Two people from Oregon were arrested for impersonating firefighters and using an illegitimate fire truck in the Palisades Fire evacuation zone, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced Sunday.
According to the LASD, LAPD officers patrolling the area Saturday noticed a fire truck that “did not appear legitimate.”
Sheriff’s deputies then made contact with the individuals in the fire truck as they attempted to enter an evacuation zone. The occupants claimed to be from the “Roaring River Fire Department” in Oregon, which agency deputies said was not legitimate.
Deputies also noticed that the individuals were both wearing CAL Fire turnout gear and t-shirts. They also had helmets and radios in their possession.
The two suspects, Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, were arrested for posing as a firefighter and entering an evacuation zone. The truck, purchased at auction, was also impounded.
Dustin Nehl has a criminal history in Oregon for criminal mischief and arson.
The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review on Tuesday.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 562-946-7853. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can call LA Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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