On Saturday, January 18, 2025, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau investigators were contacted regarding an arrest of two suspects for impersonation of firefighters. An LAPD patrol unit was driving through the Palisades Fire area with fire personnel and observed a fire truck that did not appear to be legitimate. They relayed the information, and Sheriff’s deputies contacted the individuals in the fire truck as they attempted to enter an evacuation zone.
Upon contacting the two occupants of the truck, deputies noticed they were both wearing turnout gear. The occupants claimed to be from “Roaring River Fire Department” in Oregon. Upon further investigation, the deputies learned that the department name was not a legitimate agency, and the truck was purchased at an auction. The two occupants were wearing CAL-Fire t-shirts under the turnout gear, helmet, and radios.
The two admitted to being in the evacuation zone on Friday, January 17, 2025. Deputies arrested Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, for Impersonating a Firefighter and Entering an evacuation zone, and the truck was impounded.
Suspect Dustin Nehl has a criminal history in Oregon for criminal mischief and arson. Neither have a criminal history in California.
Investigators will be presenting the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration on Tuesday.
Attached are photographs of the vehicle and gear recovered.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 562-946-7893. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call "L.A. Crime Stoppers" at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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Sheriff's Information Bureau
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Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-229-1700
Website LASD HQ: http://www.lasd.org
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Robert G. Luna, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
