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Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported that a man in a firefighter costume was apprehended in Malibu when he was burglarizing a home amidst the continuing wildfires.
According to a press conference held by Sheriff Luna on Sunday, the suspect was one of 29 individuals apprehended in connection with the fires; numerous of them were held for alleged looting.
For comment, Newsweek reached out to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles Police Department using online forms.
Its Significance
The arrests occur at a time when Southern California is gripped by destructive wildfires, which are being intensified by the combination of low humidity and strong Santa Ana winds.
Tragically, 24 lives have been lost in the fires, and 16 more have gone missing. Cal Fire reports that over 12,300 structures have been destroyed. Approximately 150,000 individuals have been ordered to evacuate their houses, which means that they may be at risk of having their possessions stolen during the crisis.
Firefighters in Mandeville Canyon battle a wildfire on January 11, 2025. Officials in Malibu say they apprehended a man who was burglarizing a residence while dressed as a firefighter amid the continuing flames in Los Angeles. Assoc. Press/Jae C. Hong
Things You Should Know
The Eaton Fire area saw 25 arrests, according to Sheriff Luna, while the Palisades Fire sector saw 4 arrests. Luna added that during an attempted house invasion heist in Malibu, one thief disguised as a firefighter was captured.
I observed a man who appeared to be a firefighter while I was out in the Malibu area. Since he was sitting down, I wanted to make sure he was alright, so I asked. Luna informed the press that she was unaware that he was restrained by shackles.
He was dressed like a fireman, but he was actually not, so we’re turning him over to the Los Angeles Police Department. A home invasion was recently foiled by him. So, those are the kinds of problems that our patrol officers and deputies face on the street.
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Luna stated that within one day following the Tuesday evacuation of tens of thousands from the wealthy Pacific Pallisades and Brentwood communities, two individuals were apprehended for stealing.
Authorities in Los Angeles and the neighboring communities, including Santa Monica and Malibu, have instituted a daily curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. as a reaction to the looting. Anyone caught breaking the curfew might be fined up to $1,000 and charged with a misdemeanor.
To help secure evacuation zones and prevent additional looting, Luna also announced the deployment of 400 National Guard personnel, with additional reinforcements expected.
Remarks from Others
Charley Kirk, conservative organization Turning Point USA’s founder and current chief executive officer, posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Unbelievable. Thefts from abandoned houses are being committed by individuals posing as firefighters. So far, about 30 people have been apprehended.
Take a firm stance against these vile beings. Call them out by name. Absolutely no slack will do. I can’t think of a punishment that would be too severe.
“Totally agree,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom in response to Kirk on X. They are the worst sort of crooks because they take advantage of individuals when they are weakest. Their prosecution is imminent.
The Following Steps
The National Weather Service is expecting that critical fire weather conditions will continue through midweek, with a possible break by Thursday or Friday.
In order to prevent looting in the evacuated neighborhoods, authorities have stated that they will maintain curfews and increase security measures.