The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has arrested 34 people on criminal charges related to the devastating fires that have devastated the area, authorities said.
As Blaze News previously reported on Monday, one person was arrested on suspicion of arson.
“We have people who will do everything they can to exploit the victims of this tragedy so that they can do what they want.”
during monday press conferenceLos Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna highlighted two “drone incidents” that led to three arrests.
On Friday, fire planes trying to extinguish the Palisades fire were forced to retreat from the area after an unauthorized drone flew over.
According to California officials, news nation reported at least 40 incidents in which unauthorized drones forced firefighting aircraft out of action.
On Thursday, a drone collided with a CL-415 “Super Scooper”. The CL-415 “Super Scooper” is a firefighting aircraft that can scoop up 1,600 gallons of water and drop it on a fire.
This was announced by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. statement It is said that a civilian unmanned aircraft collided with Super Scooper Quebec 1, which was loaned from Canada. The collision reportedly caused a hole in one of the wings, but the extent of the damage was unknown until the plane landed.
California Fire spokesman Chris Thomas said. Los Angeles Times“This isn't just some harmless fun. This is incredibly dangerous. Think seriously: What if that plane had crashed? Houses could have been destroyed. Schools. might have been destroyed.”
damaged super scooper reportedly The plane is being repaired and could return to flight as early as Tuesday after being inspected by the Federal Aviation Administration.
FAA warned“Obstructing firefighting efforts on public lands is a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison.”Additionally, the FAA will fine up to $75,000 against drone pilots who interfere with wildfire suppression. Civil penalties may be imposed,” law enforcement said. , or emergency response operations when Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) are in place. The FAA treats these violations seriously and will immediately consider expedited enforcement actions for these violations. The FAA does not allow anyone not connected to Los Angeles firefighting operations to fly drones within the TFR. ”
The FAA and FBI are investigating the drone attack.
At least 20 people have reportedly A man was arrested for allegedly looting a fire-ravaged area in Southern California.
One of the robbery suspects disguised himself as a firefighter and robbed a home while it was on fire.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said“There were three people in the car. They were stopped. They were in a place they weren't supposed to be. One was wearing a fire jacket and a fire hat. They were also arrested on suspicion of impersonating a firefighter. They will do everything they can to exploit the victims of this tragedy.”
Sheriff Luna continued, “When I went to the Malibu area, I saw a gentleman who looked like a firefighter and he was sitting there and I asked him if he was okay. I didn't know he was handcuffed. ” he added. Although he was dressed like a firefighter, he was not a firefighter, so we decided to turn him over to the Los Angeles Police Department. So these are issues that our frontline police officers and police officers are dealing with. ”
Police said several people were arrested for violating the government-imposed 6pm to 6am curfew.
A person who violates curfew He could be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $1,000.
Sheriff Luna also said his department is in contact with local, state and federal agencies to combat “white collar” crime related to the fires.
“They all call upon anyone who is taking advantage of our residents during this very difficult time, whether it's robbery, white-collar crimes such as fraud, or anything you're thinking of doing. “We are keen to prosecute in any case,” Luna said.
Police say at least six people are missing in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County Coroner's Office said 24 people were killed in the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Dominic Choi said 266 officers were assigned to the Palisades fire. In addition, 200 National Guard members are helping to secure the Los Angeles area.
According to Latest data The current wildfires have burned more than 40,000 acres and destroyed or damaged more than 12,300 structures, according to a statement from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
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