2 people arrested for using firetruck bought at auction to impersonate firefighters in Pacific Palisades
Two people were arrested in Pacific Palisades Saturday for allegedly using a firetruck bought at an auction to impersonate firefighters at a checkpoint reserved for crews responding to the deadly Palisades Fire.The Los Angeles Wildfires started two weeks ago and continue to burn more and more of the county as other states and even other countries like Mexico send in additional emergency responders to assist.Amid the influx of first responders, two people took it upon themselves to try and blend in — with a hulking firetruck of their own.Sheriff’s deputies stopped the two faux firefighters while they were trying to roll through the checkpoint in their firetruck, Commander Minh Dinh of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department wrote on Facebook.The duo allegedly lied to the officers and claimed to be from the “Roaring River Fire Department” in Oregon.They even came stocked with their own equipment, including full turnout gear, helmets, and radios.
They were also wearing CAL-Fire shirts underneath their gear, according to Dinh.When the deputies realized the Roaring River Fire Department didn’t exist, they arrested Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, for impersonating a firefighter and entering an evacuation zone.The firetruck has since been impounded, according to Dinh.Dustin Nehl has a prior criminal history in Oregon for criminal mischief and arson.
It is unclear if the two are from California, or if they might’ve made the trek from Oregon.Investigators will be presenting the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday.Arson attempts have cropped up around Los Angeles County as emergency responders continue to try to douse the flames.
Authorities have repeatedly promised that anyone trying to make the already tragic situation even worse, including arsonists and looters, will face the full extent of the law.The Pacific Palisades reached 52% containment on Sunday after two weeks of tireless efforts to put it out.The on...