Authorities in Santa Monica share photos of suspects suspected of attempting to plunder during the California wildfires.

Police clarify that none of the accused looters reside in the Santa Monica region.

Authorities in Santa Monica share photos of suspects suspected of attempting to plunder during the California wildfires.
Authorities in Santa Monica share photos of suspects suspected of attempting to plunder during the California wildfires.

Nearly a dozen attempted burglary suspects within Palisades Fire evacuation zones in Santa Monica were recently identified by the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), none of whom reside in the town, according to police.

Officials stated that six of the 10 suspects were found with "burglary tools" in their possession. All of them had traveled to the disaster area from outside the area.

Since the start of the Palisades Fire, 39 individuals have been apprehended by the department in evacuation zones, according to SMPD's statement to Planet Chronicle.

Those not accused of attempted burglary were arrested for curfew violations, drug possession, warrants, parole and probation violations, and other charges.

(Left to right) Joshua Kaliel Love, Miguel Angel Dorantes, Gabriel Asaih Stokes, and Dominic Pachecomanga.
From left, Joshua Kaliel Love, Miguel Angel Dorantes, Gabriel Asaih Stokes and Dominic Pachecomanga were four of 10 suspects charged with burglary within the Palisades Fire evacuation zones in Santa Monica. (Santa Monica Police Department)

None of the 39 arrested are from Santa Monica, officials said.

Joshua Kaliel Love, 29, was caught with a dagger, window-breaking tool, mask, gloves, and narcotics while running from officers. He was on probation at the time of his arrest.

Officials stated that two other burglary suspects, Dominic Pachecomanga, 18, and Miguel Angel Dorantes, 22, were found in a van without identification, wearing gloves, burglary tools, dark clothing, ski masks, and carrying large tote bags.

Palisades Fire burning in the Los Angeles area
This view shows burned properties after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Jan. 10, 2025. (REUTERS/Daniel Cole)

According to police, Pachecomanga and Dorantes were reportedly using the Watch Duty app on their phones, which tracks fire and evacuation zones.

Gabriel Isaih Stokes, 27, was arrested in Santa Monica after a plate reader identified his car as a stolen vehicle. He was in possession of a stolen California ID, fake IDs, burglary tools, a black beanie and ski mask, and large bags, according to police.

Woman trying to put fire out
Nancy Belanger pours water on a neighbor's fire-ravaged property in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Jan. 9, 2025. (AP/Jae C. Hong)

Officials stated that Stokes had previously been accused of burglary, robbery, and grand theft.

by Alexandra Koch

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