Police have arrested dozens of alleged looters and burglars during the devastating Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. Mugshots reveal a gallery of shame, showcasing those accused of exploiting the disaster to steal from affluent neighborhoods. Authorities report charging over 40 suspects since the fires ignited on January 7.
Looters target evacuated zones
Santa Monica Police confirmed none of the suspects lived in the evacuation areas. Instead, they traveled into the fire-stricken zones to take advantage of the chaos. Arrests occurred exclusively within evacuation zones. Suspects also violated the strict sunset-to-sunrise curfew.
Destruction and tragedy
The fires have claimed at least 24 lives, ravaged 40,000 acres, and destroyed 12,300 structures. Among the losses are celebrity homes and trendy hotspots. As residents brace for worsening weather, firefighters struggle to control the flames amid dry conditions and fierce winds.
Brazen criminals caught
Police have apprehended ten burglary suspects within the evacuation zone. Six were carrying burglary tools. Including weapons, gloves, masks, and even gold window punches.
- Joshua Kaliel Love, already on probation. Carried a dagger, narcotics, and tools for breaking into homes when police arrested him. He tried to flee but officers caught him in an alley behind San Vicente Boulevard.
- Police stopped Dominic Pacheco Magana, 18, and Miguel Angel Dorantes, 22, in a van with stolen registration stickers. Officers found gloves, ski masks, and large bags inside. Pacheco’s phone had the Watch Duty app, which monitors evacuation zones.
“Their intent was clear: to commit residential burglaries,” police stated.
Guns, drugs, and arson
Two suspects were arrested with concealed handguns. Others faced charges for drug possession, parole violations, and outstanding warrants. Police noted a sharp rise in arrests in the upscale areas north of Montana and Wilmont.
Two arson suspects were also detained:
- Ruben Montes, 29, started a fire in Irwindale, near the deadly Eaton Fire
- Residents confronted Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, a Mexican national, with a blowtorch in Calabasas.
Perfect storm fuels disaster
The Palisades Fire has burned 23,700 acres and is only 17% contained. Just north of Pasadena, the Eaton Fire has scorched 14,000 acres. Firefighters are reporting 35% containment. The Hurst Fire near San Fernando is nearly out, while Ventura’s Auto Fire remains uncontrolled, consuming 56 acres.
Meteorologist Todd Hall warned of Santa Ana winds reaching 80 mph in some areas, fanning the flames and worsening conditions. The prolonged drought and dry vegetation created ideal conditions for this catastrophe.
Police crackdown
“Our team did a phenomenal job saturating evacuation areas and cracking down on criminal activity,” said Santa Monica Police. With vigilant patrols, they aim to deter further crimes amid the ongoing crisis.
The arrests expose a disturbing trend of criminals exploiting disasters. As firefighters battle the infernos, the community must confront not only the flames but also the challenge of safeguarding what’s left.
