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).
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.