Grief-Stricken LA Streets Hit with Looting and Arson as Cops Crack Down on Wildfire Crimes
The streets of Los Angeles have been gripped by chaos and despair as looters and arsonists take advantage of the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the city. Despite the tragedy and loss inflicted by the blazes, which have killed 24 people and forced over 100,000 to flee their homes, criminals have been exploiting the most vulnerable areas.
Over two dozen people have been arrested, including one alleged looter who dressed as a firefighter. The suspect was caught wearing a yellow fire jacket with the city’s fire department’s old acronym CDF, fire boots, and jeans. Another alleged arsonist was arrested for “actively lighting fires” in Irwindale, just 16 miles away from the Eaton Fire.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has been working tirelessly to arrest those responsible for the looting and arson. Sheriff Robert Luna revealed that a man was arrested for burglarizing mansions in the ultra-exclusive Malibu area, while another man was caught with a blowtorch and was tackled to the ground by onlookers.
The LA District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, has warned that the penalty for the suspected arsonist thought to be responsible for the murderous blaze could lead to life in prison. Hochman revealed that the “maximum punishment will be sought,” and this could include homicide.
Meanwhile, the Santa Monica Police Department has arrested 10 attempted burglary suspects, including one who was found with a dagger, gloves, mask, and a window-breaking tool. Another suspect was caught with fake IDs, a ski mask, and large bags on him.
Residents have been forced to take measures to protect their abandoned homes as more people have been forced to evacuate due to the terror blaze. Signs saying “no looters” and “looters will be shot” have popped up across the fire-ravaged and at-risk parts of LA.
The authorities have vowed to bring justice to those responsible for the looting and arson, with Sheriff Luna stating, “We want to bring justice, and we will.” The DA’s office has also warned that the “day and age of a DA’s office standing on the sidelines is over,” and that they will take a tough stance against those responsible for the crimes.