Santa Monica Police Department has released mugshots on Monday of three people suspected of looting during the ongoing Palasides fire that has devastated Los Angeles.
Why It Matters
Looting has been reported within evacuation zones of fires raging in the Los Angeles area. L.A. county public officials have warned some individuals are targeting vulnerable communities by burglarizing and looting homes.
The ongoing fires have claimed at least 24 lives, with 16 people missing, and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. More than 105,000 residents still under evacuation orders.
What to Know
More than 40 arrests have been made in evacuation zones by Santa Monica police has since the start of the Palisades fire on January 7.
Ten burglary suspects were discovered within the Palisades fire evacuation zones. Police said six of the ten suspects were carrying “burglary tools.”
All suspects had traveled to the disaster area from outside Santa Monica, police added.
It was not clear why only three mugshots from the 10 were released or whether the other seven had been booked. Newsweek has contacted the department to clarify. The images released showed:
Joshua Kaliel Love
Santa Monica Police Department
Joshua Kaliel Love was arrested in possession of a dagger, a window-breaking tool, a mask, gloves, narcotics and a gold-colored window punch, a common burglary tool, police said.
About 10 p.m. on January 11, a Santa Monica traffic officer was alerted by a witness rummaging through cabinets in the common area and garage at an apartment building on the 400 block of San Vicente, police said.
Officers found Love in an alley behind the 600 block of San Vicente Boulevard. he fled but was detained without incident shortly afterward, police added.
One of the officers recognized Love from a prior interaction on January 10 during which he was arrested for methamphetamine possession after being informed about curfew and evacuation orders.
Love was then taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, Love was on probation.
Dominic Pacheco Magana and Miguel Angel Dorantes
Two other burglary suspects, Dominic Pacheco Magana, 18, and Miguel Angel Dorantes, 22, were found traveling without identification in a van missing the front license plate and displaying stolen registration stickers, police said.
Officers searched the vehicles and found: black Nike nylon gloves, a black ski mask and three large Amazon freight tote bags and black t-shirts.
Pacheco Magana had the Watch Duty app, which monitors fire and evacuation zones, open on his phones, police added.
Santa Monica Police Department
Santa Monica Police Department
“Based on the items located inside the vehicle, the location of the vehicle stop, the ski mask, and the attempt to conceal their identity and avoid detection by removing the license plate, officers arrested the duo for being in the mandatory evacuation area with the specific intent to commit residential burglaries,” police said.
Individuals not charged with attempted burglary were arrested for offenses including: curfew violations, drug possession, warrants, parole and probation violations.
Santa Monica Police Department
What People Are Saying
SMPD Chief Ramon Batista told Newsweek: “I am grateful for the unwavering dedication and professionalism of all the officers and professional staff in the SMPD. Over the past seven days, while the fires in Palisades tested the resilience of many, each of them stood strong, ensuring that the city of Santa Monica remained safe and secure. I am also grateful for the collaboration with our mutual aid partners who supported us on the front lines and the National Guard for helping us secure the evacuation zones and maintain entry and exit points to the closed areas.”
Fox News host Laura Ingraham said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: “Will progressives in California will now better understand the importance of having tough anti-crime laws, more police, and real prosecutors? Genuinely interested in your thoughts.”
Kathryn Barger, a Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors member, told reporters on Thursday: “I promise you, you will be held accountable. Shame on those who are preying on our residents during this time of crisis.”
What Happens Next
The three named looting suspects could face legal proceedings if authorities uncover sufficient evidence to bring charges.
Joshua Kaliel Love is due in court later on Tuesday, LA County Sherriff’s Department records show.
Investigations into the alleged looting incidents remain ongoing.