SAN FRANCISCO — A firefighter commander who was directing crews fighting the CZU Lighting Complex Fire in California had his department vehicle broken into, wallet stolen and bank account withdrawn from.
“It’s saddening. It’s sickening,” California Fire Operations Chief Mark Brunton told KGO. “We are doing everything we can to try to help the community and unfortunately this happens.”
All inquiries regarding this case should be sent to the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office. That agency will be investigating this case. https://t.co/SQRjp6ZaQV
— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) August 23, 2020
The theft comes as officials said they arrested five people on suspicion of looting, KGO reported.
"It's terrible and disgusting," Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Chris Clark said. "These five decided to victimize several of our community members who are already hurting."
You loot, you go to jail.
— Santa Cruz SO (@SantaCruzSO1) August 22, 2020
These 5 experienced that today.
Jose Gandarilla, Susana Luna, Crystal Araujo, Sara Loretz and Crystle Parstch-Lucchesi were all arrested on numerous charges including Looting, Grand Theft, Conspiracy to commit crime and Burglary.#CZULightingComplex pic.twitter.com/SgOGinII8O
The CZU Lightning Complex fire has burned more than 71,000 acres and destroyed more than 129 buildings. It is about 8% contained.
#CZULightningComplex INCIDENT UPDATE
— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) August 23, 2020
71,000 acres, 8% contained pic.twitter.com/h6kefbukn1
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