LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – An Oregon man and woman were arrested for impersonating firefighters after attempting to enter the Palisades Fire evacuation zone in what appeared to be a legitimate fire engine over the weekend, authorities announced Sunday.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials said in a news release that the suspects, identified as 31-year-old Dustin Neal and 44-year-old Jennifer Neal, were discovered by Los Angeles Police Department patrol officers on January 18. Ta.
Police did not believe the fire engine was legitimate and relayed the information to sheriff’s deputies, who arrested the suspects.
According to LASD, when the man and woman were contacted, they were wearing “dispatch gear,” the protective gear worn by firefighters who respond to a fire, with Cal Fire shirts underneath and helmets. It is said that he had it in his possession. radio.
On January 18, 2025, a man and a woman wearing firefighter uniforms were arrested in the Palisades fire area riding an abandoned fire truck that had been purchased at auction. (LASD) On January 18, 2025, a man and woman in firefighting gear were arrested in the Palisades fire area aboard a retired fire truck that was purchased at auction. (LASD) On January 18, 2025, a man and woman in firefighting gear were arrested in the Palisades fire area aboard a retired fire truck that was purchased at auction. (LASD) On January 18, 2025, a man and woman in firefighting gear were arrested in the Palisades fire area aboard a retired fire truck that was purchased at auction. (LASD) On January 18, 2025, a man and woman in firefighter gear were arrested in the Palisades fire area aboard a retired fire truck that was purchased at auction. (LASD) On January 18, 2025, a man and woman in firefighting gear were arrested in the Palisades fire area aboard a retired fire truck that was purchased at auction. (LASD) On January 18, 2025, a man and woman in firefighting gear were arrested in the Palisades fire area aboard a retired fire truck that was purchased at auction. (LASD)
“The occupants claimed to be employees of the Roaring River Fire Department in Oregon,” the release states. “Upon further investigation, investigators learned that the department name was not a legitimate agency and that the truck had been purchased at auction.”
Investigators who arrested the Oregon residents and seized the fire truck reportedly admitted that they had been in the evacuation zone the day before.
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The relationship between the Nehls is unknown at this time, but authorities added that Dustin has a history of “criminal mischief” in Oregon. However, neither suspect has any criminal history in California.
Authorities have not provided a motive for why the man and woman tried to enter the evacuation zone posing as firefighters, or whether they face any charges in addition to “impersonating a firefighter.” .
LASD officials said the case will be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review on Tuesday.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact LASD’s Major Crimes Bureau at 562-946-7893. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or leave a tip online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
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