LOS ANGELES, CA – Nine suspects have been charged with looting in evacuation zones for the Palisades and Eaton fires, while an additional individual faces charges of arson in a separate incident in Azusa, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Monday. The charges come as authorities intensify efforts to crack down on crimes committed during the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Southern California, displacing thousands and destroying thousands of homes.
During a press conference held alongside Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, LAPD Police Chief Jim McDonnell, and representatives from federal agencies such as the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Hochman condemned the actions of those seeking to exploit the disaster. “These crimes are appalling and represent a direct attack on our community during a time of unprecedented loss and vulnerability,” Hochman stated. “Let me be clear: If you exploit this tragedy to prey on victims of these deadly fires, we will find you and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Details of Arrests and Charges
Among those charged are Martrell Peoples and Damari Bell, accused of looting a home in Mandeville Canyon on Jan. 8. Prosecutors allege the suspects stole goods valued at over $200,000, with security footage linking them to the crime. Authorities later apprehended them at a Koreatown apartment, where stolen items were recovered.
Travon Coleman faces felony hit-and-run charges after allegedly crashing into another vehicle in downtown Los Angeles while attempting to evade police. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of Figueroa and 5th Street on Jan. 9, left one person injured. Coleman reportedly fled on foot but was later apprehended.
In Azusa, Jose Escobar has been charged with felony arson, arson during a state of emergency, and attempted arson. Authorities allege Escobar started a fire at Pioneer Park on Jan. 10, an incident captured on surveillance video. Officials have not connected Escobar’s actions to the larger wildfires in the region.
Other suspects include Rudy Salazar and Lucia Jilrara, charged with two counts each of first-degree residential burglary for incidents in Altadena. Additionally, Roy Sims, Ryan Sims, Naquan Reddix, and Piere Obannon face charges of first-degree residential burglary for allegedly breaking into a home in Altadena on Jan. 8. Among the stolen items recovered was an Emmy Award taken from one of the homes, officials confirmed.
Stern Warnings from Law Enforcement
District Attorney Hochman reiterated his firm stance on prosecuting those who commit crimes in the wake of the fires. “Do not go ahead and engage in looting, engage in internet scams, engage in price gouging, do not violate evacuation orders, and do not commit any of these crimes in which people are trying to profit from the tragedy of the people who have suffered from these various fires,” Hochman said. “You will be arrested, prosecuted, and punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
Sheriff Luna echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that curfews and evacuation orders are being strictly enforced. An overnight curfew, effective from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., remains in place across the evacuation zones of the Palisades and Eaton fires. Luna stressed the importance of protecting abandoned homes and businesses, warning, “If you are in these affected areas and you do not belong there, you are subject to arrest. We’re not doing this to inconvenience anybody; we’re doing this to protect the structures, houses people have left because we ordered them to leave.”
National Guard Deployed
In addition to hundreds of law enforcement personnel patrolling fire zones, members of the California National Guard have been deployed to assist with traffic control, man checkpoints, and support crime suppression efforts. “They’re going to get deployed to specific missions,” Luna said, adding that the Guard’s presence allows local law enforcement to focus on criminal investigations and maintaining public safety.
The governor’s office issued a statement supporting the deployment, noting that the Guard will be stationed at key traffic points and evacuation zones to enhance security and provide critical support to local agencies.
A Broader Crackdown on Fire-Related Crimes
Last week, Hochman’s office announced that 20 people had been arrested for looting in evacuation zones, with an additional 18 arrests for offenses such as burglary, drug possession, and possession of burglary tools. These arrests underline the broad scope of criminal activity authorities are combating amid the ongoing wildfire crisis.
“Our office is fully committed to getting these criminals off the streets and putting them on alert: We will not tolerate this kind of lawlessness,” Hochman declared. Authorities have emphasized that any violation of evacuation orders, whether related to looting, arson, or other crimes, will result in serious consequences.
The Palisades and Eaton fires have collectively destroyed over 15,000 structures and claimed at least 25 lives, making them among the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles County history. As firefighting efforts continue, law enforcement remains focused on safeguarding evacuated areas and ensuring justice for those affected by the tragedy.
