LOS ANGELES — Two individuals were arrested by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers for using forged press passes to unlawfully enter an evacuation zone during the Palisades Fire. The arrests occurred at separate road closures, according to a statement from the CHP West Valley Area.
Officers noticed the individuals exhibiting suspicious behavior while using what appeared to be Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) press passes. With assistance from the LASD, it was confirmed that the press passes were forged. Additional fake press passes were found in their possession, and both individuals were transported to LASD Lost Hills Jail for booking.
“Criminal activity including unlawful entry into an evacuation zone, forging press passes, and looting will not be tolerated.”
These arrests underscore the collaboration between CHP and LASD in securing communities affected by wildfires.