Crime
Two Oregon Residents Arrested for Impersonating Firefighters in Palisades Fire Incident
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau were alerted to the arrest of two individuals suspected of impersonating firefighters within the Palisades Fire evacuation zone.
The incident was initiated when a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) patrol unit, accompanied by fire personnel, observed a suspicious fire truck operating within the affected area.
The vehicle’s appearance and markings raised concerns about its legitimacy. Upon reporting their observations, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to investigate further.
The deputies located and intercepted the fire truck as it attempted to enter a restricted evacuation zone.
Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies found two occupants dressed in full firefighter turnout gear.
The individuals identified themselves as members of the “Roaring River Fire Department” based in Oregon. However, subsequent inquiries revealed that no such fire department existed, and the fire truck in their possession had been purchased at an auction.
Further examination of their attire revealed they were wearing CAL-Fire branded t-shirts beneath their turnout gear, along with helmets and radios, which added to the appearance of authenticity.
During the investigation, the suspects, identified as Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, admitted to entering the evacuation zone on the previous day, Friday, January 17, 2025.
As a result, both individuals were arrested for impersonating a firefighter and unlawfully entering a designated evacuation zone. The fire truck was subsequently impounded as evidence.
Authorities further disclosed that Dustin Nehl has a prior criminal history in Oregon, including charges related to criminal mischief and arson. However, neither suspect has any known criminal record in the state of California.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for formal filing consideration on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
Photographs of the seized vehicle and firefighting equipment have been attached to aid in the ongoing investigation.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information related to this case to contact the Major Crimes Bureau at (562) 946-7893. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous can provide information through “L.A. Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office has officially identified the victim of a recent shooting as 49-year-old Cami T. Luc, a resident of Reno.
Her death has been classified as a homicide.
The incident occurred on February 18, 2025, when officers from the Reno Police Department responded to an apartment complex on South Meadows Parkway.
Upon arrival, police discovered Luc deceased at the scene.
Following an investigation, 50-year-old Jarrod Farrar was arrested and charged with murder.
Authorities confirmed that Farrar and Luc were in a relationship at the time of the incident.
The case remains under active investigation.
Law enforcement officials urge anyone with information to contact the Reno Police Department’s non-emergency line at 775-334-2677.
Anonymous tips can be provided through Secret Witness by calling or texting 775-322-4900 or visiting secretwitness.com.