Arsonist Caught With Fake Firetruck At California Wildfire

We know some people own retired firetrucks for fun, but a married couple used one to try impersonating firefighters in Los Angeles recently. It’s a bizarre tale for sure, but the real twist is the husband is a convicted arsonist. There are so many questions to be asked about this case.

Ride along in a ladder truck as it responds to a fire.

The couple was caught in the Palisades area on January 18 after Los Angeles Police and fire personnel spotted the truck and thought it didn’t look right. Deputies responded to the area and stopped the suspects as they tried entering an evacuation zone.

Not only did the firetruck not look complete, and for good reason since it was decommissioned and auctioned off to the public, the information the couple gave deputies didn’t check out. They claimed to be from “Roaring River Fire Department” in Oregon, but deputies say such an organization doesn’t exist.

What’s more, the husband and wife were wearing turnout gear with CAL-Fire t-shirts on underneath. They also had helmets and radios.

It’s anyone’s guess exactly what the intentions of these two were. Did they want to help fight the wildfire even though they weren’t firefighters? Were they looking to loot? Were they wanting to set more fires?

Both were charged with Impersonating a Firefighter and Entering an Evacuation Zone, plus the truck was impounded and their gear seized as evidence. Authorities are asking if anyone in the Los Angeles area has information about the suspects, 31-year-old Dustin Nehl and 44-year-old Jennifer Nehl.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office could file criminal charges in court today, revealing more information about this curious case.

Just remember, if you buy a decommissioned fire or police vehicle, have fun with it but stay far away from anything that could even look like impersonation.

Image via Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department