Cal Fire Commander’s wallet stolen, bank accounts turned over

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Firefighters battling the barking of the CZU complex in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties were devastated this weekend when the department vehicle of one of their landlords broke in while targeting his crew and made a thief like thieves with his wallet and his bank turned accounts.

“It’s sad and sick,” Cal Fire Battalion chief Mark Brunton said during a briefing early Sunday morning. “That’s the extent to which these people have gone.”

Officials too warned residents that some persons had already set up an online fundraising page intended for the commander and his family, but that page was also not authorized, and people were asked not to give it.

Sheriff Jim Hart, of Santa Cruz County, hated no words in an afternoon news conference.

“I can not imagine a greater lowlife, by breaking into someone who helps someone to protect this community, breaking into his car and taking his wallet and then charging a lot of credit card costs and money from his bank account. to get, “said Hart. “To me, it’s just mindboggling that someone would be embarrassed to do something like that.”

Hart said his deputies have received other reports of possible looting and theft in areas affected by fire. At least eight cases have resulted in citations or arrests, he added.

Hart said his office investigated and that he was ‘confident’ that the thief would track down the thief.

District Attorney Jeff Rosell, who appeared before the sheriff at the briefing, promised to bring everyone involved to justice.

“There are those who come and visit those who are already victims,” ​​Rosell said. ‘I’m here to tell you and guarantee that the District Attorneys’ Office will put the full weight of its authority and power behind the prosecution of these people.

“If you come to this county, if you come to these victims and you try to take advantage of them and you are caught, we will prosecute you in the full extent of the law.”

Rosell also said his office had received reports from some local businesses that inflation was inflating during the crisis.

“I’ve heard of various hotels and things that try to benefit people,” Rosell said. “I promise you if we find out, we’ll get behind you too.”

Hart said his office and surrounding law enforcement departments have polluted patrols in the area, warning that anyone detecting crossing evacuated areas can expect to face questions of law enforcement.