Man charged with impersonating a firefighter; fire truck reportedly seized
A man is being charged with over two dozen felonies and is accused of impersonating a firefighter during the deadly Palisades fire in California, according to officials.
“This defendant’s alleged actions reflect a disturbing pattern of lawlessness and disregard for public safety,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement.
Steve Farzam, 46, was accused of crimes that span from 2023 to May 2025, and is accused of impersonating a firefighter, assaulting a first responder, and targeting an aircraft with a laser, according to a press release the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office emailed to Paste BN.
Farzam was arrested and charged on Wednesday, July 16, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He is being held without bail.
"If proven, this type of escalating conduct undermines the integrity of our emergency response systems and erodes public trust and we will use every legal tool available to hold the defendant accountable," Hochman said.
During his arraignment, Farzam pleaded not guilty, according to the press release. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 28.
Police search Farzam's home and seize evidence: Reports
Authorities seized two vehicles with California-exempt license plates from Farzam's house, according to reports by CBS News and local news station KTLA. The outlets also report that a fire truck was seized, but it is not immediately clear if the fire truck was one of the two vehicles.
Inside the vehicles, officials found the following, according to CBS News:
- A fire engine
- Ammunition
- Fake documents connected to the Santa Muerte Fire Department
- First responder credentials
- Light bundles for police and fire vehicles
- Radios
Paste BN has reached out to the Los Angeles County District Attorney for more information.
What was Farzam charged with?
Farzam was charged with 23 felonies and five misdemeanors, according to the press release.
Farzam was charged with the following felonies, according to the District Attorney's Office:
- Six counts of discharging a laser at an aircraft
- Three counts of assault with a deadly or dangerous weapon
- Four counts of assault upon a peace officer
- One count of impersonation of a public officer, investigator or inspector
- One count of carrying a loaded unregistered handgun in a vehicle
- Seven counts of perjury by declaration
- One count of procuring and offering false or forged instrument
He was also charged with two counts of impersonating a fire officer and three counts of trespassing on closed lands, which are considered to be misdemeanors.
If found guilty on all charges, Farzam could face up to 23 years and 10 months in state prison.
This story has been updated to remove the name of a business.
Julia is a trending reporter for Paste BN. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com