Woman accused of looting from home in Palisades Fire area while wearing ‘Palisades Strong’ shirt

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Palisades fire destroys over 5,300 structures

Fox News’ Christina Coleman reports from the rubble of the Palisades Village with an update on the ‘absolutely devastating’ damage in Los Angeles.

A woman was arrested after police accused her of looting a home in the Palisades Fire area, while she was wearing a t-shirt with an ironic statement on it. 

The California Highway Patrol (CHP)’s Southern Division shared images on X of the recent arrest of Karen Matsey, who was wearing a “Palisades Strong” shirt while allegedly stealing from a home “severely impacted” by the Palisades Fire.

On Feb. 21, officers were called to a residence in the Pacific Palisades for a looting report. When officers arrived, they did not find Matsey as she had already fled the scene, but the victim was able to give a description of Matsey’s vehicle.

Officers were able to track her down at her home and found several stolen antiques inside.

LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES: ARMED HOMEOWNERS PATROL FOR LOOTERS INSIDE EVACUATION ZONE

The California Highway Patrol arrested a woman for allegedly looting homes damaged in the Palisades Fire. (X/@CHPsouthern/REUTERS/David Swanson)

Authorities said Matsey was arrested and is facing grand theft charges.

Chris Margaris, Chief of CHP Southern Division, said his officers have remained “actively involved in the recovery efforts for the Pacific Palisades Community.”

“I am incredibly proud of the swift action taken by our officers to protect the public and prevent further harm,” Margaris said in a statement on X. “Their commitment to serving and assisting those in need during this challenging period reflects the highest standard of the CHP.”

PALISADES FIRE IN LA IGNITES LOOTING FEARS AND PUSHES PRIVATE SECURITY GUARDS TO THE BRINK 

Residents told CHP officers they saw Karen Mastey allegedly looting homes in the Pacific Palisades. (X/@CHPsouthern)

Police have arrested dozens of people in connection with looting since the Palisades Fire sparked on Jan. 7.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY DA SAYS NINE CHARGED WITH LOOTING HOMES IN WILDFIRE ZONES, ONE WITH ARSON

CHP officers arrested a woman suspected of stealing from Palisades homes while wearing a “Palisades Strong” shirt.  (X/@CHPsouthern)

The Santa Monica Police Department previously announced they had made 39 arrests in evacuation zones, with none of the suspects being residents of the community.

The Los Angeles Police Department has made 34 arrests since the start of the fires, stating that those not charged with attempted burglary were picked up for curfew violations, drug possession, warrants and probation violations.

CHP officers said they recovered dozens of what they believe are stolen antiques at Karen Matsey’s home. (X/@CHPsouthern)

“In the Palisades area and the fires that we’ve experienced in Los Angeles, isn’t it bad enough we have 40,000 people potentially that have been evacuated from an area, and then we get a handful of people that want to come up with activity to go victimize them,” Los Angeles assistant police Chief Blake Chow previously said in a statement. “It’s not enough that they have to worry about their properties and rebuilding and things like that.”

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Authorities have been limiting access to the area as residents try to clear toxic debris and start the rebuilding process as the fire damaged or destroyed over 10,000 structures in the Pacific Palisades area. 

Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this report. 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com