National Guard troops descended on California on Friday to help restore law and order amid “despicable” looting in some areas, at least 20 arrests and strict curfews did.
Guards were seen patrolling the streets and assisting residents in areas affected by the devastating blaze, the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
“The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has formally requested assistance from the California National Guard on both fires,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said in a statement.
“They will assist with traffic control and the protection of critical infrastructure.”
The move will allow sheriffs and other local officials to crack down on unscrupulous thieves who raid homes evacuated by large fires in the area, officials said.
“I promise you, you will be held accountable,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Berger said at a news conference Thursday. “Shame on those who are preying on residents during this time of crisis.”
Officials say a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew is also a problem in areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires, including areas that boast multimillion-dollar properties owned by celebrities. It is said that it was set up to try to control the situation.
“Last night and this morning, we chose to have up to 20 people enter our area and rob poor people who have had so much property taken from them. This is absolutely unacceptable,” Luna said on Thursday.
“We can't afford not to be in these affected areas,” he said. “If you do, you'll be arrested.”
At least 20 people have already been arrested on suspicion of looting, the sheriff said.
“For those who have already been arrested, please know that this is not going to end well.” said Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman.called the looters' actions a “despicable crime.”
The DA added that civilians who operate drones during this crisis and disrupt the fight to suppress the fires “will be arrested, prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
Officials said the threat arose after a firefighting aircraft was hit by one of the unmanned aerial vehicles, damaging a wing of the vital aircraft and putting it out of action.
Hochman said criminals are already taking advantage of the tragic situation with GoFundMe scams.
“My message to the public is this: beware of these scammers. Don't let them take advantage of you,” he said.
