At least 20 individuals have been arrested for suspected looting amid the wildfires that have been affecting Los Angeles County this week.
During a press conference, Los Angeles Supervisor Kathryn Barger addressed the issue, stating, “I promise you, you will be held accountable. Shame on those who are preying on our residents during this time of crisis.”
L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna warned that anyone found in evacuation zones could face misdemeanor charges, while those caught looting could face more serious felony charges. He emphasized, “If you are in one of these areas and you do not belong there, you are going to be subject to arrest.” Luna added that the main priority is to assist those in need rather than focusing solely on making arrests.
The Sheriff’s Department is actively patrolling these areas, with a strong presence to deter looting, as spokesperson Alejandra Parra mentioned, “There is zero tolerance for looters.”
The wildfires have caused extensive damage, impacting thousands of structures, marking one of the most devastating fire seasons in the city’s history. Among the significant fires are the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, both of which remain at 0% containment.
Tragically, there have been confirmed fatalities associated with these fires, with five deaths reported from the Eaton Fire. Additionally, there have been injuries, including that of a 25-year-old firefighter who suffered a serious head injury while battling the flames. The firefighter received immediate care on-site before being taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.
