As wildfires rage across Los Angeles County, leaving destruction and despair in their wake, opportunistic criminals have descended on vulnerable neighborhoods, targeting homes abandoned by evacuees.
During a press conference Thursday morning, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced the arrest of at least 20 individuals for looting homes damaged or destroyed by the fires.
“Last night and this morning, we are up to 20 individuals who chose to go into our areas and deprive these poor people who have been through so much of their property. Absolutely unacceptable,” Luna told reporters.
Luna warned that anyone caught looting or trespassing in evacuation zones would face severe consequences. He emphasized that deputies are patrolling these vulnerable areas.
“If you are in one of these areas, and you do not belong there, you are going to be subject to arrest,” Luna said.
“I hope that is as clear as I can make it. Our first choice isn’t to do enforcement. It’s not to make an arrest. It’s to help people. But if people choose to commit crimes, they’re going to be held accountable.”
The sheriff confirmed that he expects the number of arrests to rise in the coming days as deputies ramp up patrols.
“This continues to be a fluid and evolving crisis, and the numbers that we release throughout this incident are going to fluctuate. Anything we say is subject to change.”
“We’re getting information from our boots on the ground. It’s very chaotic out there because it’s still so fluid. So forgive us if we give a number and then have to modify it.”
“I talked about the 20 arrests that have been made so far. Unfortunately, I do expect that number to go up. We are not going to tolerate that activity. We have substantially increased our deployment of deputies at the fixed traffic posts and are working to limit and clear out any unauthorized vehicles or people in these areas.”
Sheriff Luna announced that residents who ignore evacuation orders could face misdemeanors.
This policy isn’t about punishing victims but protecting lives. When residents refuse to leave evacuation zones, Luna explained, deputies are compelled to risk their own lives in “heroic actions” to save them.
“As you know, when we have an evacuation order by law, if you remain in that area, you are guilty of a misdemeanor.”
“Our deputies are constantly putting their lives on the line,” Luna said. “And every example I’m given is a result of somebody who chose not to evacuate.
WATCH:
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna says 20 arrests have been made for criminal behavior like looting:
“Unfortunately I do expect that to go up. We’re not going to tolerate that kind of activity.” pic.twitter.com/C3RE0EEaxW
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) January 9, 2025
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