Los Angeles authorities have arrested 29 people in connection with criminal activities related to the ongoing wildfires, including a burglary suspect who disguised himself as a firefighter ¹. The suspect was caught burglarizing a home in the Malibu area, and Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna recalled seeing the man dressed as a firefighter while sitting in handcuffs.
Of the 29 arrests, 25 were made in the Eaton Fire area, while four others were made in the Palisades Fire evacuation zone. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonald reported that one person was arrested for violating a curfew order, and three others were arrested for alleged burglary.
The authorities are taking measures to prevent looting and ensure public safety. A 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew remains in effect, and those found in evacuated areas without a valid reason will be subject to arrest. The police are also warning people to be cautious when donating to charities and to research their legitimacy.
Sheriff Luna issued a warning to scammers, stating that local, state, and federal prosecutors are eager to prosecute those who take advantage of wildfire victims. Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger invited President-elect Trump to visit the wildfire devastation, expressing hope that he will see the community’s resilience and determination to rebuild.
