Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department records or news reports

Oregon Couple Arrested for Impersonating Firefighters, Firetruck Impounded

Jan 20, 2025, 03:14 AM

Two individuals from Oregon, Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, were arrested on January 18, 2025, for impersonating firefighters in the Palisades Fire evacuation zone in Los Angeles. The pair attempted to pass a checkpoint using a firetruck purchased at an auction and claimed to represent the fictitious 'Roaring River Fire Department.' They were dressed in firefighting gear, including CAL Fire T-shirts, helmets, and radios. Authorities discovered that Dustin Nehl has a prior conviction for arson in Oregon. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department detained the suspects after determining their truck and credentials were illegitimate. The firetruck was impounded, and it was revealed that the pair had entered the evacuation zone on January 17. The Major Crimes Bureau was contacted to assist with the investigation. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for potential charges.