Following several recent arrests of individuals who impersonated firefighters, authorities have taken two more people into custody for pretending to be members of the media in order to enter a fire zone. The two suspects allegedly forged press passes to gain access to a Palisades Fire evacuation zone in California.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the two individuals were stopped at separate roadblock locations near the fire zone, where they were deemed suspicious. They were found to be in possession of fake press passes, which were rapidly determined to be fake by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
A search of the suspects’ belongings revealed more fraudulent press passes. The pair, who are from Oregon, are the latest in a string of individuals arrested for attempting to enter fire zones through deception.
These incidents follow the recent arrest of an Oregon couple who tried to impersonate firefighters by forming a fake firetruck, as well as the arrest of a burglary suspect who disguised himself as a firefighter.
In a statement, the California Highway Patrol emphasized the importance of the agency’s partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in ensuring the security and protection of communities affected by the wildfires. “Criminal activities such as unlawful entry into evacuation zones, forging press passes, and looting will not be tolerated,” the agency said.