Los Angeles fire captain held in heroin sting

A Los Angeles City fire captain has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to purchase heroin, authorities said Thursday.

Matthew Phillpsen was arrested about 12:10 p.m. Wednesday near Avenue 61 and Figueroa Street during a sting operation conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department's Northeast Area narcotics unit.

LAPD Lt. Andy Neiman said Thursday that Phillpsen was apprehended while attempting to purchase seven balloons of simulated heroin from undercover officers.

Phillpsen was booked on suspicion of intent to possess heroin and was held on $10,000 bail.

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