Federal investigators are searching for a suspect seen on surveillance video allegedly stealing firefighting equipment from a U.S. Forest Service strike team during the Southern California storm.
U.S. Forest Service officials said the incident occurred around 3 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 17, when a strike team was responding to a “high wind event” in the San Bernardino County city of Rancho Cucamonga, about 60 miles east. firefighters were targeted by thieves. of Los Angeles.
The agency said in a statement that as the team parked the engine behind the Hilton Hotel, two male suspects pulled up next to the engine and “forced open” three locked compartments of the engine. It was announced that a surveillance camera captured the firefighting equipment being removed.
Two male suspects then flee with the equipment in a red two-door Jeep Wrangler with a black soft top, tan seats, and a partially visible California license plate that begins with a “6.” However, he was spotted.
California police arrest two people at Palisades fire evacuation zone after 'suspicious' behavior
Authorities are searching for two men suspected of breaking into a locked U.S. Forest Service fire engine last week and stealing equipment from members stationed in the Inland Empire. (U.S. Forest Service – San Bernardino National Forest)
Authorities described the first suspect, who was carrying the bolt cutters, as a 5-foot-7 to 6-foot man with a “large build and thin mustache.” He was last seen wearing a black knitted hat, a red jacket with yellow trim on the shoulders and sides, and blue pants.
The second suspect is described by authorities as a man between 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-10 with a “husky build.” He was last seen wearing a blue baseball cap with an unidentified white logo, a blue long-sleeved shirt, and baggy jeans.
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Anyone with information regarding this incident may contact USFS Law Enforcement Officer Tyler Smith via email at tyler.smith2@usda.gov or the Federal Interagency Communications Center at 909-383-5653 We recommend that you do so.
The theft comes as Southern California continues to battle devastating fires and fierce winds.
Los Angeles Fire: Couple with fake fire truck impersonated as firefighters arrested near Palisades: Sheriff
A person was arrested on suspicion of impersonating a firefighter at the Palisades fire evacuation area. He and another person were seen riding a moped in the evacuation zone. (Eric Fox/Fox's first appearance photo shoot)
Authorities have arrested multiple people in recent weeks. person impersonating a firefighter or entering a fire prevention area posing as a member of the media.
“This arrest highlights the strength of our partnership with LASD as we work together to secure and protect communities affected by wildfires,” the CHP said in an earlier statement.
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“Criminal acts such as illegally entering evacuation zones, forging press passes, and looting will not be tolerated.”
FOX News' Molly Markowitz contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com.
