Over the past week, Santa Monica police have arrested more than 40 individuals within evacuation zones. These arrests were made for violations of local emergency orders and curfew regulations, which are in effect from sunset to sunrise. The arrests occurred between January 7 and January 12.
Among those detained, ten were charged with burglary, while others faced charges such as drug possession, driving violations, outstanding warrants, and parole or probation violations. Police also reported that two suspects were found with concealed handguns, and six were in possession of burglary tools. Additionally, authorities noted that one pair of suspects had been using the Watch Duty app to monitor evacuation zones in an attempt to facilitate their activities.
Police emphasized that none of the arrested individuals are Santa Monica residents. Officials highlighted the increased criminal activity in evacuation areas, particularly in neighborhoods like North of Montana (NOMA) and Wilmont, noting that the number of arrests in these zones has been significantly higher than usual.
In a statement, police commended their officers for their efforts, saying, “Our dedicated team of officers did a phenomenal job saturating the evacuation areas and tamping down criminal activity.”
Separately, three additional arrests were made in connection with unauthorized drone incidents, according to the sheriff’s office. These incidents have further complicated efforts to secure evacuation areas and maintain public safety.
Freddie Escobar, president of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles County (UFLAC), criticized Los Angeles leaders for neglecting the city’s fire department, contributing to challenges in combating massive wildfires like the Palisades Fire. The fire has burned 24,000 acres, with another 14,000 acres scorched by the Eaton Fire, exposing severe resource and staffing shortages within the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
Escobar stated that the department lacks critical personnel and equipment, with an urgent need for 62 new stations, 100 additional firefighters and medics, and more engines and trucks. “The LAFD has been neglected by its leaders for decades,” Escobar told Breitbart News. He noted that limited resources hampered the department’s ability to respond effectively to the Palisades Fire, exacerbated by high winds.
