According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, two Oregonians were taken into custody over the weekend for allegedly posing as firemen inside the Palisades Fire Zone.
“Observed a fire truck that did not appear to be legitimate,” according to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department, which added that officers were on patrol in the fire area on Saturday with local firefighters.
They informed the sheriff’s office, which then called in investigators from their Major Crimes Bureau to help deputies who had stopped the two as they tried to enter an evacuation area.
“Upon contacting the two occupants of the truck, deputies noticed they were both wearing turnout gear,” the statement read. “The occupants claimed to be from ‘Roaring River Fire Department’ in Oregon.”
According to deputies, both guys had radios and helmets to further fit the role, and they were wearing Cal Fire t-shirts underneath their turnout gear.
Investigators found that the fire engine they were driving was bought at auction and that the department was not a real organization.
Dustin Nehl, age 31, and Jennifer Nehl, age 44, were both taken into custody for posing as firefighters and going into an evacuation area. They had their truck seized.
The two also acknowledged being inside the evacuation on Friday, the day before, according to deputies.
“Suspect Dustin Nehl has a criminal history in Oregon for criminal mischief and arson,” claimed the LASD. “Neither have a criminal history in California.”
According to deputies, the case would be submitted on Tuesday for filing consideration to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Contact LASD’s Major Crimes Bureau at (562) 946-7853 if you have any additional information.