Breaking News: Two More Arrested in L.A. Wildfires, Totaling 60 Suspects Nabbed

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L.A. Wildfires: 2 More Arson Suspects Apprehended Bringing Total Number Of Fire-Related Arrests To At Least 60 – Update

UPDATED with latest: Today, authorities reported the arrest of two additional individuals in Los Angeles for allegedly starting minor fires. Meanwhile, efforts to manage two significant fires continue, which have resulted in over two dozen fatalities and the destruction of approximately 13,000 structures.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna disclosed that a total of 44 people have been arrested, with 36 arrests in connection with the Eaton Fire and eight related to the Palisades Fire. Included in these arrests were two individuals impersonating firefighters, attempting to rob homes.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell announced 14 arrests made by Tuesday morning for various offenses including curfew violations, impersonating law enforcement, DUI, vandalism, and burglary among others.

Chief McDonnell recounted an incident where, at approximately 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, a local detained a suspect who had set a tree on fire at the intersection of Glenoaks and Van Nuys. The suspect admitted to setting the fire, claiming he enjoyed the scent of burning leaves.

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Later that evening around 9:30 p.m., police apprehended another individual on Santa Monica Boulevard for igniting fires in piles of rubbish, who expressed a thrill in creating chaos.

“Unfortunately, there are individuals who are compelled to engage in such destructive behavior,” McDonnell added.

On Tuesday, McDonnell also highlighted three additional arrests from Sunday and Monday linked to small fire incidents around San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles.

L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman on Monday declared charges against 10 individuals, including charges for looting in fire-affected zones and one count of arson not related to the major fires.

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The individual charged with arson, Jose Carranza Escobar, has pleaded guilty, and footage of his arrest was released by Hochman’s office.

Hochman announced on Wednesday morning that two more individuals had been charged in connection with arson.

37-year-old Jaime Mota faces charges including felony arson of property and arson during a state of emergency, with bail set at $350,000. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison. Mota reportedly started a fire at a warehouse/shipping yard, damaging the area significantly.

27-year-old Ruben Michael Montes is charged with arson during a state of emergency, possession of flammable materials with intent to commit arson, and reckless burning of personal property. Montes, who has a history of felony convictions, allegedly ignited a fire at a freeway underpass, with his bail set at $400,000. If convicted, he could face up to 14 years in prison.

In response to the ongoing wildfire crisis, a Joint Regional Fire Crimes Task Force has been established, consisting of federal and local law enforcement agencies. This task force is dedicated to investigating fire-related crimes such as arson, looting, and illegal drone operations.

PREVIOUSLY at 8 a.m.: Early Wednesday morning, winds intensified, challenging the containment efforts for the Palisades and Eaton fires. After a brief respite from lighter winds, gusts reached up to 55 mph in mountainous areas, with red flag warnings issued across Southern California indicating critical fire conditions.

The death toll for the fires now stands at 25, with the Palisades Fire burning 23,717 acres and 19% contained. The Eaton Fire has burned 14,117 acres with containment improving to 45%.

PREVIOUS, Jan. 13, 4:25 PM: “There’s a special place in hell for you,” Senator Adam Schiff remarked to looters of neighborhoods affected by the recent fires. He emphasized that law enforcement would ensure justice against such acts. Following his statement, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced charges against nine individuals for looting and one for arson, with potential sentences ranging from decades to life in prison.

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Among the charged, three were caught stealing $200,000 worth of goods from a home, while four others burglarized a residence and stole an Emmy award among other items. The arson suspect was apprehended for setting a fire in a local park.

In other legal developments, four lawsuits were filed against Southern California Edison for allegedly failing to de-energize equipment despite severe wind and fire warnings, potentially causing one of the major fires.

PREVIOUSLY at 12:05 p.m.: Overnight, containment efforts on L.A.’s largest fires saw slight improvements as firefighters prepared for another round of intense Santa Ana winds, which could exacerbate the fire situations.

A red flag warning remains in effect across parts of Los Angeles, with wind gusts potentially reaching 70 mph, creating conditions for rapid fire spread.

The National Weather Service highlighted a Particularly Dangerous Situation due to the extreme fire weather conditions, urging residents to stay vigilant and prepared to evacuate.

Governor Gavin Newsom reiterated the severity of the current wind event, comparing it to previous destructive fires in the region. He urged residents to heed safety advisories and prepare for possible evacuations.

The remains of Dalyce Curry, a 95-year-old actor known for her roles in classic films, were discovered in her burned-down Altadena home. Her granddaughter mourned the profound loss on social media, reflecting on the impactful life her grandmother led.

As firefighters continue to combat the blazes, containment levels for the Palisades and Eaton fires have seen minimal increases, with ongoing efforts to suppress any further spread of the fires.

PREVIOUS, 8:35 PM, Jan. 12: Some evacuation zones have been reduced or lifted as progress is made on the Palisades and Eaton fires. The death toll has risen to 24, with updates on missing persons and ongoing firefighting efforts.

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The estimated cost of damages from these fires has reached $150 billion, marking it as the most expensive fire incident in Southern California’s history. Schools in the LAUSD are planning to reopen, with preparations underway to ensure safety and air quality for returning students.

However, the region braces for more gusty winds, which could affect containment efforts and lead to further evacuations.

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