In a bizarre incident that could have been pulled straight from a Hollywood script, two individuals were arrested in Pacific Palisades on Saturday for impersonating firefighters, as reported by The New York Post.
The duo’s not-so-brilliant plan included using a firetruck they had purchased at an auction to breach a checkpoint set aside for first responders battling the devastating Palisades Fire.
The wildfire, which ignited two weeks ago, has ravaged large swathes of Los Angeles County. Emergency crews from across the country, and even from neighboring Mexico, have been working around the clock to control the inferno.
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Against this backdrop of heroic efforts, Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, apparently decided to insert themselves into the scene with their newfound firetruck.
According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Commander Minh Dinh, the two suspects were stopped at the checkpoint. When questioned, they claimed to be from the fictitious “Roaring River Fire Department” in Oregon.
A man and a woman from Oregon have been arrested in LA for Impersonation of Firefighters. They even had a Fake Fire Truck. They have a history of Arson as well‼️ pic.twitter.com/jkTqHHVBKr
— Unapologetic MagaMan (@unapologetic_47) January 20, 2025
To add to their charade, they were dressed in full firefighting gear, including turnout suits, helmets, radios, and even CAL Fire shirts.
Authorities quickly saw through their ruse when they realized the Roaring River Fire Department was a fabrication. The duo was promptly arrested on charges of impersonating firefighters and unlawfully entering an evacuation zone.
The firetruck, which served as their misguided prop, has been impounded.
Dustin Nehl’s rap sheet includes prior arson and criminal mischief charges in Oregon, raising suspicions about his motives.
Arson-related incidents have plagued the county as firefighters risk their lives to contain the flames. Authorities have vowed zero tolerance for arsonists, looters, or anyone exacerbating the tragedy.
Sheriff’s deputies are working with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and charges against the duo will be presented on Tuesday.
As of Sunday, the Palisades Fire has reached 52% containment, while the Eaton Fire is 81% contained. With progress being made, some residents are beginning to return to their neighborhoods.
However, the reckless actions of opportunists like the Nehls highlight the challenges faced by first responders during such crises.
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