Los Angeles County Sheriff, Robert Luna, announced the arrest of 20 individuals involved in looting homes abandoned during the wildfires devastating Southern California in the United States.
Speaking on Thursday, Luna adopted a firm stance against such criminal activities and warned that those exploiting the crisis would face strict consequences.
“Depriving these poor people who have been through so much…absolutely unacceptable,” Luna stated, emphasizing his commitment to justice.
He added that the number of arrests could rise as investigations continue.
Sheriff Luna also addressed residents who ignore evacuation orders, warning that they might face charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
“If you are in one of these areas, and you do not belong there, you are going to be subject to arrest,” he said. “I hope that is as clear as I can make it. Our first choice isn’t to do enforcement. It’s not to make an arrest. It’s to help people. But if people choose to commit crimes, they’re going to be held accountable.”
Luna expressed concern about the risks non-compliance poses to emergency responders, stating that deputies are often forced into dangerous “heroic actions” to rescue those who refuse to leave.
“Our deputies are constantly putting their lives on the line,” he said. “And every example I’m given is a result of somebody who chose not to evacuate.”
To enhance safety and ensure smooth operations, Luna has deployed additional deputies to remove unauthorized vehicles from restricted areas.
On Wednesday, bulldozers were used to clear abandoned cars from highways, allowing emergency services better access to critical zones.
As of Thursday, Luna reported that 180,000 residents in Los Angeles County are under mandatory evacuation orders, with another 200,000 under evacuation warnings.
