Overview

• On July 16, a joint task force from the LAPD Major Crimes Division and ATF executed a multi-location search warrant at Farzam’s Brentwood residence, seizing a fire engine and related evidence
• Farzam was booked on 28 felony counts—including impersonating first responders, assault with a deadly weapon, perjury, weapons violations and discharging a laser at aircraft—and is held without bail
• Prosecutors allege he registered vehicles to the fictitious Santa Muerte Fire Department to obtain government-exempt license plates, bypass wildfire checkpoints and procure law enforcement–reserved firearms
• Investigators uncovered two vehicles equipped with emergency credentials, radios, fraudulent department documents, light packages, ammunition and multiple firearms during the raids
• Authorities are continuing to examine seized materials and have appealed to the public for tips to identify additional participants in the broader impersonation network