LOS ANGELES, CA - Authorities with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LACSD) said that deputies have arrested nearly 30 people in areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Suspects of burglary, theft, looting, and arson have been arrested as the blaze continues on.
According to CBS News, at a news conference on Sunday, January 12th, LACSD Sheriff Robert Luna said that 25 people have been arrested in the Eaton fire area and four people in the Palisades fire area. To help combat the increased crime, Luna has requested additional assistance from the National Guard. One of the suspects arrested for burglary was dressed as a firefighter when he was scooped up in the Malibu area.
Luna said, "I saw a gentleman who looked like a firefighter, and I asked if he was okay because he was sitting down, and I didn't realize we had him in handcuffs. We were turning him over to the LAPD because he was dressed like a fireman and was not. He just got caught burglarizing a home." California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been blasted in the news for not doing his job in helping the people of his state, announced that an additional 1,000 service members would be deployed to the Los Angeles area.
He wrote in a statement, "The men and women of the California National Guard have been on the ground since day one, not only fighting fires, but also assisting with public safety efforts in communities devastated by these fires. We thank them for their efforts to keep our communities safe."
Luna said about 400 members from the National Guard are currently in the region. He said they are committed to providing security in evacuated areas to deter individuals from taking advantage of the homes and properties of people who have been affected. Members of the National Guard have been assisting LACSD, LAPD, CHP, and several other local police departments.
Luna said, "I'm hoping that you'll see additional National Guard personnel arriving today. I will be meeting with one of their very high-ranking executives later today." Luna also made it clear to those watching and listening that local and state attorneys are "eager" to prosecute anyone who is benefiting from residents during burglaries or online scams.
On Thursday, January 9th, a curfew was issued within the city of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Malibu, and all unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, in evacuation order and warning zones. The curfew is in effect from 6:00 p.m.to 6:00 a.m. to prevent looting and theft. Any person found in violation of the curfew could face a misdemeanor charge that is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. NBC4 reported that in addition to curfew violations, the man who was dressed as a firefighter was arrested on suspicion of impersonating a firefighter.
Law enforcement officers responded to the area when someone called the LA Fire Department about three people driving around and going through burned out homes. After being questioned, the man dressed like a firefighter could not produce an ID. Authorities also said that the fire station at which he claimed to be a member of had no record of him. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said, "We have people who will go to all ends to do what they want to do to exploit the victims of this tragedy."
LACSD has increased its staffing to 1,200 personnel to patrol evacuation zones, help with evacuations, and other roles. Many are working 12-hour shifts, supplemented by hundreds of National Guard members.
According to CBS News, at a news conference on Sunday, January 12th, LACSD Sheriff Robert Luna said that 25 people have been arrested in the Eaton fire area and four people in the Palisades fire area. To help combat the increased crime, Luna has requested additional assistance from the National Guard. One of the suspects arrested for burglary was dressed as a firefighter when he was scooped up in the Malibu area.
Luna said, "I saw a gentleman who looked like a firefighter, and I asked if he was okay because he was sitting down, and I didn't realize we had him in handcuffs. We were turning him over to the LAPD because he was dressed like a fireman and was not. He just got caught burglarizing a home." California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been blasted in the news for not doing his job in helping the people of his state, announced that an additional 1,000 service members would be deployed to the Los Angeles area.
He wrote in a statement, "The men and women of the California National Guard have been on the ground since day one, not only fighting fires, but also assisting with public safety efforts in communities devastated by these fires. We thank them for their efforts to keep our communities safe."
Luna said about 400 members from the National Guard are currently in the region. He said they are committed to providing security in evacuated areas to deter individuals from taking advantage of the homes and properties of people who have been affected. Members of the National Guard have been assisting LACSD, LAPD, CHP, and several other local police departments.
Luna said, "I'm hoping that you'll see additional National Guard personnel arriving today. I will be meeting with one of their very high-ranking executives later today." Luna also made it clear to those watching and listening that local and state attorneys are "eager" to prosecute anyone who is benefiting from residents during burglaries or online scams.
On Thursday, January 9th, a curfew was issued within the city of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Malibu, and all unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, in evacuation order and warning zones. The curfew is in effect from 6:00 p.m.to 6:00 a.m. to prevent looting and theft. Any person found in violation of the curfew could face a misdemeanor charge that is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. NBC4 reported that in addition to curfew violations, the man who was dressed as a firefighter was arrested on suspicion of impersonating a firefighter.
Law enforcement officers responded to the area when someone called the LA Fire Department about three people driving around and going through burned out homes. After being questioned, the man dressed like a firefighter could not produce an ID. Authorities also said that the fire station at which he claimed to be a member of had no record of him. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said, "We have people who will go to all ends to do what they want to do to exploit the victims of this tragedy."
LACSD has increased its staffing to 1,200 personnel to patrol evacuation zones, help with evacuations, and other roles. Many are working 12-hour shifts, supplemented by hundreds of National Guard members.
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