Suspected looter dressed as fireman detained in Los Angeles
Share and Follow

LOS ANGELES (KTLA) Two alleged looters, one of whom was dressed as a firefighter, were detained by Los Angeles County authorities on Sunday along the Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades.  

It’s unclear exactly what time the suspects were stopped, but a local photographer spotted the pair on a scooter and a moped. One of the suspects was dressed in fire boots, jeans, and a yellow fire jacket emblazoned with Cal Fire’s old acronym CDF, which stood for California Department of Forestry and Fire. 

Eric Fox told Nexstar’s KTLA he saw the pair riding up the Pacific Coast Highway.

Homes along Pacific Coast Highway are seen burned and damaged while a few still stand after the Palisades Fire, Jan. 12, 2025, in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

“As I pulled up to the checkpoint to report them, the deputies had already detained them,” Fox explained.  

Two crime prevention unit deputies from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s Santa Clarita Station, who were assisting with the Palisades Fire, made the stops, along with California Highway Patrol and National Guardsmen, who were all manning the checkpoint.  

Photos of the two individuals show them in handcuffs sitting on the sidewalk just outside the Getty Villa as deputies search them.  

Sheriff’s officials posted an image of the handcuffed fake firefighter on social media.  

No information was provided on the alleged looters’ identities or if they were caught with any stolen property.

Officials later said the person dressed as a firefighter was released. It was unclear what happened to the suspect pictured wearing a helmet and boots.

Approximately 50 miles away in Irwindale, firefighters battling a small brush fire near Rivergrade Road and the 605 Freeway, spotted an alleged arsonist starting fires. The suspect, a 29-year-old Baldwin Park resident, was taken into custody by police.

In Santa Monica, officials said that in the last five days, 39 people have been arrested in evacuation zones, 10 of whom were found in possession of burglary tools and are considered burglary suspects.  

L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman is set to announce charges on Tuesday against suspects in several recent arrests for arson and looting.  

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Community Risk Reduction Week kicks off in Illinois, emphasizing proactive safety

Illinois Launches Community Risk Reduction Week: A Focus on Proactive Safety Measures

CHICAGO (WLS) — In the United States, a fire department responds to…
Minnesota National Guard 'on standby' ahead of weekend protests

DOJ Pledges Legal Action Following Activists’ Disruption at Minnesota Church Led by ICE Official Pastor

A video capturing a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul reveals…
Former 5 star quarterback DJ Lagway officially signs with Baylor Football

Top-Ranked Quarterback DJ Lagway Commits to Baylor Football: A Game-Changer for the Bears

Baylor University has scored a significant win for its football program by…
New Hampshire bishop warns clergy: Prepare for 'new era of martyrdom'

New Hampshire Bishop Advises Clergy to Brace for a ‘New Era of Martyrdom

Above: Faith leaders demand justice on Jan. 10, 2026, following the tragic…
Kristi Yamaguchi reflects on 1992 gold as she looks ahead to Milan Cortina

Kristi Yamaguchi Remembers 1992 Gold Triumph While Eyeing Future at Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics

Renowned figure skating legend Kristi Yamaguchi shares her Olympic experiences and insights…
World Economic Forum greenlights new investigation into whistleblower claims against founder Klaus Schwab

World Economic Forum Extends Invitation to Iranian Foreign Minister Post-Civilian Tragedy

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is under increasing pressure to exclude members…
White friends bullied by surging mob who mistook them for ICE agents

Viral Incident: Innocent Friends Mistaken for ICE Agents Face Mob Fury

A group of men enjoying a meal at a deli in Minneapolis…
Former Nickelodeon star Kianna Underwood killed in hit-and-run

Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of Former Nickelodeon Star Kianna Underwood

NEW YORK (AP) — Former Nickelodeon child star Kianna Underwood tragically lost…