As wildfires sweep across Los Angeles County and residents flee their homes, some are using the opportunity to loot the neighborhoods and rob those who are already victims of the disaster.
Nearly 180,000 have been forced out of their homes as at least five fires burn, destroying thousands of acres, per NBC.
One woman told local KTLA that she started seeing cars pulling up, opening the doors, and “groups of men running up our street,” which she initially thought were people trying to help with evacuations.
However, her neighbor told her, “There were like 100 people that came up on scooters and were trying to get into any and all houses on the street.”
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The Gateway Pundit reported earlier that Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced the arrest of at least 20 individuals for looting homes damaged or destroyed by the fires on Thursday morning.
“Last night and this morning, we are up to 20 individuals who chose to go into our areas and deprive these poor people who have been through so much of their property. Absolutely unacceptable,” Luna told reporters, adding that he expects the number of arrests to rise in the coming days as deputies ramp up patrols.
“If you are in one of these areas, and you do not belong there, you are going to be subject to arrest,” Luna 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.”
The sheriff confirmed that he expects the number of arrests to rise in the coming days as deputies ramp up patrols.
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