An Oregon couple is facing misdemeanor charges after they were caught allegedly impersonating firefighters to gain access to a wildfire evacuation zone in California, authorities reported. Dustin Nehl, 31, and his wife Jennifer Nehl, 44, were arrested on January 18 in an area affected by the Palisades wildfire.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has charged the Nehls with fraudulent impersonation of a specific fire personnel, unauthorized activities concerning badges or related matters, and false representation. According to KGW, Dustin Nehl's bail was set at $30,000, but Jennifer was released due to having no prior criminal history. However, Dustin has a history of criminal mischief and arson in Oregon.
During the arrest, it was discovered that their fire truck had been purchased at an auction and modified to look official with lettering indicating it was from the non-existent "Roaring River Fire Department." "Impersonating first responders endangers the safety of our community and the well-being of those who choose to engage in such reckless behavior, especially during a state of emergency," District Attorney Hochman stated, as reported by KGW.
The couple's arrest came after an LAPD patrol unit tipped off LA County Sheriff's deputies about a suspicious fire engine. When deputies stopped a fire engine trying to get into an evacuation zone at 22520 Pacific Coast Highway, the Nehls claimed to be from the fictitious "Roaring River Fire Department." They were both wearing full turnout gear for firefighting, with helmets, radios, and Cal Fire T-shirts. "These types of actions can have dire consequences and mislead the public into trusting an unqualified person with responsibilities they are not equipped to handle," the District Attorney added, a sentiment echoed by the accounts provided by CBS News Los Angeles.
The Nehls have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are due for a pretrial hearing on Feb. 11. They face a maximum possible sentence of 180 days in jail if convicted of all charges, as detailed by San Fernando Sun.
