Los Angeles County Attorney Nathan Hochman warned residents of looters and vowed to punish them Wednesday amid reports of looting in the state as firefighters battled several wildfires in Southern California, including the massive Pacific Palisades fire.
“When the community gathers to support each other, we also know people who are targeting victims who are at risk of being in danger of this misfortune, wanting to exploit those who have endured so much,” said the DA’s statement.
“Let it be clearly known that those who seek to profit illegally from the pain and suffering of others—be it through robbery, fraud, theft, burglary, or any other type of crime—will not be punished.
PALISADES FIRE: HEIDI MONTAG, SPENCER PRATT LOST HOME; THE FAMOUS ARE FLEEING TO THE RITZY AREA
Firefighters work as the Palisades Fire burns a house on a hill near the Getty Villa on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Pacific Palisades, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)
He vowed to deal with thieves and other criminals to the full extent of the law.
For those who are struggling, please know that you are not alone,” he said. “Thank you to our brave first responders who are working tirelessly to protect our community from this devastation. We appreciate all you do.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Wednesday that at least two people were arrested in connection with the robbery and warned potential robbers to stay out of people’s homes.
PACIFIC PALISADES INFERNO FORCES THOUSANDS TO FLEE HOMES IN CALIFORNIA; GOV. NEWSOM Declares a STATE OF EMERGENCY
The Palisades Fire is burning the beach area on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)
“If you think of entering any of these places, you will steal from our citizens, you will be caught, arrested, and prosecuted,” he said in a press conference. aired on FOX 11 Los Angeles. “Don’t do that! Get out of these areas. For emergency workers and residents.”
At least five people have died in a wildfire in Southern California, according to authorities.
At least 130,000 people were ordered to leave their homes.
A house burns in the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)
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California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said the state is sending more than 7,500 firefighters and support personnel to help in Los Angeles as the fires continue to burn.
Neighboring states, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and New Mexico, also sent firefighting equipment.
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