U.S. Forest Service Strike Team Robbed During Southern California Windstorm
Incident Unfolds in Rancho Cucamonga Parking Lot
A U.S. Forest Service firefighting strike team was stationed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Rancho Cucamonga during the recent Santa Ana wind event when they were robbed of critical fire equipment.
Thieves Break into Vehicle, Steal Essential Gear
According to a news release from San Bernardino National Forest, around 3 a.m. on January 17, two suspects in a red two-door Jeep Wrangler with a black soft top, tan seats, and a partially visible license plate starting with the number 6 parked near a San Bernardino National Forest fire engine and forcibly opened three locked compartments.
Surveillance Footage Captures Suspects
In photos released by the forest service, one of the suspects is seen carrying bolt cutters that were presumably used to gain access to the locked compartments where the thieves “removed essential fire equipment” and placed the stolen gear in the Jeep.
Suspects Described, Investigation Underway
The suspect seen carrying bolt cutters was described as a white male standing 5 foot 7 inches to 6 foot tall, with a medium build and a thin mustache. He was wearing a black knit hat, a red jacket with yellow trim on the shoulders and sides, and blue pants.
The second suspect was described as a Hispanic male standing approximately 5 foot 7 inches to 5 foot 10 inches tall with a medium or husky build. He was wearing a blue baseball cap with an unknown white logo, a blue long-sleeved shirt, and baggy jeans.
Public’s Help Sought in Investigation
Anyone with information about this investigation or who may recognize the suspects from the photos is urged to contact Officer Tyler Smith at the Federal Interagency Communications Center at 909-383-5635 or by email at tyler.smith2@usda.gov.
Conclusion
The theft of critical fire equipment from a U.S. Forest Service strike team during a Southern California windstorm is a serious incident that has left authorities seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspects. The stolen equipment is essential for firefighting efforts, and its recovery is crucial for ensuring the safety of firefighters and the public.
FAQs
What happened? A U.S. Forest Service firefighting strike team was robbed of critical fire equipment in a parking lot in Rancho Cucamonga during the recent Santa Ana wind event.
Who are the suspects? The suspects are described as a white male and a Hispanic male, both standing between 5 foot 7 inches and 6 foot tall, with medium builds and distinctive clothing.
What was stolen? The stolen equipment includes essential fire gear that is critical for firefighting efforts.
How can I help? Anyone with information about this investigation or who may recognize the suspects from the photos is urged to contact Officer Tyler Smith at the Federal Interagency Communications Center at 909-383-5635 or by email at tyler.smith2@usda.gov.
