In a bizarre turn of events, two individuals from Oregon were arrested over the weekend for pretending to be firefighters while trying to enter a restricted evacuation zone in California. The incident unfolded in the Palisades Fire evacuation area, as Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies quickly uncovered their deception.
It all started when Los Angeles Police officers, patrolling the area on Saturday, spotted a fire truck that looked a bit… off. Something didn’t seem quite right about it. Curious, they flagged it down, and that’s when things started to unravel.
The two suspects, Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, claimed to be members of the “Roaring River Fire Department” from Oregon—except that no such department actually exists. They were dressed head-to-toe in firefighter gear, including turnout jackets and CAL Fire t-shirts, and even had helmets and radios to complete the look. But it was clear they weren’t the real deal.
Turns out, the fire truck they were driving was purchased at an auction and wasn’t an official vehicle. The deputies took immediate action, arresting the couple for impersonating firefighters and attempting to enter the restricted evacuation zone.
Dustin Nehl, who has a criminal background involving criminal mischief and arson in Oregon, is now facing additional charges. The makeshift fire truck was impounded as part of the investigation.
The case is now in the hands of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which will decide how to proceed on Tuesday.
If you have any information related to this strange incident, the Major Crimes Bureau can be reached at 562-946-7853. If you want to stay anonymous, L.A. Crime Stoppers is always ready to take tips at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
It’s a shocking reminder of how people can go to extreme lengths for a little attention—this time, right in the middle of a crisis. Stay vigilant, folks!
