Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has issued a firm warning to looters exploiting the chaos caused by the unprecedented wildfires sweeping across California.
During a Wednesday press briefing, Luna condemned the actions of those taking advantage of abandoned homes and properties, promising swift arrests and prosecutions.
“It’s always sad when I have to say this, but part of our responsibility is to make sure nobody loots or steals from our community members who are already being impacted,” Luna stated.
Authorities have already made at least two arrests for looting, and the sheriff did not mince words when addressing potential offenders.
“If you are thinking about coming into any of these areas to steal from our residents, I’m going to tell you something: You’re going to be caught, you’re going to be arrested, and you’re going to be prosecuted,” he said.
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna reports there have been 2 arrests for looting and says they are all “going to be prosecuted”
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Sheriff Luna also emphasized that impacted areas are strictly off-limits to unauthorized individuals.
“Stay out of these areas,” he demanded. “They’re only for emergency workers and people who live here.”
His comments come as tens of thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate due to raging wildfires, including the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires, now being reported as the most destructive in California’s history.
Tragically, County sheriff says five people killed in the Eaton Fire have been reported as a result of the wildfires. However, details remain scarce as emergency crews continue their efforts to assess the damage and save lives.
“I did find out that we did have two fatalities in this area,” Luna said. “I don’t have any specifics. There is a lot of damage out there. We’re still in the process of doing these assessments, trying to still save lives, so this information is going to change.”
The fires, driven by strong winds, have destroyed over 1,000 residential homes along with schools, restaurants, and other properties across Los Angeles County. The cities of Pasadena and Altadena have been particularly hard-hit, with mass evacuations reported.
Even members of the sheriff’s department have not been spared from the devastation. Luna shared that several of his employees have lost their homes to the fires.
“Even as I was driving up here, even as I’m walking to this podium, I’m getting messages about several of our employees who have lost their homes in the last several hours,” he revealed. “I don’t know how many because we are still gathering that information, but like all of us—we all live here in Los Angeles County—we are impacted.”
Despite the challenges, Luna assured the public that his department is committed to supporting both its personnel and the broader community.
“We’re going to make sure that within our department, we’re wrapping our arms around our employees, just like we do with community members,” he said.
The ongoing wildfires have stretched emergency services to their limits, but Sheriff Luna remains resolute in his call for collective action.
“Despite the staffing challenges across emergency services agencies, we’ve all got to step up to the plate,” he said.
The Palisades and Eaton wildfires continue to burn with little containment, posing significant threats to life and property.
Authorities are urging residents to heed evacuation orders and remain vigilant as high winds and dry conditions persist, fueling the spread of the flames.