Fake Firefighter at L.A. Fire is One-Time Arsonist from Oregon, Authorities Say

Arrest Made After Fire Engine Checkpoint Incident

The fire truck pulled up to a checkpoint Saturday morning near where emergency workers were sifting through the wreckage caused by the Palisades fire.

The driver told the National Guard troops manning the perimeter that he was a volunteer firefighter, a law enforcement source with knowledge of the incident told The Times.

They had little reason to believe otherwise, said the official, who wasn’t authorized to speak with the media and requested anonymity. The man was wearing a yellow firefighter uniform — and he was driving a full-size red fire engine outfitted with emergency lights, California license plates and an American flag.

Two people who have been arrested on suspicion of impersonating firefighters arrived at the Palisades fire in a decommissioned fire engine, police say.

But a firefighter at the checkpoint noticed something off about the decals on the truck, which had markings from the “Roaring River Fire Department,” the official said. He told Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies to check the man’s ID.

Arsonist’s History Revealed

According to the law enforcement official, the man presented an Oregon driver’s license with the name of Dustin Nehl. A search of Nehl’s criminal history revealed he had served five years in prison for arson, the official said.

In 2017, KATU, a Portland TV station, reported that Nehl pleaded guilty to setting a series of fires at a golf course, a park and a water facility in Woodburn, Ore., a city about 30 miles south of Portland.

Arrest and Charges

Nehl, 31, and his wife, 44-year-old Jennifer Nehl — who was with him — were arrested on suspicion of impersonating firefighters and unauthorized entry of an evacuation zone, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials said Sunday. Sheriff’s officials said they planned to ask the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office to charge the couple on Tuesday.

Prior Incident Involving Fake Firefighter

Dustin Nehl isn’t the first to be accused of impersonating emergency personnel to gain access to an evacuation zone. Last week, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said his officers caught a burglary suspect in the Palisades fire zone who was dressed as a firefighter.

Findings and Seizures

According to the source with knowledge of his arrest, deputies found tools in the fire truck that could be used by burglars. They also seized a map showing burn areas and radios tuned to frequencies used by city and county fire departments, the official said.

Investigation Ongoing

It wasn’t clear how long Nehl had been in Los Angeles, but the official said he presented himself as a firefighter to get free lodging at a local Holiday Inn Express.

Conclusion

The arrest of Dustin Nehl and his wife highlights the importance of vigilance in preventing individuals from exploiting the trust of emergency responders. Authorities are taking measures to prevent future incidents, including increasing checks on individuals seeking access to evacuation zones.

FAQs

* Q: How did the suspect get away with impersonating a firefighter for so long?
A: The suspect presented himself as a volunteer firefighter and wore a yellow firefighter uniform. He was able to pass as a firefighter due to his convincing appearance.
* Q: What was found in the suspect’s fire truck?
A: Deputies found tools that could be used for burglary, a map showing burn areas, and radios tuned to frequencies used by city and county fire departments.
* Q: Has there been another incident involving a fake firefighter?
A: Yes, in a prior incident, a burglary suspect was caught in the Palisades fire zone who was dressed as a firefighter.