Sunday, June 25

Traffic collision. Oak Street. 4 p.m. A bicyclist who ran into a gardening truck and was knocked unconscious was transported to Mission Hospital-Mission Viejo for a possible head injury. He has since been released.

Monday, June 26

DUI. Pearl Street. 8:40 a.m. Joseph Stuart Gonzales, 23, of Rancho Cucamonga, was arrested for suspicion of DUI with a prior offense and smuggling contraband into jail. Bail was set at $25,000 bail.

Suspicious circumstances. 900 block of Glenneyre St. Two people were detained and questioned, but ruled out as suspects in a report by a woman, who said she was jumped and her purse stolen.

Tuesday, June 27

Traffic stop. Glenneyre St. 12:16 a.m. A 25-year-old Costa Mesa man was cited for DUI.

Stolen license plate. 3:41 p.m. A 58-year-old man was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle with stolen plates.

Wednesday, June 28

DUI. 100 block of Brooks St. After a witness reported a driver hitting a parked car, police arrested Jacob Carl Roge, 26, of Laguna Niguel, for suspicion of DUI. He had a prior conviction in 2015.

Thursday, June 29

Vehicle burglary. 20400 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 8:25 a.m. A briefcase was stolen from a vehicle where a window was broken.

Friday, June 30

Petty theft. 3000 block of Zell Drive. 7:45 a.m. Someone got into a resident’s car and took a transponder and car registration.

Vandalism. 800 block of Tia Juana. 9:10 a.m. A vehicle parked on Cortez Street was keyed five days earlier.

Burglary. 2500 block of Temple Hills. 11:48 a.m. Someone who slashed a screen and took phone chargers from a home was chased off by a dog.

Fraud. 28900 block of Top of the World Drive. 11:56 a.m. Three credit cards were opened fraudulently in the name of a resident.

Traffic collision. Boat Canyon. 5:34 p.m. A motorcyclist in his 20s was sideswiped by a car and was transported for treatment.

Petty theft. 31900 block of Coast Highway. 6:13 p.m. A man described by witnesses as in his 20s snatched a bag containing car keys, a wallet and phone left on the sand at the beach.

Burglary. 200 block of Broadway St. 7:29 p.m. Two men suspected of stealing two food baskets filled with 17 bottles of champagne, wine and other store merchandise were detained in Laguna Niguel by sheriff’s deputies. Brandon Lamar Lewis, 29, of Los Angeles, and Clarence Hubert Gant IV, 26, of Long Beach, were arrested for suspicion of burglary.

Saturday, July 1

Petty theft. Cleo Street. 1 a.m. A man stole a purse valued at $200 from a vehicle.

Burglary. 1200 block of N. Coast Hwy. Jewelry, precious metals and art worth $100,000 were stolen overnight. The owner is unsure if the door was secured.

Pedestrian stop. 20600 block of. Laguna Canyon Rd. 1 p.m. A 34-year-old Oceanside man was arrested for a warrant for providing false information to police.

Loud party. 1000 block of Skyline Drive. 10:30 p.m. Just one 17-year-old from Laguna Niguel was detained as a result of a house party.

Sunday, July 2

Traffic stop. Pearl Street. 1:42 a.m. A 26-year-old New Jersey man was cited for DUI.

Travis Alexander, from Los Angeles, left, and 23-year-old Robin Griffin, from Buena Park, were suspected in the theft of firefighting gear and more. Photo courtesy of LBPD.

Vehicle burglary. 400 block of Panorama Drive. 11:19 a.m. Travis Alexander, 33, of Los Angeles, and Robin Griffin, 23, of Buena Park, were arrested for multiple charges including suspicion of burglary, possession of stolen property and identity theft. The pair, parked in a rental truck, were wearing first-responder uniforms, apparently stolen earlier from an off-duty firefighter’s vehicle. Property belonging to residents of three other cities was also found in the truck.

Theft. 100 block of Irvine Cove Place. 11:47 a.m. Purse valued at $600 was stolen from unlocked vehicle in garage four days ago.

From left: Maasai Lopez, 20, from Los Angeles; Joshua Hoover, 20, from Inglewood; Laneice Barnes, 19, from Azuza; Jordan Hongocollins, 18, from Los Angeles

Disturbance. 200 block of Forest Ave. 12:35 p.m. Four people were arrested for suspicion of grand theft and other charges after a pursuit of a getaway vehicle on Coast Highway. The theft occurred at a high-end jeans store where an employee provided police with a description of the suspects. Massai Kajhi Lopez, 20, and Jordan Hongocollins, 18, both of Los Angeles, Joshua Hoover, 20, of Inglewood, and Laneice Channel Barnes, 19, of Asuza, face charges in the theft.

Brandishing weapon. 300 block of Y Place. 7:34 p.m. Martin John Edens, 53, of Laguna Beach, was arrested for suspicion of making criminal threats and brandishing a hunting knife. Bail was set at $20,000.

The post Streetbeat appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

This post was updated Monday, July 10.

Visitors to the Main Beach cobblestones escaped injury around sundown Sunday when a motorist drove through the heavily populated area and across the sidewalk to flee southbound on Coast Highway, according to police.

Police used a Taser to subdue the motorist, who fought and spat at arresting officers when they located the erratically driven vehicle nearly four miles later at Third Street and Coast Highway, said Sgt. James Cota.

Police identified the driver as Israel Chavez, 39, of El Monte, who was arrested on several new charges, including child endangerment and violating his parole for carjacking, Cota said. He was detained with handcuffs and a spit mask. After a medical clearance at Mission Hospital, Chavez was transported to county jail, Cota said.

The 8-year-old girl in the car was released to the custody of her mother and grandmother, Cota said.

Monday, July 3

Petty theft. 400 block of S. Coast Hwy. 10:19 a.m. A wallet and its contents valued at $450 was taken four days ago from a purse left on a hook at a bar.

Grand theft. 200 block of Forest Ave. 10:43 a.m. About 20 bracelets valued at $500 were taken yesterday.

Disturbance. Broadway St. 11:14 a.m. Transient Richard Anthony Duarte, 44, was arrested for an outstanding warrant following a report about a man yelling at a woman with a walker and spitting at passersby.

Theft. 400 block of Blumont St. 11:22 a.m. Someone stole a cell phone from a vehicle.

Property. Temple Hills Dr, 12:18 p.m. The bomb squad was called to investigate a suitcase locked to a bike rack with a black combination lock. Its contents was determined to not be explosive.

Theft. 700 block of N. Coast Hwy. 12:46 p.m. Tools valued at $300 were taken from a truck.

Tuesday, July 4

Traffic stop. Beach St. 12 a.m. A 59-year-old Corona del Mar man was cited for DUI.

Vandalism. 2000 block of Ocean Way. 11:50 a.m. A glass panel valued at $10,000 was broken with a rock or bb gun.

Warrant arrest. 31100 block of Coast Hwy. 3:58 p.m. Mercedes Alicia Hussey, 22, of Fullerton, was arrested for an outstanding DUI warrant.

Traffic stop. 200 block of Ocean Ave. 1:42 a.m. A 24-year-old Thailand resident was arrested for DUI.

Wednesday, July 5

Stolen vehicle. La Costa Court. 2:29 a.m. Believes a friend took his BMW without permission. The unoccupied vehicle was located at 6 a.m. by sheriff’s deputies.

Burglary. 21000 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 8:21 a.m. Items worth $1,000 were taken from a truck and outside the property.

Thursday, July 6

Grand theft. 300 block of Cozumel Dr. 1:58 p.m. A person who housesat is suspected of stealing 16 baseball tickets and jewelry valued at $1,800.

Saturday, July 8

Traffic stop. Ledroit St. 12:28 a.m. Renato, 1/91, Duarte, DUI.

Traffic stop. Solana Way. 1:51 a.m. Arturo, 3/96, Mission Viejo. DUI.

Traffic stop. Irvine Cove. 2:05 a.m. Lindsay Erin Maier, 29, of Newport Beach, second offense. Bail $10,000.

Animal calls. 300 block of Glenneyre St. A 57-year-old Santa Ana man who had snakes in a bag was arrested for suspicion of meth possession and keeping an exotic animal.

Traffic collision. Beach St. 4:27 p.m. A report about erratic driving resulted in the arrest of a 20-year-old Rancho Santa Margarita man for DUI.

DUI. Solana Way. 6:38 p.m. A solo spin-out led to the arrest of a 20-year-old Laguna Niguel woman for DUI.

Sunday, July 9

Traffic stop. 1300 block of N. Coast Hwy. 1 a.m. A 56-year-old Newport Beach man was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. Calliope St. 2:34 a.m. A 38-year-old Laguna Hills man was cited for DUI.

The post Pedestrians Flee from Erratic Car appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Reed Swingy

A 54-year-old man suspected in four recent Laguna Beach burglaries was arrested Sunday, July 16, when surveillance cameras picked up the whereabouts of his wanted vehicle, police said.

The most recent break-in linked to the spree occurred 15 hours earlier when a restaurant cleaning crew surprised a burglar at 2 a.m., according to the police log. The thief smashed a window to gain entry and made off with safes containing $14,000 in cash, the log entry says.

Police detained Reed Swingley, of Sun City, at Cleo and South Coast Highway about 5 p.m. A search of his vehicle turned up an array of stolen property that included a safe, a large amount of cash, an antique saxophone and a bronze statue, says a police statement.

“All of the stolen items were tied to Laguna Beach cases so far,” said Sgt. James Cota, who described Swingley as having “an extensive criminal history.”

Police suspect Swingley of three separate commercial burglaries and a break in at a home on Gaviota Street between July 1 and 16. The home break in occurred on Saturday, July 15.

A review of surveillance video from one of the businesses, as well as from the residence, identified a person of interest and a suspect vehicle, the statement says.

Swingley was arrested for burglary and possession of stolen property, and other theft related charges, police said. He was transported to Orange County Jail.

Monday, July 10

Disturbance. Cliff Dr. 10:39 a.m. As a result of two men who were observed drinking beer while driving, police arrested Raymond Flody, 45, of Tustin, for a warrant and suspicion of DUI. Bail was set at $10,000.

Vandalism. 300 block of Artisan Dr. 11:16 a.m. A man suspects his girl friend with keying his car.

Theft. 100 block of Thalia St. 11:33 a.m. A youth’s cell phone and wallet were taken sometime between 4 and 7 p.m. the day before.

Foot patrol. 1200 block of Ocean Front. Almad Theoleous Lothyan, 27, of Chino Hills, was arrested for suspicion of providing police false information. Bail was set at $20,000.

Suspicious vehicle. Katella St. A 35-year-old from Arkansas was cited for possessing a meth pipe.

Tuesday, July 11

Drunk driving. 600 block of S. Coast Hwy. A 58-year-old Laguna Hills woman was cited for DUI after hitting a parked car.

Disturbance. 1400 block of Cerritos Dr. A 19-year-old who made a phony report about domestic abuse involving his parents was arrested for misusing 911 and spitting at a jailer. Bail was set at $25,000.

DUI. 1200 block of Ocean Front. 5:33 p.m. After hitting a parked car, police arrested a 55-year-old Huntington Beach woman for DUI.

Wednesday, July 12

Burglary. 1300 block of Temple Hills Dr. 12:05 a.m. A resident reported seeing an individual with a ladder against a residence attempting entry at a window.

Grand theft. 600 block of N. Coast Hwy. 7 a.m. Detectives are investigating the 7 a.m. theft of $5,400 in high-end wine, Heineken beer, and two coolers.

Pedestrian stop. Beach St. 2:50 p.m. Ashley Taylor, 33, of Nuevo, was arrested for a Los Angeles county warrant.

Indecent exposure. 31800 block of Coast Hwy. Transient Douglas Banis, 61, of San Clemente, allegedly exposed himself to teen-age girls while on the trolley. He was charged with child annoyance and held for $20,000 bail.

Fight. 800 block of Glenneyre St. 6 p.m. Paramedics were called to aid a man injured in a fight. Police arrested the suspected combatant for battery.

Thursday, July 13

Traffic collision. 200 block of Viejo St. 1:28 a.m. After a vehicle hit two parked cars, a 55-year-old Laguna Baeach man was cited for DUI.

Pedestrian stop. 300 block of Cliff Dr. 1 p.m. A 60-year-old Laguna Beach homeless person was arrested for disturbance and battery warrants.

Theft. 400 block of Locust St. 1:34 p.m. A package left for pickup was taken from a driveway.

Traffic collision. Laguna Canyon Rd. 4:56 p.m. Three vehicles were involved in a collision.

Robbery. 200 block of Broadway St. 7:39 p.m.. Herbert Ernesto Martinez, 24, of El Monte, suspected of confronting a clerk over a stolen beer was arrested for suspicion of robbery and held for $100,000 bail.

DUI. S. Coast Hwy. 11:12 p.m. A 31-year-old Norwalk man was cited for DUI.

Burglary. 400 block of S. Coast Hwy. 11:25 p.m. Jewelry, bags, a wallet and credit cards valued at $5,000 were taken.

Friday, July 14

Vehicle stop. Wave St. 12:16 a.mA 56-year-old New Jersey man was cited for DUI.

Saturday, July 15

Traffic stop. Vista del Sol. 9:47 a.m. A 26-year-old Los Angeles man was arrested for a $30,000 warrant.

Traffic collision. 31800 block of Coast Hwy. 3:37 p.m. A motorist complained of neck pain following a collision.

Sunday, July 16

Drunk driving. 100 block of N. Coast Hwy. 6:47 a.m. Kimberly Kay, 34, of San Juan Capistrano, was arrested for suspicion of DUI and held for $10,000 bail due to a prior offense.

Vandalism. 3200 block of Alta Laguna Blvd. 8:48 a.m. City cameras were damaged but picked up images of possible suspects at 3:19 a.m.

Pedestrian stop. 600 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. Joshua Tyrone Webster, 40, of Newport Beach, was arrested for a $100,000 robbery warrant.

Pedestrian stop. 1900 block of S. Coast Hwy. 3:32 p.m. Michael Brian Messinger, 33, of Long Beach, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Stolen vehicle. 8:22 p.m. Breanna Denae Henderson, 24, of Cerritos, was arrested for suspicion of auto theft and held for $20,000 bail.

Grand theft. 30800 block of Coast Hwy. A guest reported the loss of a $40,000 Rolex watch from inside a room.

Monday, July 17

Traffic stop. Cleo St. 2 a.m. A 44-year-old Los Angeles resident was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. Jasmine St. 2:31 a.m. A teen, 19, from Irvine, was arrested for DUI.

The post Thief Suspected in Burglary Spree Arrested appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Monday, July 17

Vehicle burglary. 1800 block of S. Coast Hwy. 5:20 p.m. A Louis Vuitton bag and two checkbooks in a ziplock bag cumulatively valued at $9,000 went missing.

Tuesday, July 18

Traffic collision. Thalia St. 6:42 a.m. A 48-year-old Laguna Beach cyclist was knocked to the ground in a collision with a vehicle. Both parties failed to yield, according to police.

Assault. 1700 block of S. Coast Hwy. 3:39 p.m. A woman reported an assault she said occurred at a local restaurant Friday, July 14, at 11 p.m.

Burglary. 300 block of Y Place. 11:26 p.m. A red road bike was taken.

Wednesday, July 19

Grand theft. 1500 block of S. Coast Hwy. 2:28 p.m. A wallet with $2,100 in cash was reportedly taken from a room.

Thursday, July 20

Grand theft. 800 block of S. Coast Hwy. 1:31 p.m. A ring valued at $7,000 was taken last Friday.

Friday, July 21

Citizen contact. 3000 block of Laguna Canyon Road. 8:42 a.m. Brandon Colin Heath, 23, of Wildomar, was arrested for three warrants and faces new allegations over breaking into cars at an auto repair shop.

Grand theft. 30600 block of Marilyn Dr. 10:49 a.m. A resident reported the theft of jewelry worth $21,500 from a home.

Stolen vehicle. Forest Avenue. 10 p.m. An alert about a stolen vehicle northbound on Coast Highway led to the arrest of Valerie Leigh Hewin, 58, described as homeless from Huntington Beach, who was arrested for suspicion of auto theft and outstanding warrants. The car was stolen from a rental agency. A male passenger was released without charges.

Traffic stop. 200 block of Broadway St. 11:43 p.m. Blake Miles Brown, 32, of Murrieta, was arrested for suspicion of DUI and held for $15,000 bail due to two previous offenses.

Saturday, July 22

Fraud. PD. 3:43 p.m. Detectives are investigating a $3,100 student loan scam, apparently based in New York, involving someone depositing funds to an account and then withdrawing a larger sum.

The post Streetbeat appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

An image from a surveillance video of suspected jewelry thieves.

Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying two men suspected of breaking into fives businesses last week and making off with $200,000 in stolen jewelry.

The suspects are described as two white male adults wearing long pants, button-up long sleeved shirts, and heavy duty gloves. Both suspects also wore hats.

The break-ins occurred about 5 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, at 577 S. Coast Highway, the Cliffs shopping complex.

Monday, July 24

Traffic control. El Paseo. 9 a.m. Sink hole.

Burglary. 2400 block of Glenneyre St. 9:20 a.m. Someone accessed a home during the evening.

Fraud. 500 block of Mystic Way. 10:24 a.m. Someone opened accounts in a resident’s name.

Traffic collision. S. Coast Hwy. Witnesses who observed a vehicle hit two parked cars and leave the area provided police with a license plate number that led to a suspected hit and run driver. Steven Craig Sowell, 67, of Laguna Beach, was arrested at his home for suspicion of DUI.

Tuesday, July 25

Burglary. 1900 block of Laguna Canyon Road. 11 a.m. Someone apparently used a key to get in.

Wednesday, July 26

Theft. 100 block of Irvine Cove Dr. 12:41 p.m. A resident reported a $2,400 loss.

Vehicle burglary. 200 block of Beverly St. 7 p.m. A thief who broke into a truck left behind an unusual calling card: a Smith and Wesson revolver stolen on June 13 from an Orange gun shop.

Thursday, July 27

Traffic collision. 8:50 a.m. Goff Street. A motorcyclist suffered a leg injury in a collision with a car.

Disturbance. 800 block of Wendt Terrance. Police arrested Randall Lee Marquette, 52, for suspicion of felony domestic violence and sought an emergency protective order against him. Though Marquette allegedly barred police from his home, they did enter and found his wife with multiple bruises and other superficial injuries. Bail was set at $50,000.

Friday, July 28

Vehicle burglary. 20300 block of Sun Valley Road. 2:44 p.m. Money and knives were taken from a vehicle, which was left locked but with a window cracked.

Burglary. 300 block of Ruby St. A resident found pry marks on windows of his property.

Fraud. 300 block of San Tropez Court. 4:38 p.m. A resident’s credit card was used without authorization.

Brandishing weapon. 20600 block of Laguna Canyon Road. Jason Thomas King, 36, was arrested for allegedly brandishing a knife and trespassing. Bail was set at $20,000.

DUI. 500 block of Glenneyre St. 11:45 p.m. Zachary James McGuinness, 21, of Laguna Beach, was arrested for suspicion of DUI after he allegedly rammed one car in a parking lot and then plowed into a garage door. A city building inspector red tagged the garage, though no residents were displaced. The motorist, who had a blood alcohol level of .08 percent, had earlier been ejected from a bar where he apparently was toasting his 21^st birthday, Sgt. Jim Cota said.

Saturday, July 29

Missing person. 300 block of San Tropez Court. 5 a.m. A mother reported the disappearance of her 14-year-old son, her purse, a cellphone and his backpack.

Fraud. 1100 block of Keller Way. 1:31 p.m. A resident who tried to open a bank account learned her social security number is already is in use.

Traffic collision. Brooks St. 3:33 p.m. Man on a scooter declined medical aid despite a broken arm after a collision with a vehicle.

Traffic collision. Diamond St. 8:15 p.m. A northbound vehicle struck a 50-year-old Laguna Beach woman crossing Coast Highway in a crosswalk against a red light. The visibly intoxicated pedestrian suffered a broken ankle. Police said alcohol was not a factor impairing the actions of the motorist, identified as a 54-year-old Pasadena resident.

The post Police Seek the Public’s Help appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

A Mission Hospital case manager in Laguna Beach who recognized a former patient admitted at a sister facility under a different name led to the arrest of a woman suspected of drug fraud, police said.

When police searched the would-be patient’s handbag, they found discharge papers dating back to March from nine area hospitals and a potpourri of prescription drugs, including some opioids, Cota said. The discharge papers and drugs all had varying names, he said.

“She’s playing the system; she’s a pill popper,” Cota said.

Tenetra Jones, 31, of Houston, was arrested Wednesday, Aug. 2, for suspicion of providing false information for medical services and entering a business with the intent to defraud. She was held for $50,000 bail.

Hospital employees told police Jones was transported from San Clemente by paramedics. She tried to walk out when hospital personnel rejected her request for a drug as the dosage was too high, Cota said.

Officers found no indication Jones was selling the 30 different drugs in her handbag that she had obtained while “doctor shopping,” said Cota, who speculated that Jones resorted to faking an ailment to obtain drugs for her own need rather than buying drugs on the black market.

Monday, July 31

Pedestrian stop. 20600 Laguna Canyon Road. 8:28 a.m. Eddward James McCord, 29, was arrested for violating a registration requirement. Bail was set at $20,000.

Traffic collision. Emerald Bay. 9 a.m. A motorcyclist was injured in a collision that resulted in a lane closure.

Grand theft. 300 block of Alta Vista Way. 11 a.m. A golf bag and clubs valued at more than $5,000 were taken earlier from a vehicle.

Vandalism. 100 block of Thalia St. 12:37 p.m. A witness who observed a tagger in action resulted in the arrest of Dylan Hyman and Vincent Thomas Podegracz, 19-year-olds from Redondo Beach, for suspicion of minor drug charges. Hyman also faces a felony vandalism charge.

Petty theft. 600 block of Park Ave. 1:24 p.m. A tote bag with a tablet computer and password book were stolen.

Stolen vehicle. 31600 block of Coast Hwy. 6:15 p.m. A neighbor observed a woman drive away a few hours earlier.

Tuesday, Aug. 1

Traffic collision. 1900 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 7 a.m. A motorist was extricated from a vehicle that collided with a pole.

Wednesday, Aug. 2

Pedestrian stop. 100 block of S. Coast Hwy. James Eugene Leis, 28, of San Clemente, was arrested for a no bail warrant.

Theft. 400 block of Jasmine St. 1:31 p.m. Medication that included a controlled substance was taken from a front porch package.

Fraud. 500 block of Forest Ave. 2:49 p.m. A man learned he had become the victim of identity theft when an employee background check turned up an outstanding arrest warrant.

Stolen vehicle. 3 p.m. Glenneyre St. Mikala Cante Brown, 51, of Laguna Beach, was arrested for suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle, methamphetamine, and a narcotic pipe. She told police she did not return the vehicle to its owner because she was mad at him.

Thursday, Aug. 3

Grand theft. 300 block of Broadway St. 2:54 p.m. A $1,700 computer dropped off for mailing never arrived.

Friday, Aug. 4

Traffic stop. 400 block of N. Coast Hwy. A 23-year-old Laguna Beach transient was arrested for DUI and held for $2,500 bail.

Saturday, Aug. 5

Traffic stop. Table Rock Drive. A 26-year-old Laguna Niguel woman was cited for DUI.

Vandalism. 200 block of Ocean Ave. 3:13 a.m. A window was smashed in a vehicle.

Drunk driving. Brooks St. 3:57 a.m. A 23-year-old Pico Rivera man was cited for DUI.

Sunday, Aug. 6

Traffic stop. 500 block of Forest Ave. 2 a.m. A 26-year-old Foothill Ranch man was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. Vista del Sol. 2 a.m. A 25-year-old Mission Viejo woman was cited for DUI.

The post ‘Doctor Shopping’ Patient Arrested appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Police say they will conduct a DUI and drivers license checkpoint on Saturday, Aug. 26, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Law enforcement officials aim to educate drivers that DUI applies to prescription drugs and marijuana, all of which can be impairing.

The deterrent effect of checkpoints has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug impaired crashes, says a statement from Lt. Tim Kleiser.

Monday, Aug. 14

Stolen vehicle. PD. 10 a.m. CHP’s inland division recovered without damage a 2011 BMW, which had been reported stolen in Laguna Beach.

Roof jumpers. 31500 block of Table Rock Drive. 11 a.m. One of four juveniles was detained by police and cited for trespassing after a manger of an apartment complex reported kids jumping from the roof into the pool.

Theft. 200 block of Lower Cliff Dr. 11:34 a.m. A bike lock on a vehicle was cut and a $1,500 neon blue Giant mountain bike was stolen.

Theft. 400 block of Blumont St. 2 p.m. There are no signs of forced entry in a car where an $800 laptop computer went missing.

Stolen vehicle. 17-03141. 9:12 p.m. Luis Fernando Reynasoto, 18, of Lake Forest, was cited for burglary for allegedly entering a garage to steal a car. Bail was set at $50,000.

Tuesday, Aug. 15

Burglary. 32100 block of Coast Hwy. 1:35 p.m. Detectives are investigating the theft of jewelry valued at $500,000.

Traffic collision. 2000 block of Park Ave. 7:31 p.m. A motorcyclist possibly broke his hand in a collision.

Wednesday, Aug. 16

Suspicious. Virginia Way at Eighth Avenue. Noon. A neighbor was reported poring gasoline on a eucalyptus tree.

Fraud. 200 block of Fairview St. 3 p.m. Someone successfully changed an address on the account of a credit card holder.

Thursday, Aug. 17

Assault. 20600 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. William Gene Thoos, 47, of Midway City, was arrested for a warrant and an additional assault charge, allegedly for spitting on an individual.

Theft. 800 block of La Mirada St. 2:53 p.m. Headphones left in an unlocked car were taken.

Traffic collision. 900 block of Van Dyke Dr. 4:12 p.m. A delivery truck driver suffered a facial injury in attempting to stop her van from rolling backwards. It hit and cracked an exterior stairway wall of a home.

Pedestrian stop. Jasmine St. 9:29 p.m. Police used a Taser to apprehend Ralph Francis Bowers III, 47, of Huntington Beach, who fled after he was questioned by an officer and provided a false identity. Bowers also allegedly put up a fight with the officer. Bowers was arrested for four charges, including battery of a police officer.

Drunk driving. 2200 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 11:18 p.m. After witnesses described an inbound vehicle nearly running off the road, a 40-year-old Irvine woman was arrested for DUI.

Friday, Aug. 18

Traffic stop. 1300 block of Coast Hwy. 12:38 a.m. A 47-year-old Corona del Mar man was cited for DUI.

Theft. 31600 block of Second Ave. 7:44 a.m. A woman helping a former resident move to Irvine made off with $1,200 worth of clothing.

Vehicle burglary. 600 block of Coast Hwy. 9:38 a.m. Prescription glasses and a laptop computer were taken from a locked vehicle.

Grand theft. Pacific Vista. 12:19 p.m. A ring valued at $25,000 was taken sometime in the last two weeks.

Theft. 300 block of Forest Ave. 12:42 p.m. Custom parking signs were taken overnight.

Traffic collision. N. Coast Hwy. A vehicle attempting to park hit two other parked vehicles.

Drunk driving. No. City Limits. 7:33 p.m. swerving vehicle. A 47-year-old San Pedro man was arrested for misdemeanor drug charges.

Saturday, Aug. 19

Traffic stop. Bluebird Canyon Drive. 1 a.m. A 34-year-old Oceanside resident was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. 600 block of Glenneyre St. A Tustin resident, 41, was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. Moss St. 1:56 a.m. A 46-year-old Laguna Niguel man was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. Laguna Ave. 3:50 a.m. A 21-year-old resident of Aliso Viejo was cited for DUI.

The post Drivers Take Note: Checkpoint Planned appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Raul Enrique Aguilera
Photo courtesy LBPD

In one of the largest home burglaries in Laguna Beach in years, a property manager was arrested for allegedly breaking into a vacation home of a client and stealing jewelry valued at $765,912, police said.

Detectives are currently conducting follow-up inquiries at other residences managed by the suspect to see if there are any connections to other crimes, said Sgt. Jim Cota, who declined to name the suspect’s employer, a management company that oversees several properties.

A burglary in the 32000 block of Coast Highway was reported by property manager Raul Enrique Aguilera on Aug. 15, said Cota, who did not say why Aguilera became a suspect in the inquiry. The point of entry in the vacant second home was a broken window, he said.

Within days, the investigation led detectives to an unspecified pawn shop in Orange County where authorities seized some of the stolen property as evidence, Cota said. Last Wednesday, Aug. 23, eight days after the break-in was reported, detectives served a search warrant at Aguilera’s residence in Tustin and located additional stolen property and jewelry in the theft, said Cota, who declined to describe the stolen jewelry.

Aguilera, 36, was arrested at his home and booked into Orange County Jail, where he is being held for $765,912 bail, police said.

Orange County Superior Court records show Aguilera pled guilty to illegally possessing a firearm in 2007 and to sales and possession of a controlled substance in 2000.

Photo: Raul Aguilera

DUI Checkpoint Results in Five Arrests

Police reported arresting five drivers as a result of a checkpoint near Aliso Beach late Saturday and early Sunday, Aug. 25 and 27.

More than 1,800 vehicles passed through and checkpoint and five suspected DUI drivers arrested. Another four drivers received citations for operating an unlicensed vehicle or driving with a revoked license, Lt. Tim Kleiser said in a statement.

Streetbeat

Monday, Aug. 21

Stolen vehicle. Coast Hwy at West St. 1:52 p.m. An owner that discovered damage to a vehicle also found evidence of an attempted auto theft, with a door lock and ignition drilled out.

Traffic collision. 600 block of S. Coast Hwy. 2:48 p.m. A female driver complained of left-side numbness.

Tuesday, Aug. 22

Occupied vehicle. Cliff Drive. 2:02 a.m. Walter Bayard, 36, of Placentia, was arrested for three outstanding warrants.

Grand theft. 31800 Coast Hwy. 8:28 a.m. A tool box was discovered unlocked and its contents, valued at $2,000, taken.

Battery. 100 block of Coast Hwy. 10:10 a.m. Richard Daniel Losey, 56, of Ohio, was arrested for suspicion of slugging a demonstrator. Bail was set at $50,000.

Theft. 400 block of N. Coast Hwy. 5:36 p.m. A tablet computer was taken from a room. There were no signs of forced entry.

DUI. Laguna Canyon Road. 11:58 p.m. A 20-year-old Huntington Beach man was cited for DUI.

Wednesday, Aug. 23

Pedestrian stop. 500 block of Coast Hwy. 3:23 a.m. Kenneth Rae Bayless, 52, of Dana Point, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Burglary. 300 block of Cozumel. 7:43 p.m. A piece of china is broken and dental molds are missing.

Thursday, Aug. 24

Stolen vehicle. 500 block of Bluebird Canyon Drive. 1:49 p.m. A white Honda Civic was stolen.

Friday, Aug. 25

Traffic stop. 200 block of Oak St. 12:41 a.m. A 34-year-old Sherman Oaks man was arrested for DUI.

Petty theft. Acapulco. 8:34 a.m. A vehicle in a driveway was broken into; a wallet and phone valued at $850 were stolen.

Stolen vehicle. 2800 Ridge Drive. 8:43 a.m. A black 2009 Mercedes was last seen in the driveway with the key fob in the cup holder and was detected outbound at 3:44 a.m.

Stolen vehicle. 3100 block Bern Drive. 9:14 a.m. A black Porsche Cayenne, unlocked and with the keys in the vehicle according to the police log, was seen outbound at 3:44 a.m. The owner last saw the car at 5:30 p.m. the night before.

Vehicle burglary. 900 block of Tia Juana St. 1 p.m. A coin purse and its contents valued at $95 was taken sometime between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Burglary. 400 block of Dartmoor St. 3:25 p.m. Details are incomplete, but the loss included a $3,000 television.

Traffic stop. 200 block of Brooks St. 9:40 p.m. A 22-year-old Laguna Niguel man was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. 300 block of Cliff Dr. 11:32 p.m. A 27-year-old Canyon Country woman was cited for DUI.

Saturday, Aug. 26

Traffic stop. 200 block of Forest Ave. 1:46 a.m. A 21-year-old Lake Forest man was cited for DUI.

Domestic violence. 700 block of Temple Hills Dr. 1:59 a.m. A 55-year-old Laguna Beach man was arrested for suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence after he allegedly hit his female partner.

Stolen vehicle. 2700 block of Victoria Dr. 5:39 a.m. The car owned by a couple, who say they left it on Victoria Drive, was located in the 2000 block of Catalina.

Vehicle burglary. 300 block of Cypress Dr. 9:52 a.m. Phone, hardhats and shoes valued at $500 were taken.

Grand theft. 1000 block of Madison Place. A tenant took TVs and couches among other items.

Vehicle burglary. 300 block of Cypress Dr. 10:46 a.m. Losses of $400 were reported.

Burglary. 2400 block of Kilo Way. 12:49 p.m. Two bikes valued at $800 were taken from an unlocked garage.

Domestic violence. Catalina St. 6:55 p.m. Elizabeth Lisa Fedele, 53, of Laguna Beach, who initially fled from the scene, was arrested for suspicion of felony domestic violence on her partner, who suffered cuts and scratches to his face and body. Bail was set at $50,000. David Mark Crossno, 51, of Laguna Beach, was also taken into custody for allegedly violating a restraining order.

Robbery. 100 block of N. Coast Hwy. 8:49 p.m. Details were unavailable about a strong-arm robbery of vaping products that involved teens wearing football shirts.

Sunday, Aug. 27

Traffic stop. 200 block of Cleo St. 2:48 a.m. A 23-year-old San Bernardino man was cited for DUI.

OCTA rescuers extract a woman who slipped and fell at high tide near the south cave at Thousand Steps Beach about 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23.

The post Property Manager Suspected in Client Burglary appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

A Driftwood Drive resident who arrived home at midday last Thursday, Aug. 31, interrupted a burglary in progress and confronted two thieves fleeing from his home, police said.

The burglars fled in a car before officers arrived in the 30900 block of Driftwood, said Sgt. Jim Cota, who said detectives are investigating the break-in.

Thieves made off with $12,000 in jewelry and $5,000 in purses, Cota said.

The break-in is the third large jewelry heist in town within the past six weeks. A property manager is suspected in the largest heist, but police issued an appeal for help in identifying another two-man burglary team that struck late in July.

One of the Driftwood thieves wore a mask and carried a white clothes hamper, noted an entry in the police log, where the resident also reported that his garage door appears to be broken, suggesting a possible point of entry.

Monday, Aug. 28

Theft. 200 block of Cajon St. 7:39 a.m. A car that may have been unlocked was ransacked and a laptop taken.

Stolen vehicle. 1100 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 8:49 a.m. 2004 Lexus is missing.

Vehicle burglary. 1700 block of Sunset Ridge Dr. A purse and its contents valued at $1,000 was taken from a car parked in a driveway.

Fraud. 32300 block of Coast Hwy. 12:13 p.m. An unknown person is falsely claiming a resident’s identity and diverting bills.

Stalking. 300 block of Canyon Acres Dr. 1:56 p.m. Kristen Taylor KcKee, 31, of Riverside, who reported being stalked, was taken into custody for an outstanding drug possession and paraphernalia warrant.

Fraud. 700 block of Griffith Place. 2:42 p.m. Two withdrawals of $382.95 and $402.95 were wrongfully made on a resident’s account.

Tuesday, Aug. 29

Reckless driving. Pearl Street. 7:43 a.m. Cameron Paulos Kent, 52, of Huntington Beach, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance, as well as drug possession and paraphernalia charges. Bail was set at $10,000 due to a previous offense.

Stolen vehicle. 200 block of Cozumel. 3:59 p.m. A key lock was reported punched.

Wednesday, Aug. 30

Disturbance. 30800 block of Coast Hwy. An unidentified homeless person who was described as very aggressive was detained for mental health purposes and possible criminal charges.

Grand theft. 600 block of Bluebird Canyon Dr. 10:17 a.m. Construction tools worth $2,000 were taken from location.

Fraud. 500 block of Ramona Ave. 3:25 p.m. People opened credit cards under rps name.

Thursday, Aug. 31

Traffic stop. Mountain Rd. 2:14 a.m. A 34-year-old Mission Viejo woman was cited for DUI.

Hazardous condition. 21500 block of Treetop Lane. A large eucalyptus tree toppled on an unoccupied vehicle, pulling down a transformer and wires and cutting power.

Traffic stop. Bluebird Canyon Dr. 10:11 p.m. Marvell Johnson Verdell, 22, of La Mirada, was arrested for suspicion of possessing a stolen car and a DUI warrant. Bail was set at $20,000. Justin Garrison Bryan, 20, of Anaheim, was also arrested for a warrant.

Traffic stop. 10:51 p.m. 2100 block of S. Coast Hwy. Chad Everett Martinez, 29, of Lake Forest, was arrested for suspicion of DUI and held for $10,000 bail due to a second offense.

Saturday, Sept. 2

Traffic stop. Mountain Rd. 1 a.m. Trent Neil Jones, 45, of Laguna Niguel, was cited for suspicion of DUI and held without bail for a parole violation.

Traffic stop. Oak st. 2:12 a.m. A 22-year-old Laguna Hills woman was cited for DUI.

DUI. Glenneyre St. A 52-year-old Laguna Beach man whose vehicle struck a tree and parking meter was cited for DUI.

The post Homeowner Interrupts Thieves appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

A Driftwood Drive resident who arrived home at midday last Thursday, Aug. 31, interrupted a burglary in progress and confronted two thieves fleeing from his home, police said.

The burglars fled in a car before officers arrived in the 30900 block of Driftwood, said Sgt. Jim Cota, who said detectives are investigating the break-in.

Thieves made off with $12,000 in jewelry and $5,000 in purses, Cota said.

The break-in is the third large jewelry heist in town within the past six weeks. A property manager is suspected in the largest heist, but police issued an appeal for help in identifying another two-man burglary team that struck late in July.

One of the Driftwood thieves wore a mask and carried a white clothes hamper, noted an entry in the police log, where the resident also reported that his garage door appears to be broken, suggesting a possible point of entry.

Monday, Aug. 28

Theft. 200 block of Cajon St. 7:39 a.m. A car that may have been unlocked was ransacked and a laptop taken.

Stolen vehicle. 1100 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 8:49 a.m. 2004 Lexus is missing.

Vehicle burglary. 1700 block of Sunset Ridge Dr. A purse and its contents valued at $1,000 was taken from a car parked in a driveway.

Fraud. 32300 block of Coast Hwy. 12:13 p.m. An unknown person is falsely claiming a resident’s identity and diverting bills.

Stalking. 300 block of Canyon Acres Dr. 1:56 p.m. Kristen Taylor KcKee, 31, of Riverside, who reported being stalked, was taken into custody for an outstanding drug possession and paraphernalia warrant.

Fraud. 700 block of Griffith Place. 2:42 p.m. Two withdrawals of $382.95 and $402.95 were wrongfully made on a resident’s account.

Tuesday, Aug. 29

Reckless driving. Pearl Street. 7:43 a.m. Cameron Paulos Kent, 52, of Huntington Beach, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance, as well as drug possession and paraphernalia charges. Bail was set at $10,000 due to a previous offense.

Stolen vehicle. 200 block of Cozumel. 3:59 p.m. A key lock was reported punched.

Wednesday, Aug. 30

Disturbance. 30800 block of Coast Hwy. An unidentified homeless person who was described as very aggressive was detained for mental health purposes and possible criminal charges.

Grand theft. 600 block of Bluebird Canyon Dr. 10:17 a.m. Construction tools worth $2,000 were taken from location.

Fraud. 500 block of Ramona Ave. 3:25 p.m. People opened credit cards under a resident’s name.

Search warrant. 800 block of Bolsa Way. 9:30 p.m. Sheriff’s deputies served a search warrant and seized an unspecified amount of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. Two people who were not identified were arrested and the investigation is ongoing, said sheriff’s spokesman Ray Grangoff.

Thursday, Aug. 31

Traffic stop. Mountain Rd. 2:14 a.m. A 34-year-old Mission Viejo woman was cited for DUI.

Hazardous condition. 21500 block of Treetop Lane. A large eucalyptus tree toppled on an unoccupied vehicle, pulling down a transformer and wires and cutting power.

Traffic stop. Bluebird Canyon Dr. 10:11 p.m. Marvell Johnson Verdell, 22, of La Mirada, was arrested for suspicion of possessing a stolen car and a DUI warrant. Bail was set at $20,000. Justin Garrison Bryan, 20, of Anaheim, was also arrested for a warrant.

Traffic stop. 10:51 p.m. 2100 block of S. Coast Hwy. Chad Everett Martinez, 29, of Lake Forest, was arrested for suspicion of DUI and held for $10,000 bail due to a second offense.

Saturday, Sept. 2

Traffic stop. Mountain Rd. 1 a.m. Trent Neil Jones, 45, of Laguna Niguel, was cited for suspicion of DUI and held without bail for a parole violation.

Traffic stop. Oak st. 2:12 a.m. A 22-year-old Laguna Hills woman was cited for DUI.

DUI. Glenneyre St. A 52-year-old Laguna Beach man whose vehicle struck a tree and parking meter was cited for DUI.

The post Homeowner Interrupts Thieves appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Zachary Morales and Tiffanie Moreland, suspects arrested over a local break-in.

A state prison parolee and his girlfriend were arrested by Laguna Beach police last week, suspected in a recent break-in on Driftwood Drive and as many as three other burglaries in Orange, Villa Park and Laguna Niguel, police said.

The homeowner’s detailed description of the thieves and their sedan helped investigators identify the suspects, Sgt. James Cota said. The homeowner got a close look at the thieves as he encountered them fleeing the home when he arrived and when their vehicle collided with his, Cota said. The man was masked and the female had pink hair, he said.

Six days after the break-in, Laguna officers, state parole agents and Anaheim police arrested Zachary Morales, 26, and Tiffanie Moreland, 23, at their apartment in Anaheim Wednesday, Sept. 6. A search of their premises did not recover the loot from the Laguna Beach burglary, which included $17,000 in jewelry and five designer handbags.

Even so, police seized a personal checkbook, a laptop and other items that investigors believe tie the thieves to break-ins elsewhere, said Cota. Investigators are checking pawn shops, but thieves generally dispose of stolen goods within 48 hours, he said.

Morales, who was recently released from state prison for burglary, was charged with possession of stolen property, identity theft, possession of a controlled substance and check fraud. He was booked into Orange County Jail where he is being held without bail for a parole violation, says a police statement.

Moreland, the owner of the suspected get-away vehicle, was charged with residential burglary and possession of stolen property and is being held on $50,000 bail at Orange County Jail. She had changed her hair color at the time of her arrest, Cota said.

The post Police Make Arrests in Jewelry Burglary appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Monday, Sept. 11

Grand theft. 1500 block of S. Coast Hwy. 4 p.m. A building company fraudulently cashed a check of $4,000 that never arrived at its intended mailed destination.

Tuesday, Sept. 12

Fraud. 2800 Zell Dr. 3:39 p.m. A caretaker is suspected in the theft of 23 unauthorized checks totaling $24,000.

Wednesday, Sept. 13

Burglary. 400 block of Windsor Place. A homeowner is still tallying losses of a break-in that occurred while the resident was out of the country

Burglary. 500 block of Poplar St. 9 p.m. A woman interrupted a burglar, who had entered her home through the window of a guest bedroom. Though the burglar told her to clear out, she barricaded herself in a bathroom and called police. A search of the area did not turn up the man in a black hoodie wearing gloves.

Thursday, Sept. 14

Theft. 600 block of Thalia St. 11:44 a.m. Wallet and credit cards were stolen overnight from a vehicle without signs of forced entry.

Vehicle burglary. 400 block of El Bosque. 5 p.m. Unspecified items inside a vehicle were taken overnight.

Occupied vehicle. Canyon Acres Dr. 10:27 p.m. Erica Michelle Cousine, 32, of Santa Ana, was arrested for suspicion of DUI and held for $10,000 bail due to a second offense.

Friday, Sept. 15

Battery. 20600 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 5 a.m. A staff member of the ASL reported being punched by a female, who failed to follow directions. The woman was later arrested.

Stolen vehicle. 500 block of Glenneyre St. A 2010 Prius was recovered, missing a set of golf clubs.

Disturbance. 20600 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 9:30 p.m. Bradrod Arthur Sturtevant, 53, of Corona del Mar, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Assault. 400 block of N. Coast Hwy. 10:12 p.m. Herbert Peter Sievers, 70, of Laguna Niguel, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest.

Saturday, Sept. 16

Assault with a deadly weapon. 1800 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 10 a.m. As a result of a fight between two transients, Michael York Kelsey, 32, of Stanton, was arrested for suspicion of assault and held for $25,000 bail. Another combatant, who suffered a stab wound to the shoulder, refused medical treatment.

Burglary. 300 block of Loma Terrace. 12:42 a.m. A woman interrupted a burglary by an intoxicated man who had entered by removing a window and its screen. There was no loss.

The post Streetbeat appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Laguna Beach police and other law enforcement agencies deployed to Main Beach on Sunday, Sept. 24, a precautionary measure due to uncertainty over whether a canceled demonstration would still attract attention.

It turns out, the anti illegal immigration group America First, whose demonstration in August drew 2,500 participants, most of them counter-demonstrators, did not show up at all, police Sgt. James Cota said. And just five counter-demonstrators did, he said.

America First organizer Johnny Benitez, of Lake Forest, told police he canceled the September rally after he and his family received death threats.

Counter-demonstrators at the August rally ranged from Democratic Socialists of America, who waved the flags associated with anti-fascist organizations, religious leaders, Native American activists, a local drum circle and many more non-aligned demonstrators standing against racism.

Police are presuming that another previously planned rally next month will go forward.

“We are already planning and gearing up for the published Oct. 22 event, which appears to be much larger,” Cota said.

Monday, Sept. 18

Vehicle burglary. 200 block of Forest Ave. Noon. The side window of a car was broken into overnight. Losses were pegged at $110.

Tuesday, Sept. 19

Pedestrian stop. 100 block of S. Coast Hwy. 1 a.m. Alejandro Alberto, 28, of Santa Ana, initially arrested for suspicion of public drunkenness was held for no bail as a parole violator.

Stolen vehicle. 200 block of Cypress Dr. Dominic Salvatore Tortorete, 25, of Anaheim, was arrested for suspicion of auto theft. Bail was set at $20,000.

Wednesday, Sept. 20

Burglary. 300 block of High Dr. 12:25 p.m. A pool service discovered a break-in at a home where the owner was away. A fuller inventory of losses is expected, but a semi-automatic handgun was immediately discovered missing.

Vehicle burglary. Thalia St and S. Coast Hwy. 2:48 p.m. Briefcase, wallet and camera were reported taken the day before.

Thursdaay, Sept. 21

Pedestrian stop. 20600 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. Monique Marie Castillo, 41, described as a Laguna Beach transient, was arrested for multiple warrants.

Friday, Sept. 22

Pedestrian stop. 300 block of Broadway St. 8 p.m. Leslie Jan Shacklett, 55, described as a Laguna Beach transient, was arrested for allegedly violating a restraining order. Bail was set at $15,000.

Saturday, Sept. 23

Occupied vehicle. Park Ave. 4:33 a.m. A 23-year-old from Bend, Ore., was arrested for suspicion of DUI after his vehicle jumped the curb and became stuck on the slope.

Vehicle burglary. 600 block of Hillcrest Dr. 3:27 p.m. Nothing was reported missing, though a window was smashed.

DUI. 2900 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 11:19 p.m. A 22-year-old Murrieta woman was cited for DUI.

The post Demonstration Fails to Materialize appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Suspected burglar Edward Torrison.

Laguna Beach police detectives arrested an Oceanside man this week, a “well-dressed burglar” suspected of stealing $200,000 worth of goods from five Laguna Beach jewelry merchants in July as well as committing burglaries elsewhere in south-county.

Detectives seized an estimated $500,000 in stolen jewelry and two loaded firearms after serving a search warrant at the home of Edward Torrison on Tuesday, Sept. 26, Sgt. Jim Cota said.

Torrison attempted to flee from deputies, who detained him after a short foot pursuit, Cota said.

Early on in the inquiry over the break-ins in a bluff-top shopping center that involved two suspects, detectives believed the burglaries were related to a series of thefts occurring in south Orange County, Cota said.

Police did not say how they identified Torrison, 30, as a suspect. A second suspect is still at large. A video of the suspected thieves captured two men wearing long-sleeved white shirts and hats, while one was distinguished by a vest and mustache.

Torrison was booked into Orange County Jail and held for multiple theft and burglary related charges, as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm.

“This arrest was the culmination of an excellent police work coupled with a steadfast determination by our investigations unit to apprehend the offenders,” Captain Jeff Calvert said in a statement.

The investigation remains open as Laguna officers work with other agencies to identify additional victims. Anyone with information related to the inquiry is encouraged to call 949 497-0701.

The post Police Apprehend Suspected Jewelry Thief appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Monday, Sept. 25

Traffic collision. Cleo St. 4:18 p.m. A 45-year-old Laguna Beach man was cited for DUI.

Tuesday, Sept. 26

Petty theft. 3200 block of Tyrol Dr. An unlocked vehicle was broken into and mail stolen.

Wednesday, Sept. 27

Traffic stop. Aliso Beach. 12:30 a.m. Ramiro Ramos, 29, of Huntington Beach, was arrested for outstanding San Benito and Santa Cruz county warrants.

Stolen vehicle. 1:44 a.m. Laguna Canyon Rd. Daniel Ray Hendrix, 29, of Long Beach, was arrested for a no-bail warrant and Michael Junior Mendoza, 29, of Anaheim, allegedly was in possession of heroin and meth.

Grand theft. 800 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 6:27 p.m. Two men entered a business and took two laptops.

Suspicious person. Oak St. 8:46 p.m. Nicholas Michael Huffman, 21, of Colorado, was arrested for suspicion of receiving stolen property after telling a bystander he had backpacks with stolen laptops.

Thursday, Sept. 28

Pedestrian stop. 17-03748. 400 block of Holly St. 2:34 a.m. Matthew Stanley Christie, 33, was arrested for four warrants, including two no-bail warrants.

Theft. 500 block of Calliope St. 8 a.m. Keys and other items were taken from an unlocked car,.

Theft. 400 block of Graceland Dr. 8:38 a.m. A credit card and mail was located a vehicle.

Citizen contact. 30800 block of Coast Hwy. Noon. Hotel security called police about a couple unable to pay their $3,000 bill. The matter was resolved when a father agreed to pay.

Extortion. 300 block of Third St. 4:33 p.m. Two supervisors received messages about sensitive files being removed from computers they think were infected. An IT specialist was able to correct the problem.

Vehicle burglary. 2600 block of Victoria Dr. 5:45 p.m. A registration and insurance card were taken from an unlocked vehicle.

Friday, Sept. 29

Traffic collision. 2200 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 7:17 a.m. One driver reported being in shock following a two-car collision that resulted in moderate damage.

Theft. 900 block of S. Coast Hwy. 8:50 a.m. Two license plates disappeared from vehicles left overnight in a parking lot.

Property. 1000 block of Oro St. Noon. A property owner turned over a trash bag found on his property that included several sets of keys, debit and credit cards and clothing, which police linked to a recent burglary on Baja Street.

Theft. 300 block of Coast Hwy. 4:45 p.m. A woman thinks $500 in cash was taken from her wallet while shopping.

Assault with a deadly weapon. Diamond St. 5:23 p.m. Two people who suffered minor injuries in an assault left the area and told Orange police they do not want to pursue charges against a suspect.

Grand theft.. 100 block of S. Coast Hwy. 6 p.m. A camera valued at $2,500 was placed on a tabletop west of the Main Beach cobblestones and was stolen on Sept. 25.

Traffic stop. 400 block of Nyes Place. Peter Matthew Crane, 69, of Laguna Beach, was arrested for suspicion of DUI and held for $10,000 bail due to a prior offense.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Traffic stop. Wesley Drive. 12:07 a.m. A 20year-old Chino woman was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. 31100 block of Coast Hwy. 12:47 a.m. Raymond Kyle Auslander, 32, of Laguna Beach, was cited for suspicion of DUI and held for $10,000 bail due to a prior arrest.

Traffic stop. Wesley Drive. 1:21 a.m. A 33-year-old Rancho Santa Margarita man was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. Anita Street. 1:40 a.m. A 21-year-old San Clemente man was jailed for DUI.

Traffic stop. 200 block of Forest Ave. A Ladera Ranch teen-age girl was cited for DUI.

Drunk driving. Laguna Canyon Rd. 3 a.m. A 44-year-old Irvine man hit a parking meter and was arrested for DUI.

Stolen vehicle. 200 block of Victoria Place 12:57 p.m. Michael Posada, 25, was arrested for suspicion of auto theft and receiving stolen property. He was behind the wheel of a vehicle stolen three days earlier in Garden Grove.

Grand theft. 31900 block of 10^th Avenue. 1:48 p.m. Reports are incomplete involving a jewelry theft involving employees.

Sunday, Oct. 1

Stolen vehicle. 2:21 a.m. Two minors were charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and transported to OC Juvenile Hall.

The post Streetbeat appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Three suspected burglars entered not guilty pleas to three separate felony charges in Orange County Superior Court this week after unsuccessfully trying to evade police in a hillside Laguna Beach neighborhood.

The three were arrested for suspicion of burglary, auto theft and receiving stolen property on Friday, Oct. 6, according to court records.

Police credit “engaged residents” with helping them get a jump on the suspects, who had fled from a home on Zell Drive after a resident encountered them trying to enter a side bedroom window. A sharp-eyed neighbor who spotted an unfamiliar truck gave the first alarm at 6:56 a.m., Sgt. Jim Cota said.

“Our residents acted quickly and did a fantastic job reporting the suspicious activity, which led to these crooks’ arrest,” said Captain Jeff Calvert in a statement.

The would-be thieves fled in a Ford truck, but responding officers spotted the vehicle heading downhill at a high rate of speed, Cota said. Police found the abandoned stolen vehicle at Temple Hills and Cerritos Drive. A search by a sheriff’s helicopter and K-9 unit turned up the three suspects hiding in brush and in a canyon below the 1200 block of Dunning Drive, Cota said.

Gwendulyn Ceballos-Jimenez, 21, Allen Ykwang Lin, 29, and Michael Murilloh, 31, all from Riverside County, were taken into custody.

The truck was stolen in Rialto, police said. Detectives are working to identify additional victims through stolen property recovered from the truck, Cota said.

Gwendolyn Ceballos-Jimenez

Allen Ykwang Lin

Michael Murilloh

Tuesday, Oct. 3

Fraud. PD. 12:24 p.m. A fraudulent check in the amount of $2,000 was reported.

Wednesday, Oct. 4

Grand theft. 700 block of Thalia St. 9 a.m. A watch valued at $7,000 was taken.

Grand theft. 400 block of S. Coast Hwy. 12:58 p.m. A purse with $1,720 in cash and an iPhone was stolen from a hotel guest who left the purse unattended.

Thursday, Oct. 15

Traffic stop. West Street. 1:27 a.m. A 45-year-old Laguna Niguel woman was cited for DUI.

Friday, Oct. 16

Traffic collision. 8:17 a.m. Temple Hills Dr. Some occupants suffered lacerations in a single-car rollover.

Fraud. Barranca Way. 10:30 a.m. A collections agency contacted a resident about an account opened in his name.

Theft. 200 block of Broadway St. 6:18 p.m. A woman shoplifted jackets, baby clothes and food items valued at about $600.

Burglary. Smithcliffs Road. 8:56 p.m. No losses were identified but a small broken window is a possible point of entry.

Burglary. 100 block of McKnight Dr. 9:19 p.m. A woman returned after a two hour absence and found a back door open and drawers opened. A witness said he saw two males dressed in black in the area.

Saturday, Oct. 7

Fight. 200 block of Ocean Ave. Among five combatants, a 23-year-old from Trabuco Canyon was arrested for battery.

Traffic stop. 200 block of Center St. 3:25 a.m. Ashley John Ryan Cajal, 33, of Thousand Oaks, was arrested for two outstanding Ventura warrants and for suspicion of an additional misdemeanor drug charge.

Vehicle burglary. 1000 block of Santa Ana St. A drone and phone valued at $1,000 were taken.

Traffic stop. 200 block of Ledroit St. 9:59 p.m. A 60-year-old Newport Beach man was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. Rockledge Terrace. 10 p.m. Eucacia Romero Cuevas, 48, of El Monte, was arrested for an outstanding warrant and an additional vehicle code violation.

Traffic stop. S. Coast Hwy. 10:49 p.m. Matthew Thomas Gomez McKeon, 32, of Irvine, was arrested for suspicion of DUI and held for $10,000 bail due to a prior offense.

LBMC violation. 30800 block of Coast Hwy. 11 p.m. A report about “reading loudly” and drinking in a pickup resulted in the arrest of three south-county residents in their 20s for narcotics paraphernalia.

Sunday, Oct. 8

Traffic stop. Emerald Bay. 1:48 a.m. A 21-year-old Laguna Beach resident was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. 200 block of Cliff Dr. 1:48 a.m. Rudy Amavizca, 30, of San Bernardino, was cited for suspicion of DUI and held for $10,000 bail.

Grand theft. 200 block of Brooks St. 2:17 p.m. Police allege Cesar Badillo Munoz, 28, entered a local business with the intent to steal merchandise and was ultimately arrested for burglary, grand theft, and resisting arrest after running from officers. Bail was set at $20,000.

Drunk driving. Glenneyre St. 10:28 p.m. Lucy Jane Arrom, 43, of Tustin, was arrested for suspicion of DUI, hit and run and driving with a suspended license. After a collision, Arrom allegedly abandoned her vehicle in a parking structure and was arrested on foot less than a block away on Laguna Avenue.

The post Police Arrest Three Suspected Burglars appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Police again plan to bolster their resources by drawing on law enforcement from neighboring communities and mounted police on horses to ensure they contain a political rally planned for 7 to 10 p.m. on Main Beach Sunday, Oct. 22.

Onward America, Truth and Justice for Men of Benghazi, is led by Johnny Benitez of Lake Forest, Sgt. Jim Cota said.

From 40 to 70 people have signaled their intent to participate and another 230 expressed interest, Cota said.

Police don’t anticipate a replay of August’s Benitez-organized rally and its huge influx of counter-protestors, but may close the beach boardwalk and north entry depending on the crowd size, Cota said.

Monday, Oct. 9

Welfare check. 600 block of Sleepy Hollow Lane. 12:21 p.m. A man in possession of a switchblade was transported to a hospital for a mental health evaluation.

Traffic collision. 600 block of S. Coast Hwy. 12:53 p.m. A woman was injured in a one-car collision.

Hit and run. S. Coast Hwy. 1:29 p.m. hit two vehicles and fled. Rachel Ann Judd, 21, of Utah, was arrested for suspicion of hit and run and DUI.

Wednesday, Oct. 11

Burglary. 100 block of McKnight Dr. 12:35 p.m. Thieves struck a second home on the street in as many weeks.

Vehicle burglary. 200 block of Cypress Dr. 12:54 p.m. Thieves pried a car lock to steal two speakers, a camera and $4,000 in DJ equipment.

License plate reader. 17-03919. Coast Hwy. 2:09 p.m. Golponeh Nikbakhsian, 35, of Upland, was arrested for a $100,000 felony warrant.

DUI. 700 block of Balboa Ave. 4 p.m. A 45-year-old Laguna Beach woman was cited for DUI after colliding with a light pole.

Thursday, Oct. 12

Pedestrian stop. 100 block of S. Coast Hwy. 3:11 a.m. Stephanie Koivuniemi, 39, without a permanent address, was arrested for a trespassing warrant.

Traffic collision. 600 block of S. Coast Hwy. 5:19 p.m. Passengers were transported for medical treatment after a two-car collision resulted in minor damage to the vehicles and forced a 30-minute road closure.

Medical. 2300 Temple Hills Dr. 5:49 p.m. A resident who fell 50 feet down a hillside and could not stand was hoisted by helicopter and transported for medical treatment.

DUI. Ledroit Street. 8:31 p.m. James Bayard, 61, of Laguna Beach, was arrested for suspicion of DUI and hit and run after a witness reported that a vehicle fled from the scene of a collision. Bail was set at $10,000.

Traffic stop. Boat Canyon Dr. 9:43 p.m. John Mo Kang, 45, of Irvine, was arrested for a $30,000 Cerritos warrant over harassment.

Traffic stop. Woodland Dr. 10:26 p.m. A 25-year-old Lake Forest man was cited for DUI.

Friday, Oct. 13

Pedestrian stop. Beach St. 1:27 a.m. A 26-year-old Long Beach man was arrested for a misdemeanor drug warrant.

Traffic stop. Oak Street. 3:35 p.m. A 19-year-old Maryland woman was cited for DUI.

Theft. 700 block of S. Coast Hwy. 11:12 a.m. A 67-year-old San Diego woman was cited for shoplifting after a store employee called police and followed the individual on foot. A candle and clothing worth $172 was recovered.

Vehicle burglary. 600 block of Loretta Drive. 4:56 p.m. Disney ears and other items valued at $24 were taken from a locked vehicle.

Remote rescue. Alta Laguna. 5:52 p.m. Firefighters extricated an injured cyclist who fell near the Rocket Trail.

Traffic stop. Beverly St. 10:33 p.m. My Van Le, 36, of Westminster resident was cited for DUI and held without bail due to a probation violation.

Pedestrian stop. Hillcrest Dr. 11:15 p.m. Two boys, a 16-year-old from Laguna Beach and 17-year-old from Mission Viejo, were detained for curfew violations.

Traffic stop. Wesley Drive. 11:37 p.m. A Ladera Ranch man, 54, was cited for DUI.

Saturday, Oct. 14

Pedestrian stop. Wilson St. 9:41 p.m. A Laguna Beach youth, 17, was detained for a curfew violation.

Sunday, Oct. 15

Traffic stop. Montage Resort Dr. 1:35 p.m. A 26-year-old Los Angeles resident was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. Montage Resort Dr. 4:26 a.m. Manuel Robert Castro, 38, Cuday, was arrested for a warrant for vehicle code violations.

Monday, Oct. 16

Traffic stop. N. Coast Highway. 2:21 a.m. Jason Ronald Kell, 47, of Corona, and Kathrine Anne Hark, 27, of Springs Valley, were both arrested for outstanding warrants.

Suspicious. 600 block of Park Ave. 5:35 a.m. Heather Lynn Gould, 40, of San Clemente, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

The post Police Prep for Political Rally appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Monday, Oct. 16

Burglary. 200 block of Lower Cliff Dr. 10:37 a.m. Resident returned after a three-week absence, reported as missing uniforms, a fur coat, computer, Kindle, and other miscellaneous items. Missing items total approximately $3,000. Unknown person accessed the home possibly through an unlocked door, police alleged.

Disturbance, Disorderly Person. 200 block of Ocean Ave. 10:58 a.m. Laguna Beach resident Kyle Albert Winton, 37, was arrested on two outstanding Harbor Court warrants, following reports he was loitering without shirt or shoes, shouting and banging on windows as he walked down the street. Bail for both warrants totaled $25,000. 

Traffic stop. Cleo St. at S. Coast Hwy. 6:08 p.m. David Allan Shelton, 55, of Yorba Linda, was arrested on outstanding warrant, bail amount $15,000.

DUI. 200 block Broadway St. 8:34 p.m. Tracey Baksic, 48, of Rancho Santa Margarita was arrested for suspicion of DUI. Baksic is also alleged to have nearly collided with other vehicles, according to the report. Bail was set at $2,500.

Tuesday, Oct. 17

Vandalism. 900 block of Glenneyre St. 5:41 p.m. Rear tire slashed with what appeared to be a box cutter, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. No other damage reported. No suspect information.

Pedestrian stop. 300 block of Glenneyre St. 6 p.m. Neilesh Chauhan, 46, arrested for three outstanding warrants totaling $13,500.

Traffic Hazard. N. Coast Hwy at Myrtle. 10:44 p.m. Tree fell into N. Coast Hwy. No injuries reported. Caltrans notified. Northbound two lanes and one southbound lane were blocked. One northbound lane reopened by 11 p.m. Second northbound lane remained closed and cones were placed around the tree in the second southbound lane.

Wednesday, Oct. 18

Traffic hazard. 20300 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 8:15 a.m. On the outbound side of the road, a purple Dodge Hellcat, out of gas and blocking traffic, called for assistance with traffic. Vehicle had paper plates only. Driver requested AAA at 8:29 a.m., according to the report.

Grand theft. 400 block of Arroyo Chico. 4:27 p.m. Three-carat diamond was reported to have been stolen on Oct. 10.

Burglary. 0 block of La Costa Ct. 4:36 p.m. Report of broken glass window, possible stolen medication. Incident alleged to have occurred between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Hit and Run. 700 block of S. Coast Hwy. 5:36 p.m. A man driving a black Mercedes allegedly attempted to hit another vehicle in parking lot. Assault with a deadly weapon was ruled out.

Check on Condition. 200 block of Broadway St. 7:51 p.m. Large public tree fell on a black Toyota Corolla, blocking the sidewalk and causing damage to a light. Southern California Edison arrived at 8:54 p.m.

911 Emergency. 3rd Street at Forest Ave. 9:29 p.m. Caller alleged she was being heckled by a comedian. She was advised not to stay.

Thursday, Oct. 19

Traffic stop. Cleo St. and S. Coast Hwy. 1:58 a.m. A 30-year-old Irvine man was arrested on suspected DUI. Bail was set at $10,000.

Friday, Oct. 20

Assault and battery. 400 block of S. Coast Hwy. Jason King, 37, of Laguna Beach, allegedly assaulted two men with his fists, then fled toward the beach and basketball courts. Paramedics were called to give aid to the victims. A public works crew was also notified to clean up the scene. Police pursued King for approximately 45 minutes before making the arrest. King was charged with three counts of assault and battery and one count of felony vandalism. Total bail was set at $70,500.

Saturday, Oct. 21

Traffic Stop. Bluebird Canyon Rd at S. Coast Hwy. 1:22 a.m. Calvin Gutierrez, 23, of El Monte, was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Bail was set at $10,000.

The post Streetbeat appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Monday, Oct. 23

Stolen vehicle. 400 block of Brooks St. 7:18 a.m. The owner of a Ford Edge believes she left a set of keys in her vehicle, spotted on video outbound on Laguna Canyon at 2:10 a.m.

Welfare check. 32100 block of Virginia Way. 4:25 p.m. A 71-year-old resident was arrested for DUI because her slow exit from a parked vehicle provoked concern by a neighbor due to a heat wave. The motorist blamed a medication for her actions.

Suspicious person. 800 block of N. Coast Hwy. Gary Scott Wilson, 50, of Santa Ana, was cited and released for outstanding misdemeanor drug warrants.

Tuesday, Oct. 24

DUI. Forest Avenue. 12:41 a.m. A 24-year-old Orange woman was cited for DUI.

Vandalism. 200 block of Beverly St. 7 a.m. Items are missing from a vehicle where a window was smashed.

Fraud. 2500 block of Corona Way. 8:11 a.m. A woman who provided her personal information to a caller now believes she could be a victim of identity theft.

Burglary attempt. 1600 block of Hillcrest. 11:38 a.m. A resident discovered an abandoned blue glove and a window screen pulled out, but no losses from a break-in.

Petty theft. 1600 block of Sunset Ridge Dr. 3 p.m. Detectives are investigating information provided by a resident of a would-be package snatcher and a dropped list with other addresses.

Grand theft. 100 block of S. Coast Hwy. 4:23 p.m. A report about the theft of two cell phones from the beach resulted in the arrested of Robert Ruiz Peralta, 36, of Stanton, for allegedly resisting officers. They will recommend burglary and vehicle tampering charges as well, police said.

Wednesday, Oct. 25

Municipal code violation. 31900 block of Coast Hwy. 12:12 a.m. A report about a bonfire on the beach resulted in the arrest of Javier Gonzalez, 27, of Garden Grove, for an outstanding warrant.

Trespassing. 31800 block of Coast Hwy. 3:42 a.m. An inebriated 25-year-old La Mirada woman was detained for unspecified charges due to her allegedly disruptive behavior after being escorted off the premises by security.

Warrant arrest. Palm Dr. 1 p.m. Joseph Joshua Crimo, 43, of Laguna Beach, was arrested for five outstanding Harbor Court warrants, including three drug charges.

Thursday, Oct. 26

Fraud. PD. 9:46 a.m. Two months after a purse was stolen, accounts were opened using the victim’s identity and payments made for purchases over $500.

Warrant arrest. Sleepy Hollow Lane. 3:37 p.m. Mottahereh Sadeghi, 60, of Laguna Beach, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Theft. 1300 block of La Mirada St. 6:38 p.m. A package with contents valued at $1,050 was taken from a front door.

Friday, Oct. 27

Pedestrian stop. Thalia St. 12:31 a.m. Anthony Stephan Cicalese, 26, of Murrieta, was arrested for warrant and a new battery charge with a $20,000 bail.

Traffic stop. Forest Ave. 2 a.m. A 22-year-old Garden Grove man was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. 100 block of N. Coast Hwy. 2:44 a.m. Michael M. Elyas, 22, of Ladera Ranch, was arrested for a warrant and suspicion of a new vehicle code violation.

Saturday, Oct. 28

Burglary. 100 block of Crescent Bay Dr. 12:30 p.m. Forced entry was made and a $1,500 Cartier watch taken among other losses yet to be itemized.

Grand theft. 200 block of Ocean Ave. 11:41 p.m. A bike was stolen.

Sunday, Oct. 29

Traffic stop. 2200 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 12:56 a.m. A 27-year-old Aliso Viejo man was cited for DUI.

Suspicious circumstances. 1300 block of Circle Way. 2:46 a.m. Detectives began an inquiry involving three juveniles who asked an adult to report the whereabouts of a 15-year-old Laguna Beach teen passed out after smoking marijuana. The girl was transported for medical care and released to her parents.

Domestic violence. 1600 block of Louise St. 2:48 a.m. Jess Avary Walker, 38, of Mission Viejo, was arrested for suspicion of felony domestic violence and held without bail due to a probation violation. The victim had a visible injury, police said.

Traffic collision. Laguna Canyon Rd. 8 a.m. A driver was hurt when his vehicle went off the road.

The post Streetbeat appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.