An Oregon couple was arrested and charged with impersonating firefighters during the Los Angeles County wildfires. Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, were stopped while trying to sneak into a Palisades Fire evacuation zone wearing fake firefighter gear and driving a fire truck they purchased at an auction. They claimed to be from the non-existent Roaring River Fire Department in Oregon. The couple had radios, Cal Fire T-shirts, and helmets with them.
Authorities learned that the couple had been in the evacuation zone the day before their arrest. District Attorney Nathan Hochman warned that impersonating first responders during a state of emergency endangers the community and misleads the public. He urged those who want to help to comply with the law and not interfere with law enforcement and first responders.
Jennifer Nehl was released on her own recognizance due to having no criminal history, while Dustin Nehl’s bail was set at $30,000 because of his criminal history in Oregon for criminal mischief and arson. Both are scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial hearing on Feb. 11 and could face a maximum sentence of 180 days in county jail if convicted. Marlene Nehl, Dustin Nehl’s mother, explained that the couple had recently experienced the loss of their baby and just wanted to help.
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