About 29 people They were arrested Police in Los Angeles are up to date regarding criminal activity related to ongoing wildfires, including a burglary suspect who allegedly tried to disguise himself as a firefighter, officials said Sunday.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said 25 of those arrested were in the Eaton Fire area, while four others came from the evacuated Palisades Fire area.
“When I was out there in the Malibu area, I saw a guy who looked like a firefighter. I asked him if he was okay because he was sitting down. I didn't realize we had him in handcuffs,” Luna recalls. Reporters. “We're turning him over to the LAPD because he was dressed as a firefighter, and he wasn't. He had just been caught burglarizing a home. So these are the issues that front-line deputies and police officers are dealing with.”
Los Angeles Police One person was arrested Saturday night for violating the city's curfew order, and three others were arrested the night before in connection with an alleged robbery, Department Chief Jim McDonald said.
“There were three individuals in a car. They were stopped. They were where they weren't supposed to be. One of them was wearing a fire jacket and a fire hat. He was also arrested for impersonating a firefighter,” McDonald said. “We have people who will go to any lengths to be able to do what they want to do to exploit the victims of this tragedy.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna speaks during an Eaton Fire news conference on January 9, 2025, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
the The president warned A curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time remained in effect from Sunday night to Monday.
“Unless you're a public safety employee or another disaster worker, you have no reason to be at these sites,” McDonald said. “And if you are in those areas, you will be subject to arrest. Enforcing a curfew is an important tool to keep burn areas and evacuated properties safe, and keep thieves out. This effort also helps protect public safety personnel who work in the dark. In very difficult conditions.” .
He also said there is a threat from downed power lines and toxic materials from burned plastics and other composite materials. The president warned people looking to donate to victims to be cautious and research charities to verify their legitimacy.
Firefighters struggle to contain a wildfire that burned thousands of acres and destroyed homes in Los Angeles on January 12, 2024. (Lukman Vural Ilibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Luna is issuing a warning to scammers who intend to profit from robberies or “white collar” crimes from wildfire victims that he has been in close contact with local, state and federal prosecutors.
“They're all eager to prosecute anyone who takes advantage of our residents during this very difficult time, whether it's a burglary or some type of white-collar crime in a scam or anything you might consider doing,” he added. He said.
At the press conference, the head of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Catherine Barger, said that she had sent a letter to President-elect Trump inviting him to visit the country. The devastation caused by forest fires.
A view of burned homes and cars in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood during the wildfires in Los Angeles, California, on January 11, 2025. (Tayfun Coskun/Anatolia via Getty Images)
“I look forward to welcoming President-elect Trump into our communities so he can see the desperate need, but also the incredible opportunity, hope and perseverance of our hurting neighbors. By seeing this hope, I am confident that our communities will recover and rebuild,” she said.
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Barger and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said they had made contact with high-ranking officials in the incoming administration, dismissing suggestions from one reporter who claimed there was any animosity.
