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L.A. deputies arrest Oregon pair, accused of posing as firefighters during California wildfire

By Sabinna Pierre, KGW

LOS ANGELES — Two Oregon residents were arrested Saturday after authorities caught them attempting to enter a Palisades Fire evacuation zone while impersonating firefighters.

Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, were arrested after Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies discovered them operating a fire truck purchased at auction and claiming to represent the nonexistent "Roaring River Fire Department" in Oregon.

Deputies found both suspects wearing firefighter turnout gear and CAL Fire t-shirts, equipped with helmets and radios. The pair admitted to entering the evacuation zone the previous day, authorities said.

Dustin Nehl has a prior criminal history in Oregon including convictions for criminal mischief and arson, the latter in Woodburn, according to court records. Neither suspect has a criminal record in California.

RELATED: Oregon State Fire Marshal sends additional strike teams to fight LA-area fires

The suspicious vehicle first caught attention when an LAPD patrol unit, accompanied by fire personnel, spotted what appeared to be an illegitimate fire truck in the area. Sheriff's deputies intercepted the vehicle as the suspects attempted to enter an evacuation zone.

Both suspects face charges of impersonating firefighters and entering an evacuation zone. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will review the case Tuesday to consider charges.

Authorities impounded the fire truck and recovered firefighting gear as evidence. The sheriff's office' Major Crimes Bureau requests anyone with information about the case to contact them at 562-946-7853. Anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

California Fire officials also issued a statement regarding the incident:

“We are concerned about reports of individuals impersonating firefighters to gain access to restricted fire zones. This kind of behavior is not only illegal, but also represents a serious betrayal of the trust the public places in firefighters. Our crews work tirelessly, often putting themselves in harm’s way, to protect lives, property and communities. For someone to exploit that trust for personal gain or other purposes undermines the integrity of our mission and puts everyone – residents, responders, and even those impersonators – at greater risk,” the statement read.

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