LAPD, ATF Seize Phony Agency's Fire Truck During Strange Residential Raid

The LAPD and federal agents made an unusual seizure during a raid Wednesday: a fire truck belonging to a nonexistent department.

And that vehicle could be connected to a past case involving a man who impersonated first responders.

Officers from LAPD's Major Crimes Division, along with ATF agents, executed a search warrant at a home in Los Angeles' Brentwood neighborhood, KTLA-TV reports. Few details were released concerning the raid, but authorities told the news outlet that an arrest was made in connection with gun violations and impersonation of a first responder. 

During the raid, a fire truck for the Santa Muerte Fire Department was discovered. But that agency doesn't exist, although law enforcement is familiar with the phony fire department.

In 2023, police arrested Andrew De Boer after he conducted an illegal traffic stop dressed in a fake Santa Muerte Fire Department uniform and badge, according to KTLA. His pickup truck also had fire department decals, emergency lights and state exempt plates.

An investigation by San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department found Santa Muerte badges, uniforms and patches in De Boer's Chino Hills home, as well as body armor and guns.  A website also had been created for the department, and it included an arson investigation unit that claimed law enforcement powers. In his impersonation, 

At the time, De Boer was charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer and false imprisonment. 

Police did not identify the person apprehended in Wednesday's raid.