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Couple accused of impersonating firefighters in Palisades Fire — complete with their own fire engine
The fire truck was marked with "Roaring River Fire," an agency local authorities say doesn't exist.
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Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
)
As the Palisades Fire sent thousands of people fleeing for their lives, a couple from Oregon allegedly posed as firefighters to enter the evacuation zone wearing fake gear and driving their privately owned fire engine, authorities say.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman on Friday announced charges against Dustin and Jennifer Nehl, who are accused of impersonating firefighters. If convicted, they could face 180 days in jail.
A helmet and other items, including a CalFire T-shirt, confiscated from a couple allegedly impersonating firefighters.
(
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
)
“Impersonating first responders endangers the safety of our community and the well-being of those who choose to engage in such reckless behavior, especially during a state of emergency,” Hochman said. “These types of actions can have dire consequences and mislead the public into trusting an unqualified person with responsibilities they are not equipped to handle.”
The Palisades Fire — 77% contained as of Friday morning — has burned over 23,000 acres and killed 11 people, a number that could continue to rise. The fire destroyed thousands of structures, with only some areas open to residents.
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DHS's handling of the incident raises questions about the department's oversight mechanisms to investigate employee misconduct. -
The defendants are part of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, or TILF, according to federal prosecutors. They are expected to be arraigned in January. -
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How it transpired
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, a patrol unit spotted the couple in their “Roaring River” fire truck as they were looking to enter the evacuation zone on Jan. 18.
Gear confiscated from the couple accused of impersonating firefighters.
(
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
)
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Deputies said they were wearing turnout gear and had helmets and radios. They were also wearing CalFire T-shirts under the gear. The couple allegedly told the deputies they were with the “Roaring River Fire Department” from Oregon — an agency officials determined was fake. Prosecutors say the Nehls bought the fire truck from an auction.
Attempts to find a contact for the couple were unsuccessful.
A couple from Oregon faces up to 180 days in jail if convicted.
(
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
)
What’s next
The Nehls have been arraigned on one misdemeanor count each of fraudulent impersonation of fire personnel, unauthorized activities with respect to badges or related matter and false representation.
Jennifer Nehl was released ahead of the court appearance as she did not have a prior criminal history. Dustin Nehl was held in lieu of $30,000 bail due to his history in Oregon of criminal mischief and arson charges. Both are due back in court on Feb. 11 at the Van Nuys West Courthouse.
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