Two people were arrested Saturday in Pacific Palisades on suspicion of using a fire truck purchased at auction to impersonate firefighters at a checkpoint reserved for personnel responding to the deadly Palisades fire.
The Los Angeles wildfires broke out two weeks ago and continue to burn more areas in the county as other states and even countries like Mexico send in additional emergency responders to help.
As first responders flooded in, the two men tried to blend in with their own giant firetruck.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Commander Minh Dinh wrote that deputies stopped two fake firefighters who were attempting to pass through a checkpoint in a fire engine. facebook.
The two lied to police and claimed to be employees of the Roaring River Fire Department in Oregon. They also had their own equipment, including full turnout gear, helmets, and radios. They also wore CAL-Fire shirts under their gear, Ding said.
After discovering that the Roaring River Fire Department was not present, deputies arrested Dustin Nael, 31, and Jennifer Nael, 44, on suspicion of entering the evacuation area by impersonating firefighters. Dinh said the fire engine was later confiscated.
Dustin Nael has a criminal history of mischief and arson in Oregon. It's unclear whether they are from California or Oregon.
Investigators plan to present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office on Tuesday.
Attempted arson attacks continue to occur around Los Angeles County as emergency crews continue to extinguish the fire. Authorities have repeatedly promised that those who seek to exacerbate an already dire situation, including arsonists and looters, will face the full force of the law.
Pacific Palisades reached 52% containment on Sunday after two weeks of relentless fire suppression efforts. The only remaining wildfire, the Eaton Fire, was announced to be 81% contained as residents began returning to the area. cal fire.
