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LAFD Fire Captain Busted in Sting for Buying Heroin

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Photo by Gunnar Pippel via Shutterstock

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A Los Angeles Fire Department fire captain was busted last week for buying heroin during a sting operation conducted by Los Angeles Police Department Narcotics officers.Captain Matthew Phillpsen, 52, was arrested at around noon on Wednesday, November 9 in the Highland Park area, around Avenue 61 and Figueroa Street. He was apprehended while attempting to purchase seven balloons of simulated heroin from undercover officers, according to the LAPD.

Phillpsen was arrested for intent to possess heroin, and booked into jail. Arraignment is scheduled for November 18.

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