Looters arrested who stole $200k from evacuated homes

LOS ANGELES, CA – As wildfires rage across Southern California, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office has announced charges against a group of individuals accused of exploiting the chaos to commit crimes. District Attorney Nathan Hawkman revealed that 10 people face charges for looting and arson, highlighting the ongoing efforts to maintain law and order amid the natural disaster.

Firefighters, risking their lives to protect homes and businesses, have been working tirelessly alongside law enforcement. Despite their efforts, some individuals have taken advantage of the situation, engaging in criminal activities such as looting and arson. These actions have not gone unnoticed, and authorities are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The district attorney emphasized the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, and federal agencies like the FBI and ATF. This teamwork has been crucial in swiftly bringing charges against the accused individuals.

Among those charged are Marrell Peoples, Deari Bell, and Traven Coleman, who allegedly committed first-degree residential burglary during evacuation orders in Mandeville Canyon. The trio is accused of stealing over $200,000 in valuables, with crucial evidence captured on a security camera. Peoples, a repeat offender, faces a potential life sentence under California’s three-strikes law.

The investigation led law enforcement to an apartment in Koreatown, where Peoples and Bell were apprehended. Coleman, who attempted to flee in a separate vehicle, was involved in a crash that injured another driver. As a result, he faces additional charges of felony hit-and-run causing injury.

In a separate incident, Rudy Salazar and Lua Hirara Perez have been charged with burglary in Altadena, where they allegedly looted two homes. Meanwhile, Roy Sims, Ryan Sims, Nan Dey Reck, and Piery Oanon are accused of breaking into another Altadena residence, stealing various personal items including an Emmy Award.

Lastly, Jose Hero Escobar faces arson charges for setting fires in Azusa’s Pioneer Park. He is expected to be arraigned soon, with authorities crediting the Azusa Police Department for his swift capture.

The district attorney reiterated that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. However, the charges serve as a stern warning to those considering exploiting the disaster for personal gain. Law enforcement remains vigilant, and authorities caution against engaging in looting, scams, or any other criminal activity during this vulnerable time.