Los Angeles burglary suspect dressed as firefighter, 29 robberies arrested so far.
At least 29 people have been arrested in connection with the Los Angeles wildfires, including a burglary suspect who tried to pose as a firefighter, authorities said Sunday.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said 25 of those arrested were in the Eaton Fire area and four came from the Palisades Fire evacuation zone.
“When I was around Malibu, I saw a gentleman who looked like a firefighter, and I asked him if he was okay because he was sitting down. I didn’t realize he was in handcuffs,” Luna recalled. Journalists. “We’re turning him over to the LAPD because he was wearing firefighter gear and he didn’t have one. Now he’s been arrested for burglarizing a house. So those are the cases that our front line deputies and police officers are dealing with.”
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonald said one man was arrested Saturday night for violating the city’s curfew and three others were arrested in connection with a late-night robbery.
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“There were three individuals in a vehicle. They stopped. They were in places they shouldn’t have been. One was wearing a fire jacket and a fire helmet. And he was also caught pretending to be a firefighter,” McDonald said. “We have people who will go to great lengths to exploit the victims of this disaster.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna speaks during the Eaton Fire press conference at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 9, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
The official warned that the 6:00 pm to 6:00 pm curfew will remain in effect from Sunday night to Monday.
“Unless you’re a public safety worker or some other emergency worker, you have no reason to be in these places,” McDonald said. “And if you’re in those areas, you’re going to be arrested and jailed. Curfew enforcement is an important tool to protect burned areas and displaced property. It also deters looters. This effort also helps protect public safety personnel working in the dark. In very difficult situations.”
He also said there was a threat of toxic materials from downed power lines and burning plastics and other composite materials. The official warned people who want to donate to the victims to be careful and to research the legitimacy of the charities.
Firefighters January 12, 2024 Los Angeles fights to contain wildfires that have burned thousands of acres. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Luna has been in close contact with local, state and federal prosecutors for victims of the wildfires, warning of scammers looking to profit from theft or “white collar” crimes.
“They are eager to prosecute anyone who is taking advantage of our residents during this very difficult time, whether it’s theft or some kind of white-collar crime, fraud or anything they can do,” he said.
In a press release, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Catherine Barger said she had sent a letter to President Trump inviting him to visit the wildfire devastation.
A view of burned homes and cars in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood during the Palisades wildfire on January 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Tyfun Koskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“I look forward to welcoming President-elect Trump to our communities so we can see his desperation, but also the incredible opportunity, hope and resilience of our hurting neighbors. I am confident that our communities will recover. And rebuild,” she said.
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Both Barger and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have been in touch with senior officials in the incoming administration, denying the reporter’s suggestion of any animosity.
