Two suspects arrested looting in fire zone

“The South Lake Tahoe Police Department, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, and numerous law enforcement agencies throughout California are working non-stop through the smoke and fire to protect our community.

On Wednesday 9/02/21, members of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office were on a security detail in the area of Spruce Ave and Heather Lake Ave. As they were checking the neighborhood, they saw a male subject near a house.

When they tired to make contact, the male got into a vehicle and tried to leave. The deputies pulled the vehicle over and contacted the male. During their investigation, they discovered he had been looting in the area.

They arrested a 28 year old So Lake Tahoe resident for looting, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to leave an evacuation zone, altering a replica firearm to resemble a real firearm, and false registration. They also recovered several items suspected to have been stolen.

Within minutes of that call, members of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office found another male in the backyard of a residence on Herbert Ave. That male was also arrested for looting, burglary, possession of burglary tools, and failure to leave an evacuation zone.

We extend our gratitude to all the agencies helping in this difficult time. We couldn’t do it without your help!”