Street Beat – Laguna Beach Local News

Monday’s fire as seen from South Laguna.

Investigators have yet to determine the cause of a destructive early morning fire in North Laguna that potentially threatened neighboring structures on Monday, Dec. 2, firefighters said. No one was injured by the blaze, which caused an estimated $400,000 in damages.

Twenty‐one firefighters from Laguna Beach and Newport Beach were dispatched to the 1600 block of Louise Street where they found a home fully engulfed in flame with the potential to spread to adjacent houses, Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse said in a statement.

Firefighters contained the fire to a single structure and doused the blaze in under 20 minutes, he said, estimating contents and structure losses at $380,000. Occupants had exited the home before firefighters arrived, he said.

Anyone with information that can assist investigators are urged to call (949) 497‐0700.

Photo: The 7:30 a.m. blaze was visible from South Laguna.

Monday, Nov. 25

Public service request. 1600 block of Arroyo Dr. 7:40 a.m. A fire hydrant was knocked off.

Burglary. 2800 block of Rounsevel Terrace. 2:07 p.m. A set of tanzanite earrings valued at nearly $20,000 were reported stolen from a home while the resident was out of the area.

Burglary. 1400 block of N. Coast Hwy. 3:36 p.m. A legal file and a $20 money order was taken from a locked car.

Tuesday, Nov. 26

Burglary. 200 block of N. Coast Hwy. 1:53 p.m. A guest who checked out also took the content’s of the room – “everything that wasn’t bolted down” — including a television, ice bucket, comforter, pillow, coffee maker, robes, a hair dryer and towels with an estimated value of $1,412.

Wednesday, Nov. 27

Traffic stop. Wesley Drive. 2 a.m. A 40-year-old Whittier resident was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Pedestrian stop. 500 block of Forest Ave. 4:57 a.m. A 39-year-old Aliso Viejo woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic collision. Emerald Bay. 1:30 p.m. A passenger in a vehicle complained of pain following the collision of two vehicles near the entrance, which blocked a northbound lane briefly.

Public intoxication. 1000 block of N. Coast Hwy. 4:35 p.m. Daniel Paul Schneider, 48, of Laguna Beach, was placed under a citizen’s arrest for suspicion of battery after allegedly punching the manager of a hotel.

Petty theft. 1000 block of Catalina St. 4:47 p.m. Someone stole a mannequin from the front of a residence.

Traffic stop. Legion St. 10:17 p.m. A 35-year-old Long Beach woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Thursday, Nov. 28

Medical aid. El Toro Rd. 11:57 a.m. A woman hiker fell and injured her hip and required medical aid on the Stagecoach Trail.

Friday, Nov. 29

Muni code violation.. 400 block of Glenneyre St. 1:37 p.m. A 48-year-old San Clemente resident was arrested for two outstanding warrants and held for $2500 bail.

Warrant service. 300 block of Broadway St. A 27-year-old Laguna Beach resident was arrested for two outstanding warrants.

Disturbance. 300 block of Broadway St. 4:10 p.m. Matthew Paul Benusa, 27, of Laguna Beach, was held without bail for two outstanding warrants.

Traffic stop. 13-04128. Broadway St. 9:19 p.m. A 25-year-old Whittier woman was held for an outstanding warrant.

Foot patrol. 3200 block of Alta Laguna Blvd. 11:50 p.m. Police detained two 17-year-olds from Westminster; one had a no bail warrant and was transported to juvenile hall, while the other was driven home to his parents.

Saturday, Nov. 30

Traffic stop. 2200 block of S. Coast hwy. 1:47 a.m. A 48-year-old Placentia man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Sunday, Dec. 1

Traffic stop. Cress St. 1:43 a.m. A 50-year-old Laguna Beach man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic stop. 200 block of Pearl St. 2:25 a.m. A 23-year-old visitor from Maysville, Ky., was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic stop. West St. 2:37 p.m. A 24-year-old Anaheim man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Petty theft. 500 block of Anita St. 2:48 p.m. Someone broke into a locked vehicle and swiped sunglasses and a wallet.

The post Louise Street Home Consumed in Blaze appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

An inquiry into the death of a 43-year-old homeless man while in the custody of Laguna Beach police found no evidence of criminal negligence, the district attorney’s office announced Tuesday, Dec. 10.

A coroner’s pathologist determined that Stephen Gregory Gage died of pneumonia and organ failure and detected the presence of multiple drugs in his body, according to findings detailed in a Dec. 9 letter to Laguna’s police Chief Paul Workman.

Officer Greg Hiler arrested Gage for public intoxication on April 8, responding to a 7 a.m. complaint from an Ocean Way homeowner about a man digging through trash cans, the letter says.

Though Gage did not exhibit signs of a medical emergency, says the report, he complained of pain during booking and was taken to Laguna’s Mission Hospital less than three hours after his arrest. A doctor diagnosed Gage as “critically ill,” experiencing multiple organ failure, sepsis and other maladies. He was admitted to the ICU and released from police custody, the report says.

Over the next 24 hours as Gage’s condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Mission Viejo and doctors intervened with CPR in three instances to resuscitate him, ultimately unsuccessfully, the report says.

“There is no evidence of foul play or neglect,” wrote Ebrahim Baytieh, senior deputy district attorney.

The post Police Cleared in Inmate’s Death appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

Laguna Beach’s police department received a $33,199.00 grant for an anti-DUI program aimed at preventing roadway deaths and injuries from the state Office of Traffic Safety.

The grant will target impaired driving offenders as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. Crashes involving alcohol have been shown to drop by up to 20 percent when well- publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough, Lieutenant Jeff Calvert said in a statement.

The post Police to Deploy More Checkpoints appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

Officer Greg Hiler arrested Gage for public intoxication on April 8, responding to a 7 a.m. complaint from an Ocean Way homeowner about a man digging through trash cans, the letter says.

“There is no evidence of foul play or neglect,” wrote Ebrahim Baytieh, senior deputy district attorney.

Police to Deploy More Checkpoints

Laguna Beach’s police department received a $33,199.00 grant for an anti-DUI program aimed at preventing roadway deaths and injuries from the state Office of Traffic Safety.

Monday, Dec. 2

Assault. 2100 block of S. Coast Hwy. 10;27 a.m. A 26-year-old resident of a group home, who became upset and combative with staff, was detained and taken to Mission Hospital.

Fraud. 500 block of Forest Ave. 10:38 a.m. A Texas resident who is a victim of identity theft reported a possible suspect in Laguna Beach

Vandalism. 21600 block of Treetop Lane. 11:28 a.m. Classrooms were tagged over the weekend.

Fraud. 500 block of Forest Ave. 12:16 p.m. A resident received a notice of delinquency notice for $6,000 on an account he did not open with a bank in Orlando, Fla.

Vandalism. 100 block of La Brea St. 5 p.m. 5:55 p.m. A detective will investigate death threats written in chalk on the driveway of a doctor, who suspects a patient.

Tuesday, Dec. 3

Trespassing. 31400 block of Mar Vista Ave. 10:31 a.m. Brian Patrick Arndt, 30, of Long Beach, was arrested for suspicion of trespassing after he ignored direction by a caretaker and police to leave the property.

Burglary. 3000 block of Nestall Rd 10:57 a.m. A credit card disappeared while workers were in the house.

Traffic stop. Crown Valley. 1:38 p.m. A 45-year-old Orange man was arrested for warrants and held for $2500 bail.

Disturbance. Third St. 7:43 p.m. A 20-year-old Irvine woman was arrested for intoxication and battery after charging a police officer who was questioning her boyfriend.

Wednesday, Dec. 4

Fraud. PD. 1:40 p.m. A resident victimized by identity theft received a collection notice for $340 over cable service and equipment he didn’t authorize.

Traffic stop. Third Avenue 4:38 p.m. A 58-year-old Escondido man was arrested for warrants and held for $15,000 bail.

Thursday, Dec. 5

Detective activity. 26300 block of Via California. Carrie Jo Smith, 44, of Capistrano Beach, was arrested for an Alabama no bail, felony fraud warrant after a citizen informed police of her whereabouts.

Traffic collision. Pearl St. 4:20 p.m. A motorcyclist suffered injuries and was transported to Mission Hospital after a collision with a motorist.

Grand theft. 21500 block of Wesley Dr. 6:34 p.m. A $10,000 necklace was stolen during the period when contractors were in the house.

Grand theft. 400 block of Coast hwy. 7:38 p.m. Two watches valued at nearly $16,000 were stolen, possibly last month.

Grand theft. 400 block of Poplar St. 756 p.m. Three items valued at $20,000 were taken.

Friday, Dec. 6

Fraud. 2500 block of S. Coast Hwy. 1:30 p.m. A hotel guest ran up $4,000 in charges on a fraudulent credit card.

Traffic collision. 13-04200. Cleo St. 2:57 p.m. A 34-year-old Santa Ana woman suffered lacerations and abrasions after being hit by a vehicle driven by a 61-year-old Palm Desert man.

Robbery. 100 block of S. Coast Hwy. 6:30 p.m. Michael Garcia, 35, was arrested for slugging an officer trying to detain him while investigating the report of a robbery.

Traffic stop. 200 block of N. Coast Hwy. 12:15 a.m. A 29-year-old Laguna Beach man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic stop. 31400 block of Monterey St. 12:16 a.m. Kevin Gushard Gabrielson, 30, of Tustin, was arrested for DUI and held for $10,000 bail due to a prior offense.

Traffic stop. Moss St. 1:51 a.m. Matthew McCray, 24, of Rolling Hills, was cited for DUI, a second offense, and held for $10,000 bail.

Trespassing. 400 block of Park Ave. 4:55 p.m. As a result of a trespassing report, a 21-year-old homeless man was arrested for outstanding warrants.

Sunday, Dec. 8

DUI. S. Coast Hwy. 1:09 a.m. A 53-year-old Newport Beach woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Stranded motorist. El Toro Rd. Dustin Taylor Scott, 23, of Temecula, was arrested and held without bail for outstanding warrants.

The post Police Cleared in Inmate’s Death appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

Laguna Beach’s police department will conduct a DUI checkpoint beginning this Friday, Dec. 20, at an undisclosed location within the city limits, between the hours of 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when DUI checkpoints and patrols are conducted routinely, says a statement by Lieutenant Jeff Calvert.

Thirty seven collisions involving DUI drivers locally resulted in the death of one person and injury to 37 others in the past three years, Calvert said.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol or drug impairment and proper licensing. More drivers test positive for drugs than alcohol, 14 percent and 7.3 percent, respectively, said Calvert, citing recent studies.

Monday, Dec. 9

Vandalism. 21600 block of Treetop Lane. 8:42 a.m. The passenger window of a pickup truck was smashed.

Suspicious circumstances. 1000 block of Dyer Place. Gregory Ryan Hath, 35, of Huntington Beach, was held without bail for three outstanding warrants as a result of an investigation that ensued after a passerby reported an unattended child. Hath allegedly stole a vehicle from the home where a friend was babysitting as well as the sitter’s phone. Police used the latter to track his whereabouts.

Petty theft. 1800 block of Ocean Way. 6:56 p.m. A copper mailbox was stolen.

Wednesday, Dec. 11

Traffic stop. 300 block of Mountain Rd. 8:25 p.m. A 30-year-old Laguna Beach man was arrested for a vehicle code violation and held for $2,500 bail.

Thursday, Dec. 12

Detective activity. 8:55 a.m. Daniel Robert Garner, 28, of Mission Viejo, was arrested for a Harbor Court warrant and held for $15,000 bail.

Petty theft. 600 block of Gleneyre St. 12:23 p.m. Tools worth $500 were stolen from a carport overnight.

Petty theft. 20600 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 1:34 p.m. A wallet was swiped from an unlocked vehicle.

Fraud. 1700 block of Sunset Ridge Dr. 5:54 p.m. A resident reported $1,100 in fraudulent charges to a credit card.

Grand theft. 600 block of S. Coast Hwy. 9:36 p.m. A hotel guest, meeting a person for the second time in recent months, returned from a restroom to discover the disappearance of the date and the theft of $3,000 in cash and electronics.

Friday, Dec. 13

Traffic stop. S. Coast Hwy. 3:34 a.m. A 25-year-old Anaheim man was arrested for suspicion of DUI and false impersonation. Bail was set at $20,000.

Traffic stop. Moss St. 4:17 a.m. A 24-year-old Irvine woman was arrested for suspicion of DUI and held for $2500 bail. She was allegedly in possession of generic amphetamine.

Vandalism. Oak St. 8:27 a.m. Surfboard wax was used to deface a vehicle.

Vehicle burglary. Coast Hwy. 4:25 p.m. A victim reported $400 in losses from a locked vehicle in a parking structure.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Traffic collision. Coast Hwy. 12:49 a.m. A motorist escaped with cuts to her left hand after running into mailboxes and plants as well as rolling her vehicle. An unsafe turn was believed to be the cause.

Traffic stop. Moss St. 2:10 a.m. A 44-year-old Anaheim Hills man was cited for DUI and held for $2,500 bail.

Stalking. 300 block of S. Coast Hwy. 10 p.m. The victim says a former date continues to contact her after she ended the relationship.

Sunday, Dec. 15

Occupied vehicle. 1400 block of Catalina St. 3 a.m. Angel Omar Arce, 39, of Lake Forest, was arrested for three misdemeanors, including suspicion of DUI. Bail was set at $10,000.

Traffic stop. 300 block of Cliff Dr. 2:19 p.m. A 29-year-old Corona man was held for outstanding warrants.

Vandalism. 100 block of San Tropez. 3 p.m. Two cars belonging to the same person were marked by a Sharpie.

Burglary. 1200 block of Ocean Front. 9:59 p.m. A resident returned from vacation to find the home ransacked. Further details are unavailable.

The post Checkpoint Planned This Weekend appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

Of 1,647 vehicles that passed through a north Laguna Beach police checkpoint over five hours last Friday, five DUI suspects were arrested and taken off the road and another four motorists arrested for driving unlicensed, police said in a statement.

Another 27 motorists were issued other types of citations and one person arrested on another criminal charges, according to police.

The checkpoint was located in the 1500 block of North Coast Highway.

Monday, Dec. 16

Vandalism. 200 blk of San Tropez. 10:37 and 11:42 a.m. One car was severely scratched and four tires slashed on another vehicle, losses of $6,000 and $2,000 respectively. Detectives will pursue a possible suspect.

Petty theft. S Coast Hwy. 2 p.m. Main Beach. A black Ovation guitar valued at $600 was taken overnight from a person who slept with it on the beach.

Traffic stop. Wesley Drive. 4:53 p.m. A 73-year-old man was arrested for warrants and held for $15,000 bail.

Tuesday, Dec. 17

Property. 300 block of Park Ave. 8 a.m. Drugs were discovered in a parking lot.

Verbal threats. 2100 block of Park Ave. 1:46 a.m. The mother of a Thurston student reported receiving text threats from another parent.

Vehicle burglary. 20200 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 2:55 p.m. A bag of clothes and a purse were taken after a window was broken.

Wednesday, Dec. 18

Fraud. 31700 block of Coast Hwy. 12:56 p.m. Reports were unavailable about a credit card theft and $100 in fraudulent charges.

Stolen vehicle. Sandpiper Lane. 6:47 p.m. A former employee failed to return a 2009 Nissan Altima and a 2003 Bourget custom motorcycle.

Traffic collision. 200 block of Arch St. 8:20 p.m. A motorist lost control of her vehicle and drove into a garden, hitting a mailbox and fence.

Thursday, Dec. 19

Traffic stop. Upland Rd. A 24-year-old Garden Grove woman was cited for a suspended license and held for $10,000 bail.

Friday, Dec. 20

Traffic stop. Brooks St. 12:51 a.m. A 24-year-old visitor from France was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Suspicious vehicle. 400 block of Coast Hwy. 2 a.m. After another motorist reported a vehicle being driven with a flat tire and sparks flying, a 24-year-old from New Jersey was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Fraud report. 31500 block of Holly Dr. 1:47 p.m. A local resident received a collection notice for $354 on a Vonage account that she had not opened.

Fraud report. 31300 block of Holly Dr. A resident received a Victoria Secret package that she did not order and learned her credit had been used to purchase $600 worth of goods.

Drunk driving. 5:41 p.m. Laguna Canyon. In response to a report about a swerving vehicle, Emmanuel William Hernandezcruz, 28, was arrested for suspicion of DUI as well as a DUI warrant. Bail was $10,000 due to a second offense.

Traffic collision. 20600 Laguna Canyon Rd. 6:15 p.m. A motorist whose vehicle was experiencing mechanical problems panicked and hit the accelerator, causing a rear-end collision with three vehicles involved. The injured driver was transported for complaint of pain.

DUI. City limits north. 6:55 p.m. A 27-year-old La Habra woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 after she was observed swerving and speeding.

DUI. N. Coast hwy. 9:32 p.m. A 58-year-old Laguna Niguel woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic stop. Irvine Cove. 10:35 p.m. A 35-year-old Santa Ana man was cited for a vehicle code violation and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic stop. 1400 block of N. Coast hwy. 10:45 p.m. A 58-year-old San Clemente woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic stop. 1400 block of N. Coast hwy. 11:39 p.m. A 57-year-old Laguna Beach man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Saturday, Dec. 21

Traffic stop. 1400 block of N. Coast Hwy. A 37-year-old Laguna Beach woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Pedestrian stop. Cress St. 1:12 a.m. A 48-year-old Laguna Beach man was cited for a warrant and held for $1,500 bail.

Traffic stop. Montage. 1:30 a.m. A 30-year-old Laguna Niguel man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic stop. 1400 block of N. Coast Hwy. 1:41 a.m. Jesse Christian Gallegos, 31, of Aliso Viejo was cited for DUI with one prior. Bail was set at $10,000.

Traffic stop. Broadway St. 2:38 a.m. Scott McNelley, 30, of Aliso Viejo, was cited for DUI, his second offense in 10 years. Bail was set at $10,000.

Traffic stop. Wesley. 3 a.m. A 21-year-old Costa Mesa man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Disturbance. 600 block of S. Coast Hwy. 5:56 p.m. Sperling Jay Griesedieck, 30, was arrested for an outstanding warrant. Bail was $7,500.

Verbal threats. 700 block of Bolsana Dr. 10:46 p.m. A resident reported receiving four threatening calls from a man owed money. No further details were available.

Sunday, Dec. 22

Traffic stop. Glenneyre St. 12:44 a.m. A 47-year-old Rancho Santa Margarita woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic stop. Broadway St. 1:53 a.m. A man, 24, of Coto de Caza was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic stop. Third Ave. 2:53 a.m. A 51-year-old Laguna Niguel man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

DUI. 2500 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 10:56 p.m. A 28-year-old Santa Ana man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

The post DUI Checkpoint Nets 6 Arrests appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

A man displeased by a hired stripper reported a Christmas Eve robbery by her bodyguard, but ultimately declined to press charges, according to police.

Police apprehended a vehicle on El Toro Road about 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24, occupied by the stripper and her bodyguard, who allegedly punched the resident and took $150 in cash after he rejected the stripper’s expected services for $300, Sgt. Louise Callus said.

The victim was disappointed that the stripper was not the woman portrayed in an advertisement and asked her to leave, Callus said.

When police transported the resident from the 600 block of Glenneyre Street to the stopped car, the stripper explained the $150 cancellation fee. “The parties were able to successfully negotiate terms which were satisfactory to all involved,” Callus said.

Monday, Dec. 23

Vandalism. Coast Hwy. 10 a.m. Thousand Steps Beach restrooms suffered major damage.

Fraud report. 600 block of Mystic Way. Citibank informed a resident someone was using stolen credit card information and made several purchases at New York City retailers Victoria’s Secret and Dean & DeLuca totaling $655.

Petty theft. 32000 block of Virginia Way. 3:49 p.m. A resident reported someone swiped a ceramic planter from in front of her house, replanting the plants in a cheap container.

Vandalism. 1300 block of Hillcrest Dr. 9:39 p.m. A vehicle was keyed overnight.

Traffic stop. Wesley Dr. 9:46 p.m. Elisa Marie Hand, 29, of Newport Beach, was arrested for an outstanding Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies DUI warrant for $30,000 bail.

Tuesday, Dec. 24

Traffic stop. Pearl St. 2:51 a.m. A 24-year-old Laguna Niguel man was arrested for a pot warrant and held for $2,500 bail.

Traffic collision. Wesley Dr. 10:22 a.m. A 39-year-old San Juan Capistrano resident was struck by a water district truck and was transported for medical treatment due to back pain.

Petty theft. 30800 block of Coast Hwy. 3:17 p.m. A wallet was stolen from a purse while the owner shopped.

Petty theft. 700 block of Coast hwy. 4:49 p.m. Someone stole a $300 roof rack from a car.

Traffic stop. 200 block of Anita St. 9:43 p.m. A 36-year-old Aliso Viejo resident was cited for driving on a suspended license for DUI.

Wednesday, Dec. 25

Domestic violence. 2000 block of S. Coast Hwy. A 45-year-old Laguna Beach man was jailed for spousal battery after allegedly attempting to push his partner toward stairs.

Medical rescue. 3200 block of Alta Laguna Blvd. 9 a.m. Lifeguards responded to an injured biker needing assistance, 200 feet down the Mathis Trail.

Thursday, Dec. 26

Vandalism. 700 block of Coast Hwy. 2:30 p.m. Three large urns were taken from the property and damage done to the buildings.

DUI. 2700 block of Solana Way. A 49-year-old Colorado man was arrested for DUI and held for $2500 bail after colliding with a parked car.

Friday, Dec. 27

Traffic stop. 200 block of Ocean Ave. 1:59 a.m. A 22-year-old Florida man was jailed for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Burglary. 200 block of Forest Ave. 6:27 a.m. Standing water was reported visible.

Sexual battery. 31800 block of Coast hwy. 12:20 p.m. Hospital officials reported that a 27-year-old Dove Canyon patient alleged a sexual assault by a “holistic practitioner” during a South Carolina vacation in November.

Hit and run. 10:16 p.m. S. Coast Hwy. Eric Escobedo, 24, of Upland, was arrested for suspicion of DUI, driving on a suspended license as well as two counts of hit and run. Escobedo allegedly rear-ended one vehicle at Broadway and struck another while fleeing into the underground parking structure at the Montage, where he apparently worked.

Traffic stop. Diamond St. 11:13 p.m. A 54-year-old Newport Beach man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Sunday, Dec. 29

Drunk driving. 1300 block of N. Coast hwy. 12:25 a.m. The driver of a silver four-door vehicle that collided with another northbound vehicle north of Irvine Cove fled the scene. Police have no leads in the hit and run.

Traffic stop. Laguna Ave. 12:49 a.m. A 45-year-old Aliso Viejo woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

The post Alleged Robbery Subsides to Stripper’s Cancellation Fee appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

Police took four Laguna Beach teens who were not identified into custody about 2:26 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, as a result of a search of a neighborhood for a suspected car burglar, Sgt. Louise Callus said.

Three 17-year-old boys were cited for curfew violations and a 16-year-old for driving and drinking even as police investigate the origin of an Ipod, Ipod mini and a GPS found in their car, Callus said. “During the contact one of the juveniles told officers that another of the group had stolen the items. Officers were able to locate at least one of the victim vehicles,” Callus said.

Police were called to the 2800 block of Bernard Court by a resident, who suspected a car break-in and provided a vehicle description. An officer spotted a matching vehicle a few blocks away, which was occupied by the four youths, she said.

Monday, Dec. 30

Prowler. 2800 block of Wards Terrace. 9 a.m. A gardener denies entering a house uninvited. Whoever was in the house left before officers arrived.

Hand tools. 1700 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 10:22 a.m. Hand tools and sockets were taken from a store.

DUI. 400 block of Ocean Ave. 11:35 p.m. A 35-year-old Fountain Valley woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Tuesday, Dec. 31

Traffic stop. Vista del Sol. Salvador Jasso Castillo, 31, of Anaheim, was arrested for a Palmdale warrant for driving on a suspended license. Bail was set at $50,000.

Wednesday, Jan. 1

DUI. 900 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 1:12 a.m. A 32-year-old Irvine man who drove into a parked vehicle was arrested for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Fire. 200 block of N. Coast Hwy. 1:25 a.m. James Garcia Santos, 62, a Laguna Beach transient who was trying to stay warm, allegedly lit fire that ignited bushes in a public park. He was arrested for suspicion of arson and held for $100,000 bail.

Thursday, Jan. 2

Burglary. 1300 block of Skyline Dr. 3:58 a.m. A resident reported seeing two men outside a window but police are unable to locate anyone.

Fire. 300 block of Broadway St. 7:19 a.m. Small oven fire.

Grand theft. 1100 block of S. Coast hwy. 10:47 a.m. A resident reported the theft of a coat, which also contained a cell phone, $20, two taxi vouchers, house keys and a driver’s license cumulatively valued at $580.

Fraud report. 500 block of Forest Ave. 12:22 p.m. Two unauthorized purchases were made in October on a bank debit card to two websites in the amounts of $52.50 and $217.23, respectively.

Remote rescue. 3200 block of Alta Laguna Blvd. 1:36 p.m. A hiker who experienced blurry vision and vomiting was rescued from the West Ridge Trail, two miles from the trail head.

Shots fired. 21600 Treetop Lane. 4:50 p.m. Two teens from out of town were detained and cited for various violations, including shooting fireworks, and their parents contacted.

Battery. PD. 10:36 p.m. A 12-year-old girl with visible bruising to her forehead told police a 15-year-old boy held her to the ground at a party in a dispute over an e-cig.

Friday, Jan. 3

Traffic stop. 200 block of Anita St. 12:32 a.m. A 34-year-old Newport Beach woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Vandalism. 100 block of San Tropez Ct. 10:29 a.m. A vehicle was keyed over night.

Saturday, Jan. 4

Traffic stop. 200 block of Brooks St. 12:08 a.m. Eleanor Knabe, 23, of Laguna Beach, was arrested for an outstanding DUI warrant and for an additional DUI charge. Bail was set at $10,000.

Vandalism. 700 block of Ocean Front. 9:52 a.m. Someone threw a rock through a guest bedroom window.

Vehicle burglary. 1200 Dunning Drive. 8:37 p.m. An Ipod was taken from a vehicle.

Sunday, Jan. 5

Domestic violence. 10^th Ave. 1:29 a.m. Humberto Guzman Herrera, 23, of San Juan Capistrano, was arrested for suspicion of felony grand theft and making terrorist threats. He allegedly stole a phone from a girlfriend, who had called police to report a stalker that had punched her. Bail was set at $50,000.

Grand theft. 400 block of Cypress Dr. 3:43 p.m. A resident reported that $7500 hidden in his home was taken while he was out of the country last month.

Reckless driving. N. Coast Hwy. 7:50 p.m. As a result of a report about a vehicle hitting the guardrail and swerving, a 43-year-old woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Petty theft. 900 block of Baja St. 8 p.m. A neighbor admitted to stealing a light bulb and promised to replace it.

The post Teens Suspected in Car Break-ins appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

The police department is offering free training for people who live or work in Laguna Beach and are interested in joining the Community Emergency Response Team, volunteers ready to assist in case of a disaster.

Training will begin on Wednesday, March 19 and concludes with an exercise drill. Classes will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. followed by a Saturday, May 3, exercise from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Applications are due March 14. To register, fill out an online registration form at www.lagunabeachcity.net and email it to Jordan Villwock, emergency management coordinator, jvillwock@lagunabeachcity.net or call 949 497-0701.

Monday, Jan. 6

Petty theft. 1400 block of N. Coast Hwy. 6:14 p.m. Medication valued at $200 was taken from a hotel room.

Petty theft. 600 block of Park Ave. 8:18 p.m. A phone was stolen near the tennis courts at the high school.

Tuesday, Jan. 7

Burglary. 400 block of S. Coast Hwy. 9:08 a.m. Unknown suspects broke into a business overnight and stole a small safe, which contained about $3,000 in cash. Scratch marks were visible where the safe was dragged out the door.

Burglary. 32100 block of Coast Hwy. 9:27 a.m. A medical device known as a shock wave machine valued at $55,000 was stolen from a home while the occupant was out of town.

Vandalism. 100 block of Crescent Bay Dr. 11:49 a.m. A neighbor cut a backyard tree without the permission of the homeowner.

Wednesday, Jan. 8

Traffic stop. West St. A 22-year-old San Juan Capistrano woman was arrested for DUI and held for $2,500 bail.

Property. 800 block of Bluebird Canyon Dr. 4:38 p.m. A resident discovered a small electric plane with a Gopro camera that had landed in his backyard.

Thursday, Jan. 9

Pedestrian stop. 700 block of S. Coast Hwy. 10:13 a.m. A 65-year-old Laguna Beach resident was arrested for three outstanding warrants.

Fraud report. 30800 block of Coast Hwy. 11:10 a.m. The victim noticed two unauthorized purchases on Oct. 17 of $52.50 and $217.23, respectively, made through websites on his bank card.

Stolen vehicle. Stonington Rd. 1:27 p.m. A boat trailer stored here since 2006 went missing and was possibly repossessed.

Vehicle burglary. 1300 block of Circle Way. 3:33 p.m. A car window was smashed and purses taken.

Traffic collision. 300 block of Broadway. 10:33 p.m. After receiving a report about an inbound vehicle that spun out and knocked over a pedestrian sign, a 26-year-old Brea man was arrested for DUI. Bail was set at $10,000.

Friday, Jan 10

Stolen vehicle. 400 block of Jasmine St. 10:27 a.m. A 2004 Suzuki motorcycle was stolen the previous night.

H&S activity. 600 block of Park ave. 11:14 a.m. The 15-year-old female student was released to her mother and received a citation for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana.

Patrol check. 1100 block of S. Coast Hwy. 3:35 p.m. Some girls suffered scratches as a result of a fight among a dozen 15-year-old combatants, who decided to fight each other over some name calling. Others showed up to watch the fight in the underground parking structure.

Drunk. S. Coast Hwy at Thalia St. 4:07 p.m. As a result of a report about a sedan swerving badly and the driver falling asleep at the wheel, police arrested Robin Kenneth Scheiterlein, 23, of Costa Mesa, for suspicion of heroin possession. A search turned up 2.98 grams of heroin and paraphernalia. Bail was set at $20,000.

Saturday, Jan. 11

Traffic stop. 200 block of Anita St. 1:11 a.m. A 28-year-old Walnut Creek resident was arrested for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic stop. West St. A 35-year-old Riverside resident was cited for DUI and held for $2,500 bail.

Warrant service. 14-00115. 200 block of Moss St. 9:43 p.m. Brian Gardiner Harvey, 45, of Laguna Beach, was arrested for identity theft and larceny warrants and was held for $50,000 bail.

Sunday, Jan. 12

Verbal threats. 200 block of Broadway St. 9:19 a.m. A man was who verbally abusive to employees was warned against returning.

Checking in on construction progress on the Main Beach lifeguard headquarters

The post Schooling Civilians for Emergencies appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

Monday, Jan. 13

Property. 100 block of Coast Hwy. 10:43 a.m. Schwinn Clearcreek with basket was cut from the handicap ramp.

Traffic stop. 100 block of Coast hwy. 11:34 p.m. A 41-year-old Mission Viejo woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Tuesday, Jan. 14

Traffic hazard. 400 block of Ocean Ave. 12:01 a.m. After receiving a report about a wrong way vehicle, police arrested a 22-year-old Aliso Viejo man for DUI and held him for $2500 bail.

Grand theft. 200 block of Broadway St. 9:21 a.m. A patron reported forgetting to retrieve $1,500 in cash from a shopping basket that also contained unwanted items, which was given to an employee. When the patron returned, the employee told her the basket had no cash.

Citizen contact. 500 block of Forest Ave. 1:22 p.m. Patricia Jameson, 63, of Newport Beach, was arrested for four outstanding warrants and held for $5,000 in bail.

Disturbance. 300 block of Cozumel. 2:34 p.m. Police responded to reports of an argument between a man and woman on the third level, but no arrests were made.

Wednesday, Jan. 15

Pedestrian stop. S. Coast hwy. 9:13 a.m. Peter Douglas Dandley, 50, of San Clemente, was arrested for two outstanding warrants. Bail was set at $1,500.

DUI. 100 block of S. Coast hwy. 8:32 p.m. After receiving a report of a hit and run, police arrested Michael Treadway, 52, of Laguna Niguel, for suspicion of DUI. Bail was set at $10,000 due to a prior offense.

Thursday, Jan. 16

Traffic collision. 20400 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 3:30 a.m. A Laguna Beach man escaped injury after falling asleep while driving home and colliding with a utility pole, which snapped about 12-feet above the ground.

Attempted burglary. 1100 block of N. Coast Hwy. 9:36 p.m. Someone attempted to pry open the front door.

Vehicle burglary. 1100 Cliff Dr. 1:39 p.m. A purse containing $45 was stolen after a car window was smashed.

Fraud. 400 block of Locust St. 1:41 p.m. Someone used a purloined social security number to attempt to open unauthorized charge accounts.

Assault. 100 block of San Tropez Court. 5:39 p.m. A woman reported being stabbed by her boyfriend, but police are unable to locate a victim after tracing the call.

Friday, Jan. 17

Petty theft. 20600 Laguna Canyon Rd. 12:31 p.m. Someone stole a Gucci bag and its contents valued at $1,500 from an unlocked vehicle.

Disturbance. S. Encino. 4:48 p.m. An escalating family dispute prompted the response of seven officers, but was resolved without arrests or injury and a referral to mental health and juvenile authorities, Sgt. Louise Callus said.

Saturday, Jan. 18

Vehicle burglary. Marine Dr. 5:14 p.m. The front passenger window was smashed and a purse with $600 in valuables taken.

Sunday, Jan. 19

Traffic stop. Cleo St. 1:32 a.m. A 58-year-old Los Angeles woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Pedestrian stop. 800 block of Glenneyre St. 2:28 a.m. Three 12-year-old boys, one from Laguna and two from Dana Point, told police they were supposed to be at a friend’s house. The boys were detained and released to a parent.

Traffic collision. 20600 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 8:11 a.m. Traffic was affected due to a single car rollover. The driver escaped without injury.

Traffic collision. Thalia St. 3:45 p.m. A pedestrian complained of minor injuries after a collision with a bicyclist.

The post Streetbeat appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

Vehicle burglary. 20600 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 12:59 p.m. A window was smashed and a purse hidden under the seat was stolen from inside a locked vehicle. The purse and its contents was valued at $100.

Disturbance. 600 block of S. Coast Hwy. 2:16 p.m. Police will investigate a conflict that escalated into an assault on a 47-year-old homeless man, who suffered kicks to the head that required medical aid.

Tuesday, Jan. 21

Detective activity. 200 block of Raitt St., Santa Ana. 11:28 a.m. Nga Ly Nguyet Nguyen, 23, was arrested for suspicion of burglary for using stolen credit cards in a store. The arrest stems from the recovery of a rental car that contained evidence of identity theft. Bail was set at $20,000.

Vehicle burglary. Cliff Dr. 5:39 p.m. A purse and its contents valued at $600 disappeared.

Restraining order. 2000 block of S. Coast Hwy. 11:35 p.m. A former boyfriend who called his ex-girlfriend eight times was arrested for violation of a restraining order.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Traffic stop. 700 block of LCR. 11:08 a.m. Thomas Steven Wilson, 52, of Mission Viejo was arrested for a DUI warrant. Bail was set at $10,000.

Theft. 300 block of Lookout Dr. 4:49 p.m. A purse was taken from an unlocked car while the owner went to the beach.

Traffic collision. Mountain Rd. 7:28 p.m. A 35-year-old Laguna Beach resident suffered a cut to his head and pain in a left knee and shoulder after being struck by a car as he walked with his dog in a crosswalk.

Thursday, Jan. 23

Theft. Monterey St. 4:55 p.m. A purse was recovered but missing $700 in cash, credit cards and personal documents.

Suspicious circs. S. Coast Hwy. 11:47 p.m. An observer reported seeing a man take a large propane tank from a construction site and put it in the back seat of a white sedan without plates, which went outbound on Broadway.

Friday, Jan. 24

Vehicle burglary. 500 block of Mystic Way. 4:14 a.m. A car owner out early walking a dog surprised a suspected burglar in the driveway. No one was found in the area.

Stolen vehicle. 200 block of High Dr. 7:11 a.m. Colleen Viets, 45, of Newport Beach, was arrested for suspicion of unlawfully taking a vehicle after the owner reported its theft in Huntington Beach. Bail was set at $20,000.

Warrant arrest. 500 block of Forest Ave. 10:54 a.m. A 51-year-old Laguna Beach woman, who tried to retrieve her car from a tow yard, was arrested for a DUI warrant.

Petty theft. 1500 Via Capri. 12:53 p.m. Someone boosted a $500 skimboard from an unlocked vehicle overnight.

Vandalism. 500 block of Blumont St. 1:37 p.m. A car in the school district parking lot was dented by a runaway tire, apparently set loose by three juveniles.

Grand theft. S. Coast Hwy. 4:43 p.m. A purse and its contents valued at $1,075 was reported stolen. No further details were available.

Traffic stop. Reef Point. 10:21 p.m. A 25-year-old Newport Coast woman was cited for DUI and held for $2,500 bail.

Saturday, Jan. 25

Foot patrol. 3200 block of Alta Laguna Blvd. 12 a.m. Four girls, ages 12 to 17, in the company of three boys, ages 19 and 18, all from Anaheim, were detained for curfew violations.

Traffic stop. West St. 2:55 a.m. A 23-year-old Hungtington Beach woman was cited for DUI and held for $2,500 bail.

Petty theft. 500 block of Blumont St. 10:11 a.m. A $500 laptop computer was stolen from an unlocked car.

Petty theft. 200 block of Forest Ave. 2 p.m. Christopher Paul Mack, 46, of Laguna Beach, was arrested for three felony charges, including burglary, after a store employee allegedly observed him exit a dressing room with fewer garments than when he entered. While being interviewed, Mack swallowed a small black object. He was taken to the hospital for observation. Bail was set at $20,000.

DUI. Table Rock. 4:43 p.m. Michael David Maga, 44, of Laguna Hills, was arrested for suspicion of DUI causing bodily injury following a traffic collision. Though damage was minor, one party involved complained of pain and was taken for treatment. Bail was set at $100,000.

Sunday, Jan. 26

Traffic stop. Third Ave. 1:45 a.m. A 29-year-old Hawthorne woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic collision. 2100 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 11:36 a.m. Five vehicles were involved in a collision, but occupants all escaped without injury.

Stalking. 2900 block of S. Coast Hwy. 5:25 p.m. An unknown suspect is unnerving a resident by cutting yard flowers, leaving them on her car for 14 days running and writing a message on the car.

The post Monday, Jan. 20 appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

About 15 post office boxes in the downtown branch were pried open or attempted to be pried open sometime during the past weekend, Sgt. Louise Callus said.

Possible losses are unclear as “there is no way to know what may have been in the boxes,” she said

A tractor-trailer rig collided and plowed a parked pickup 50 feet along Coast Highway into a utility pole on Saturday, Feb. 1, crushing the truck and damaging the pole.

No one was injured in the 3:31 a.m. wreck near Moss Point, Sgt. Louise Callus said.

A tractor-trailer rig collided and plowed a parked pickup. Photo by:Leah Overt

Monday, Jan. 27

Vehicle burglary. Cliff Dr. 7:45 p.m. A purse was on the front floorboard was taken from a locked car.

Stolen vehicle. Diamond St. 8:41 p.m. Ronald Gary Garrett, 57, of Weed, Calif., was arrested for suspicion of stealing a car from a Burbank airport car rental agency. Bail was set at $20,000.

Tuesday, Jan. 28

Fraud. 400 block of Cypress Dr. 4:39 p.m. The victim found three unauthorized transactions on her bank statement, each totaling less than $100.

Thursday, Jan. 30

Vandalism. 21500 Wesley Dr. 10:28 a.m. Nothing appears stolen, though the driver’s side window was smashed.

Petty theft. 300 block of S. Coast Hwy. 1:10 p.m. A customer’s bike was stolen.

Friday, Jan. 31

Traffic stop. Pearl St. 12:22 a.m. A 26-year-old Florida man was arrested for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Detective activity. 1700 block W. Niobe Ave. Police seized mushrooms and 12 pounds of marijuana as a result of a search warrant served at the home of James Modiano, 27, of Anaheim, who was arrested for suspicion of selling a controlled substance, Sgt. Louise Callus said.

Suspicious person. Third Ave. 10:17 a.m. As a result of an observant restaurant employee who spotted a woman suspected of bike theft a day earlier, a 27-year-old homeless woman was arrested with the missing bike as well as for outstanding warrants and providing false information to police.

Fire. 800 Bluebird Canyon Dr. 2:52 p.m. Firefighters were called to a small dryer fire.

Grand theft. 600 block of S. Coast Hwy. 4 p.m. Artist Christina Lewis’ work “Elevate,” valued at $60,000, was discovered stolen two days after it was left unsecured in an underground parking garage.

Scam. Fifth Avenue. 4:36 p.m. A resident reported being approached by two people trying to sell speakers for $500 that they claim are worth $2,000.

Traffic stop. Legion St. 10:45 p.m. A 47-year-old Laguna Beach man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic stop. West St. 11:55 p.m. A 36-year-old Cerritos man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Saturday, Feb. 1

Speed race. Cleo St. 1:34 a.m. A 27-year-old Brentwood woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Vehicle burglary. 1500 block of N. Coast Hwy. 12:11 p.m. A vehicle was broken into sometime last night and valuables worth $5420 stolen.

Drunk driving. 20200 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 11:27 p.m.A 49-year-old Huntington Beach man was cited for DUI.

Sunday, Feb. 2

Occupied vehicle. 21600 Treetop Lane. 12:06 a.m. During a routine check of a car, police arrested Jane Tungka, 27, of Riverside, for two outstanding warrants.

Vandalism. 300 block of Y Place. 3:15 p.m. A window was damaged by a possible airgun last night after 6:30 p.m.

Traffic stop. 2400 block of S. Coast Hwy. 10:20 p.m. A 20-year-old San Clemente man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Monday, Feb. 3

Traffic collision. 10^th Ave. 1:54 a.m. A suspected drunk driver from Temecula suffered moderate injuries after colliding into two parked pickups. The impact pushed one truck up the hillside to the point it nearly toppled over.

The post Thieves Raid Post Office Boxes appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

Monday, Feb. 3

Petty theft. 1700 block of Manzinita Dr. 11:41 a.m. A camera valued at $1750 was discovered taken out of a vehicle in the previous week.

Tuesday, Feb. 4

Vandalism. 1400 block of S. Coast Hwy. Someone chiseled the name “Zahide” on a plaque dedicated to Harry Lawrence.

DUI. 31100 block of Coast Hwy. 8:56 p.m. A 26-year-old Laguna Hills man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Wednesday, Feb. 5

DUI. 2000 block of Park Ave. As a result of a witness reporting a vehicle with its right side tire and panel gone, an 18-year-old Laguna Beach resident was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Thursday, Feb. 6

Speed race. Cress St. 12:47 a.m. The 26-year-old Laguna Beach driver of a car observed at speeds estimated at 90 m.p.h., attempted to elude officers and was pulled over at gun point at a dead end street. He was cited for DUI and held for $2,500 bail.

DUI. 32200 Coast Hwy. 6:52 p.m. A 66-year-old Laguna Beach man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic collision. 20400 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 10:28 p.m. Austen Michael Ray Bakkum, 24, of Laguna Beach, escaped injury but was arrested for suspicion of DUI after his inbound truck spun off the roadway. Bail was set at $10,000 due to a previous offense.

Friday, Feb. 7

Vandalism. Mermaid St. Three employees of a gallery reported each of their vehicles were vandalized with markers.

Saturday, Feb. 8

Traffic stop. 100 block of N. Coast Hwy. A 23-year-old La Quinta woman was cited for DUI and held for $2,500 bail.

H&S activity. 31800 block Coast Hwy. Vincent John Facciuto, 30, of San Juan Capistrano, was cited for suspicion of being under the influence of heroin and released to the care of the hospital. A security guard who allegedly found him shooting heroin brought him to the ER.

Vehicle burglary. 31600 block of Jewel Ave. A thief who pilfered cash from a possibly unlocked car overnight left a flashlight behind.

Traffic stop. Monterey Dr. 11:26 p.m. A 43-year-old Monterey Park man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Sunday, Feb. 9

Traffic stop. S. Coast Hwy. 2:14 a.m. A 23-year-old Tustin man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Disturbance. 1400 block of N. Coast hwy. 2:53 a.m. Two of three men, who were yelling and had smashed a window in an attempt to reach an unconscious friend, were arrested for being under the influence of a stimulant. Their friend, who police found unresponsive after kicking down the door, was transported to the hospital.

The post Streetbeat appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

Monday, Feb. 10

Fraud. 31600 block of Fairview Rd. 5 p.m. $1251 was taken from a checking account without authorization.

Petty theft. 600 block of Park Ave. 5:44 p.m. Three cell phones were stolen from three individual gym bags from inside the girl’s locker room. The following morning, police received another report of a stolen cell phone swiped the previous day from a backpack unattended near the high school track.

Tuesday, Feb. 11

Stolen vehicle. 2100 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. Police declined to investigate the reported theft of a Ford Mustang. The vehicle’s whereabouts are a civil matter between ex-spouses, Sgt. Louise Callus said.

Stolen vehicle. 2135 Laguna Canyon Rd. 1:14 p.m. Detectives did pursue the theft of a red 2008 Porsche 911 valued at $60,000 and a day later arrested Howard Bruce Norton, 62, of Dana Point, for suspicion of felony car theft. They recovered the vehicle in Ladera Ranch. Norton allegedly provided bad checks to buy the car, Callus said. Bail was set at $20,000.

Petty theft. 1300 block of Moorea way. Three Audi emblems were pried off the rims of a vehicle and a car cover stolen.

Traffic collision. Legion St. 9:22 p.m. A pedestrian crossing the highway outside a crosswalk escaped serious injury and refused medical attention after being knocked down by a vehicle, which attempted to stop.

Wednesday, Feb. 12

Suspicious circumstances. Cozumel. 2 a.m. Police are unable to locate anyone after receiving a report of someone trying windows at apartments, using construction scaffolding to reach them.

Drug activity. 600 block of Park Ave. 12 p.m. A 16-year-old female juvenile was arrested for possession of a single Adderall pill and a cigarette.

Vehicle burglary. Cliff Dr. 3:40 p.m. A side window of a rental vehicle was shattered and a purse taken.

Friday, Feb. 14

Vandalism. 1400 block of Coast Hwy. 4 a.m. A 60-year-old female transient was taken into custody for suspicion of vandalism after breaking a vase in a florist’s alcove and battery to a police officer after she became aggressive during fingerprinting. She was restrained and placed on a mental hold.

Vandalism. 1200 block of S. Coast hwy. 2:09 p.m. Multiple walls and property were marked with purple spray paint.

Saturday, Feb. 15

Traffic stop. Moss St. 12:17 a.m. A 51-year-old San Clemente woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Vandalism. 1100 block of Glenneyre St. 11:56 am. A vehicle was keyed with more than one four-letter word. Damage is estimated at $1,000.

DUI. N. Coast hwy. 3:33 p.m. In the wake of two witnesses who reported a vehicle weaving, police arrested Murrita residents Jose Ramirez, 43, for outstanding warrants and driver Christian Martinez, 20, for suspicion of DUI. Bail was set at $30,000 and $2,500, respectively.

Sunday, Feb. 16

Traffic stop. 300 block of Coast Hwy. 1 a.m. A 20-year-old Florida woman was arrested for an outstanding hit and run warrant.

Traffic stop. 100 block of Mountain Rd. 1:40 a.m. A 24-year-old Mission Viejo man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic stop. 100 block of Wave St. 6:54 a.m. A 25-year-old Laguna Beach woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Robbery. 600 block of N. Coast Hwy. 9:21 a.m. A suspect, who attempted to shoplift two bottles of alcohol, shoved the manager of a store. The suspect returned a second time and swiped a single 1.75 liter of vodka valued at $15.99 before fleeing.

Vandalism. 900 block of Glenneyre St. 1:59 p.m. Graffiti and the word “Migo” spray painted in purple and black was reported.

Grand theft. 30800 block of Coast Hwy. 4:43 p.m. Jewelry valued at $1,000 was reported stolen.

The post Streetbeat appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

Police hope the public can assist them with information about a driver who apparently struck and critically injured a pedestrian in Laguna Beach and fled the scene early Monday, Feb. 24.

Sgt. Louise Callus said another motorist came upon the injured man about 3:21 a.m. near Laguna Canyon’s Big Bend. Police closed the highway for four hours in both directions to investigate and clear away debris.

The injured man, who was not further identified, was transferred for treatment to Mission Viejo’s Mission Hospital, said Callus, who urged anyone with information to contact her at 949 497-0701.

Monday, Feb. 17

Vandalism. N. Coast Highway. 9:15 a.m. Spray paint was reported on a lifeguard tower.

Welfare check. 1200 block of N. Coast Hwy. 1:07 p.m. After receiving reports about a man staggering, police arrested Thomas Patrick Comte, 49, of San Diego, for five misdemeanor warrants.

Traffic stop. 2400 block of S. Coast Hwy. 1:26 p.m. Corey Joseph Brindley, 26, of Costa Mesa was arrested for a reckless driving warrant and bail was set at $25,000.

Tuesday, Feb. 18

Traffic stop. 31100 block of Coast Hwy. 9:40 a.m. A 49-year-old man was arrested for suspicion of domestic violence and held for $15,000 bail.

Vandalism. Bluff Drive. 11:36 a.m. Graffiti was reported at the south end of the beach.

Assault with a deadly weapon. Laguna Canyon Rd. 2 p.m. An unidentified bicyclist, who wheeled up to the driver’s side of a stopped truck to urge the driver to make room for cyclists, suffered scratches and bruises after being knocked off his bike and struck by the truck, which moved forward as the cyclist returned to the bike lane.

Traffic stop. Vista del Sol. 4:39 p.m. Luis Enrique Anaya Montes, 44, of San Juan Capistrano, was arrested for four warrants.

Wednesday, Feb. 19

Grand theft. 500 block of S. Coast Hwy. 10 a.m. A woman reported that four juveniles on paddleboards stole and purposely sank a dingy.

Pedestrian stop. 300 block of Broadway St. 4:55 p.m. Police arrested homeless Curtis Grant Abbott, 49, for 10 outstanding drunk in public warrants.

Thursday, Feb. 20

Occupied vehicle. 800 block of Cliff Dr. 2:46 a.m. Melanie Lynn Darling, 27, of Bakersfield, was arrested for suspicion of meth possession and trying to destroy evidence. She attempted to dump a baggie with .36 grams of meth at the curb. Bail was set at $20,000.

Traffic collision. 6:18 a.m. heard only. Jesse James Brandenburg, 27, of San Clemente, was arrested for suspicion of being under the influence of drugs after his vehicle crashed into a utility pole.

Friday, Feb. 21

Suspicious. 100 block of Cedar Way. 8:32 a.m. A witness reported seeing a man looking in cars, trying gates at homes.

Detective activity. 20600 block of Laguna Canyon rd. 10:52 a.m. Homeless Jesse Matthew Lincks, 28, was arrested for suspicion of felony burglary in last week’s Pavilion’s liquor theft. Bail was set at $20,000.

Property found. 400 block of S. Coast Hwy. A box with a syringe and a spoon was found in an employee break room.

Fraud. 300 block of Cliff Dr. 1:53 p.m. An unknown suspect made $4,036 in fraudulent transactions on a victim’s bank account.

Bomb threat. 200 block of Forest Ave. 4:16 p.m. An overheard remark about a suitcase that was misinterpreted as a threat prompted a full-scale but ultimately unneeded response by police.

Traffic stop. West St. 8:53 p.m. A 53-year-old Laguna Beach woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic collision. Laguna Ave. 9:390 p.m. William Christian Shaw, 22, and Emory Paige Osteen, 18, both of Capo Beach, were arrested for suspicion of felony drug possession and under the influence charges after their vehicle collided with a taxi. Bail was set at $20,000 each.

Traffic collision. 31300 block of Monterey St. 10:45 a.m. After a neighbor reported a collision, police arrested Gisela Monroy, 37, of Newport Beach, for suspicion of DUI. Due to a prior offense, bail was set at $10,000.

Saturday, Feb. 22

Traffic stop. 2200 block of Laguna Can yon Rd. A 23-year-old Mission Viejo man was cited for DUI and held for $2,500 bail.

Reckless driving. No Coast Hwy. 3:29 p.m. Following reports of a motorist driving erratically, a 36-year-old Costa Mesa woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Sunday, Feb. 23

Traffic stop. Rockledge. 12:34 a.m. A 36-year-old La Mirada woman was cited for DIU and held or $2500 bail.

Traffic stop. West St. 8:23 p.m. A 26-year-old San Juan Capistrano man was cited for driving under the influence of drugs and held for $2500 bail.

DUI. 1700 block of S. Coast Hwy. 10:52 p.m. A 57-year-old Aliso Viejo woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

The post Police Seek Info on Hit and Run Driver appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

A small plane piloted by a couple who divided their time between Laguna Beach and Lake Tahoe crashed Monday, March 3, near Truckee, Placer County sheriff’s authorities said.

Killed in the crash was Darla Farnell, 55, of Carnelian Bay, said Debby Smith, a coroner’s assistant in Auburn, Calif., adding that the crash site was near Truckee’s Murphy’s Meadow and Juniper Creek, north of Lake Tahoe.

Injured was Farnell’s husband, Ray Richard Farnell, 70, who was the plane’s pilot, Capt. Jeff Ausnow told the Reno Gazette Journal. Ray Richard Farnell was being treated in a Reno hospital Monday.

The Farnells were traveling from Santa Ana to Truckee, said FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer, who said the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.

Hit and Run Victim Remains in Coma

A homeless man remains in an induced coma in Mission Viejo’s Mission Hospital after he was critically injured a week ago in an early morning hit and run collision in Laguna Canyon.

An appeal by police for the public’s help in tracking down the fleeing driver has yielded little, Sgt. Louis Callus said Monday. “Some video shows a black car but not much else pass the crosswalk at LCAD right before the call came into dispatch,” she said.

Police identified the victim as Shahram Mokarami-Tehrani, 51, a native of Iran who had lived in Los Angeles, but recently was staying overnight at the homeless shelter in Laguna Canyon.

Mokarami-Tehrani was on foot when injured near Big Bend by a vehicle that fled the scene and was discovered by another motorist about 3:21 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24, Callus said.

Anyone with information should contact Callus at 949 497-0701.

Monday, Feb. 24

Fraud. 1100 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 8:28 a.m. A resident received a phone call from Kohl’s about the victim’s personal information being used to buy $1,000 in furniture, which was to be delivered to San Bernardino. The delivery was halted.

Vandalism. 200 block of Grandview St. 4:58 p.m. A car was keyed.

Tuesday, Feb. 26

Vehicle burglary. Cliff Dr. 2:23 p.m. Someone smashed a window sometime in the previous three hours and took a bag valued at $250.

Friday, Feb. 28

Vehicle burglary. 14-00596. 500 block of S. Coast Hwy. 7 a.m. A window in a vehicle parked in an underground parking structure was smashed and a purse was stolen containing valuables pegged at $1,800.

Road closure. Seventh Avenue. 3 p.m. Lanes submerged with rainwater were closed and traffic diverted briefly around the hospital until maintenance workers extracted a drain-blocking parade sign that had tumbled from the sidewalk.

Traffic stop. Cleo St. 8:15 p.m. A 24-yer-old Mission Viejo man was arrested for DUI and held for $10,000 due to a prior offense.

Saturday, March 1

Traffic stop. Crown Valley. 1:45 a.m. A 28-year-old Mission Veijo man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Drunk driving. City limits north. 8:38 p.m. A 43-year-old Costa Mesa man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Pedestrian stop. 600 block of N. Coast Hwy. 10:09 p.m. Joshua Michael Lee Miles, 27, of San Juan Capistrano was arrested for three drug paraphernalia warrants and a DUI warrant.

Sunday, March 2

Traffic stop. Ocean Ave. 12:09 a.m. A 23-year-old Lake Forest woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Speed race. Upland Rd. 12:44 a.m. An officer who observed a vehicle speeding arrested a 31-year-old Laguna Beach man for suspicion of DUI and was held for $10,000 bail due to a prior offense eight years ago.

Occupied vehicle. 200 block of Ocean Ave. 1:51 a.m. A 24-year-old Aliso Viejo man was cited for DUI and held for $2,500 bail.

Suspicious vehicle. 3200 block of Alta Laguna Blvd. 6 a.m. Aimee Dawn Hart, 43, who appeared to be living out of her car, was arrested for suspicion of a felony, evading police with wanton disregard for the safety of others. She ran stop signs and drove on the wrong side of the road in attempting to flee police. Ultimately, she stopped at the fire road gate at Summit Dumond near Alta Laguna Park after throwing $1,100 in cash out the window. Bail was set at $20,000.

Traffic stop. Ledroint. 7:39 p.m. A 33-year-old Ohio man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

The post Local Dies in Crash of Small Plane appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

A small plane piloted by a couple who divided their time between Laguna Beach and Lake Tahoe crashed Monday, March 3, near Truckee, Placer County sheriff’s authorities said.

The Farnells were traveling from Santa Ana to Truckee, said FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer, who said the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.

The post One Dead in Crash of Small Plane appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

By Andrea Adelson

A homeless man remains in an induced coma in Mission Viejo’s Mission Hospital after he was critically injured a week ago in an early morning hit and run collision in Laguna Canyon.

Police identified the victim as Shahram Mokarami-Tehrani, 51, a native of Iran who had lived in Los Angeles, but recently was staying overnight at the homeless shelter in Laguna Canyon.

Mokarami-Tehrani was on foot when injured near Big Bend by a vehicle that fled the scene and was discovered by another motorist about 3:21 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24, Callus said.

Anyone with information should contact Callus at 949 497-0701.

The post Hit and Run Victim Remains in Coma appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

Monday, Feb. 24

Vandalism. 200 block of Grandview St. 4:58 p.m. A car was keyed.

Tuesday, Feb. 26

Vehicle burglary. Cliff Dr. 2:23 p.m. Someone smashed a window sometime in the previous three hours and took a bag valued at $250.

Friday, 2/28

Traffic stop. Cleo St. 8:15 p.m. A 24-yer-old Mission Viejo man was arrested for DUI and held for $10,000 due to a prior offense.

Saturday, March 1

Traffic stop. Crown Valley. 1:45 a.m. A 28-year-old Mission Veijo man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Drunk driving. City limits north. 8:38 p.m. A 43-year-old Costa Mesa man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Pedestrian stop. 600 block of N. Coast Hwy. 10:09 p.m. Joshua Michael Lee Miles, 27, of San Juan Capistrano was arrested for three drug paraphernalia warrants and a DUI warrant.

Sunday, March 2

Traffic stop. Ocean Ave. 12:09 a.m. A 23-year-old Lake Forest woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Occupied vehicle. 200 block of Ocean Ave. 1:51 a.m. A 24-year-old Aliso Viejo man was cited for DUI and held for $2,500 bail.

Traffic stop. Ledroint. 7:39 p.m. A 33-year-old Ohio man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

The post Streetbeat appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.

Two pedestrians suffered injuries after being struck about 7:30 p.m. by a vehicle turning onto Thalia Street from Coast Highway on Thursday, March 6.

No one was cited in the incident, Sgt. Louise Callus said. The southbound vehicle had a green light and hit the two pedestrians as they began to cross Thalia northbound, she said.

The male, who was thrown onto the truck, suffered a broken rib, collapsed lung and broken nose, Callus said, while the woman was knocked to the side and suffered a cut to her head. Both were transported to Mission Viejo’s Mission Hospital with injuries, which were not considered life-threatening, she said.

Bison Sculpture on the Lam

The 23-inch “American Bison” work, the fourth of 30 cast by artist Michael J. Hart, was stolen from the Redfern Gallery last week.

Police have yet to develop any leads to identify the thief that smashed a gallery window and made off with a limited edition $9,500 bronze bison sculpture sometime before 6 a.m. Wednesday, March 5.

Gallery owner Ray Redfern told police he learned of the shattered storefront window from a stockbroker whose office is nearby. Nothing else was reported missing, Sgt. Louise Callus said, noting that video shows a male pushing a Dicks’s Sporting Goods shopping cart heaving a rock through a window in the 1500 block of Coast Highway at 4:24 a.m.

Photo: The 23-inch “American Bison” work, the fourth of 30 cast by artist Michael J. Hart, was stolen from the Redfern Gallery last week.

Tuesday, March 4

Traffic stop. 30600 block of Coast Hwy. 12:17 a.m. A 66-year-old Monarch Beach resident was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic stop. 1700 block of Santa Cruz St. 10:03 p.m. A 49-year-old Laguna Beach man was cited for DUI and resisting arrest and held for $2500 bail.

Drunk driving. Forest Ave. 2:59 p.m. A 51-year-old Laguna Beach woman was arrested for DUI and held for $2500 bail after she drove into a parked car.

Thursday, March 6

Petty theft. 600 block of Park Ave. 3:58 p.m. A mother reported her son’s $600 phone was stolen from a backpack and tracked to an address on Coast View.

Friday, March 7

Traffic stop. N. Coast Hwy. 2:26 a.m. A 23-year-old Tustin man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Traffic stop. 500 block of S. Coast Hwy. 2:27 a.m. A 17-year-old driver and his passengers, four other teens from Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Casa and Mission Viejo, were all cited for curfew violations and held for release to their parents.

Mentally ill. 400 block of Coast Hwy. 1:45 a.m. Responding to a report about a nude woman breaking furniture outside, police arrested Sheleta Nycole Morton, 30, for suspicion of domestic violence. She allegedly twice bit her boyfriend when he attempted to summon police. Bail was set $50,000. She was also held for an additional driving unlicensed warrant.

Disturbance. 200 block of Forest Ave. 5:35 p.m. David Chey, 50, and his 82-year-old panhandling mother, Soon Chey, both of Irvine, were arrested for burglary and petty theft warrants. Due to her disabilities, Orange County Jail refused to hold her.

Traffic collision. 2700 block of S. Coast Hwy. 11:21 p.m. A male driver from Huntington Beach was northbound on Coast just north of Nyes Place when he veered to the right and struck a parked pickup truck. No one was injured but both vehicles were severely damaged.

Saturday, March 8

Traffic collision. Coast Hwy and Eagle Rock Way. 10:36 a.m. A motorcyclist refused medical aid after hitting the curb to avoid a stopped vehicle.

Foot patrol. 3200 block of Alta Laguna Blvd. 10:41 p.m. Four juveniles were detained and released to parents. The report was incomplete.

Occupied vehicle. St. Ann’s Drive. 10:55 p.m. A 38-year-old Mission Viejo man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Sunday, March 9

Traffic stop. Park Ave. 1:27 a.m. A 53-year-old Tustin woman was arrested for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

Occupied vehicle. 700 block of Cliff Sr. 3:57 a.m. A 17-year-old male from Garden Grove and a 16-year-old Long Beach girl were both arrested for suspicion of hash possession and other lesser charges. Two other youths were cited for curfew violation. All four were released to their parents.

Traffic stop. N. Coast Hwy. 4:28 a.m. A 19-year-old from Westminster was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.

The post Two Pedestrians Struck by a Vehicle appeared first on Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper, The "Indy" - Laguna Beach News.