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
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.