WESTWOOD—The UCLA Police Department indicated on Friday, January 10 that they made arrests in evacuation zones as a result of the wildfires in the region. As part of a mutual aid agreement, UCLA PD assisted another city with firefighting and evacuation efforts.
Officers made two arrests in the evacuation zone while enforcing curfew and safety orders. In one incident, suspects admitted they came into the area to commit felony vehicle theft. In another incident, officers recovered a firearm illegally housed.
According to reports, there have been widespread looting in Southern Los Angeles, especially regions hit hardest by the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst wildfires.
On January 9, the Police Department responded to a mutual aid request to assist with the challenging and tense fire situation. While patrolling a designated evacuation zone in Santa Monica, our officers spotted individuals who attempted to hide when they saw a police vehicle. Upon investigating, officers recovered a loaded handgun and made an arrest.
UCLA’s campus is not currently under evacuation orders, but the public should be advised that entering an evacuation zone is illegal for your safety and the safety of others.
The UCLA PD is warning the public that anyone breaking the law in evacuation zones will be arrested. Individuals are asked to respect evacuation zones and follow all safety orders.
By Trevor