The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has made 20 arrests since the wildfires broke out Tuesday, according to Supervisor Kathryn Barger. Barger emphasized that law enforcement officers are actively patrolling to safeguard communities from looting and criminal activities.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna issued a firm warning during a press briefing, condemning any illegal actions during the wildfire crisis as “completely unacceptable.” Luna expressed his disappointment, stating, “I’m going to be very clear to everyone out there. We have identified 20 individuals who made the decision to enter our areas and deprive these vulnerable individuals, who have already endured so much, of their property.” Luna indicated that the number of arrests is expected to increase.
Sheriff Luna outlined new directives for deputies encountering individuals in areas under mandatory evacuation orders, stating, “If you are found in these zones without authorization, you will face arrest. I hope that message is as explicit as possible.”
The Tahitian Terrace area in Malibu, California, was severely affected by the Palisades fire on Wednesday.
Newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman strongly condemned looting as “despicable” and pledged to prosecute offenders with the “fullest extent of the law.”
In Sierra Madre, a small hilltop town, a home was reportedly burglarized on Wednesday following the evacuation of its occupants. Sergeant Charles Kamchamnan of the Sierra Madre Police Department described the incident, stating, “The entire house was ransacked.” No arrests have been made in connection with this incident, highlighting a concerning trend of criminal opportunism during crises.
Reflecting on the broader issue, Kamchamnan added, “It’s regrettable, but unfortunately, it is a recurring problem throughout the county as criminals exploit the situation.”
The public denouncements of looting coincided with Southern California grappling with a third day of devastation and uncertainty due to the wildfires. The death toll stands at five individuals, with nearly 30,000 acres scorched since Tuesday. Over 100,000 residents have been displaced from their homes.
The Palisades Fire stands out as the largest in terms of acreage, encompassing approximately 17,234 acres equivalent to 27 square miles. Distressing images and footage from the affected areas depict extensive destruction, with numerous properties reduced to ashes and debris.
Authorities speaking at a news conference on Thursday refrained from specifying the exact locations where looting incidents occurred. However, two individuals were apprehended on Wednesday for suspected looting within the Eaton Fire burn zone, which encompasses a significant portion of the Altadena region.
