay at the opportunistic crime.
“When I was out there in the Malibu area, I saw a gentleman that looked like a firefighter,” the sheriff recounted. “And I asked him if he was OK because he was sitting down. I didn’t realize we had him in handcuffs.”
READ: California Wildfires Claim 24 Lives, Thousands Flee As “Particularly Dangerous Situation” Looms
Authorities apprehended the suspect, and he is facing charges of burglary and impersonating a firefighter. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Jim McDonald confirmed that the suspect and two others were arrested after violating curfew orders in the Palisades evacuation zone.
“One had on a fire jacket and a fire hat,” McDonald said. “And he was additionally arrested for impersonating a firefighter. We have people who will go to all ends to be able to do what it is they want to do to exploit the victims of this tragedy.”
This incident is part of a disturbing trend of looting amid the wildfire crisis. Authorities have arrested 28 individuals on looting-related charges since the fires began.
L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has vowed to crack down on looters, promising to “throw the entire book” at those who prey on evacuated homes. “We’re sending the same unmistakably clear message to them, that if they want to rip off people who have suffered these type of tragedies, we will come after you,” Hochman warned.
In response to the growing disorder and looting, California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed an additional 1,000 National Guard troops to the Los Angeles area, bringing the total number of service members assisting with public safety efforts to 2,500.
A curfew remains in effect from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM in the Palisades evacuation zone to deter looting and ensure public safety.
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