Authorities say people have impersonated firefighters to enter fire-affected areas, and this time the duo impersonated members of the media.
Two people were recently arrested after authorities said they used fake press passes to illegally enter the Palisades fire evacuation area.
Troopers stationed at barricades around the fire stopped “suspicious individuals” at two separate road closures, a California Highway Patrol news release said.
“These individuals were entering and exiting the closed area using what appeared to be Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department press passes, and their actions aroused suspicion,” the release said.
After confirming with the sheriff’s office that the press passes were fake, CHP officers arrested the people attempting to use the press passes.
Both suspects were taken to the Department of Security’s Lost Hills Station for booking, and authorities said a search of their belongings revealed additional fraudulent press passes.
The announcement did not specify when the arrests were made, and authorities did not release the suspect’s name or the charges against him.
This is not the first time in recent weeks that authorities have arrested people for allegedly trying to enter evacuation zones under false pretenses.
On Saturday, sheriff’s deputies arrested an Oregon couple on suspicion of using a retired fire truck to pose as firefighters responding to the Palisades Fire.
Last week, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said officers captured a robbery suspect dressed as a firefighter in the Palisades Fire Zone.
Source link
