Amid the ongoing wildfires in Southern California, authorities have taken swift action by charging 10 individuals with felony crimes, including looting and arson. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced these charges, signaling a rise in criminal activity as evacuees leave their homes vulnerable. Among those charged, nine people have been accused of breaking into homes in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, while one man faces arson charges for allegedly starting a fire near the San Gabriel Mountains. Disturbingly, law enforcement has also encountered instances where individuals impersonated firefighters, using the guise to commit burglaries during the emergency.
The rising threat of exploitation during such disasters has prompted stricter measures. Curfews are now in place, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., in evacuation zones, with law enforcement actively patrolling to prevent looting and further crimes. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with uniformed and undercover officers, has made 34 arrests so far in these vulnerable areas. District Attorney Hochman emphasized that anyone caught trying to steal from or scam wildfire victims will face prosecution.
Residents are being urged to remain cautious, report any suspicious activity, and avoid engaging in price gouging or scams. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the cause of each fire, and federal authorities are also tackling illegal drone activity that interferes with firefighting efforts. As communities continue to rebuild and recover, authorities are determined to ensure that justice is served for those taking advantage of others’ misfortunes during this time of crisis.
