Los Angeles County court records or official press releases from the Los Angeles Police Department

29 Arrested in Los Angeles Wildfires Looting; Burglar Dressed as Firefighter Caught

Jan 12, 2025, 07:29 PM

Los Angeles authorities have arrested approximately 29 people in connection with criminal activities during the ongoing wildfires, including looting and burglary in evacuated areas such as Malibu, Palisades, and Eaton. Among those arrested was a suspect impersonating a firefighter who was caught burglarizing a home in the Palisades Fire area on Saturday night. Law enforcement officials report that some looters are dressing as firefighters and utility workers to bypass security checkpoints and avoid detection. Sheriff Robert Luna recounted, "When I was out there in the Malibu area, I saw a gentleman that looked like a firefighter, and I asked him if he was okay because he was sitting down. I didn't realize we had just arrested him for burglary." Luna expressed he is "anxious" to prosecute looters and scammers. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell commented, "We have people who will go to all ends to do what they do." The wildfires have caused extensive damage and have claimed 16 lives so far.