Despite ongoing fears about looting, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has detained 29 persons in areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Sheriff Robert Luna announced during a press conference on Sunday that four people had been taken into custody in the Palisades Fire region and 25 in the Eaton Fire area. Luna has asked the National Guard for further support in light of the rise in arrests.
“I saw a gentleman who looked like a firefighter, and I asked if he was okay because he was sitting down, and I didn’t realize we had him in handcuffs,” Luna recalled. Because he was dressed like a firefighter when he wasn’t, we were handing him over to the LAPD. He was just apprehended for breaking into a house.
Currently, there are about 400 National Guard members in the area. In order to prevent people from stealing from the homes and property of those who have been impacted, he stated that they are dedicated to ensuring security in evacuated areas. Members have been helping the California Highway Patrol, the Los Angeles Police Department, the sheriff’s department, and a number of other local law enforcement agencies.
“I’m hopeful more National Guard members will be showing up today. Later today, I’m going to meet with one of their very high-ranking executives,” Luna stated.
According to Luna, state and municipal lawyers are “eager” to bring charges against anyone taking advantage of locals in internet scams or thefts.
A curfew was imposed on Thursday in all unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County, Santa Monica, Malibu, and the city of Los Angeles, as well as in warning zones and evacuation orders. In order to deter theft and looting, the curfew is enforced from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
If someone is caught violating the curfew, they could be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $1000.