LOS ANGELES, CA – In a bizarre twist amid the raging wildfires near Los Angeles, two individuals from Oregon have been arrested for posing as firefighters. The couple attempted to breach an evacuation zone, equipped with a counterfeit fire truck and gear, only to be intercepted by local authorities.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office identified the pair as 31-year-old Dustin Nell, a known arsonist, and his 44-year-old wife, Jennifer Nell. They face charges of impersonating firefighters and unlawfully entering an evacuation area over the weekend. Their arrest came after an LAPD patrol unit noticed the suspicious vehicle near the Palisades fire.
The vehicle, described as a fire truck purchased at an auction, bore the insignia of the fictitious “Roaring River Fire Department” from Oregon. Investigators seized not only the truck but also the couple’s firefighting gear, including helmets and radios. Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind their actions.
Dustin Nell’s past criminal record reveals a sentence of five years in prison in 2017 for an arson spree in Woodburn, Oregon. This sentence was followed by three years of supervised probation, but it remains unclear whether he was still under supervision at the time of his recent arrest.
This case marks another troubling incident involving individuals impersonating firefighters in the Los Angeles area. Earlier this month, authorities detained a 34-year-old man who was caught in a firefighter’s uniform, allegedly looting within an evacuation zone.
Looting has become a significant issue for law enforcement as they work to manage the historic wildfires. Dozens of arrests have been made for various criminal activities in these emergency areas since the fires started.
As the wildfires continue to challenge containment efforts, officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The safety of both residents and first responders remains a top priority.