Late Check Out Canceled for Hotel’s ‘Guests’
Six people occupying three different rooms at Laguna Beach’s most expensive hotel and suspected of credit card fraud received an 8 a.m. wake-up call from police on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Hotel security learned of the fraudulent cards and notified authorities, Sgt. Louise Callus said. “Most of the suspects were in possession of methamphetamine as well as were using the cards. A number of the subjects confessed to the crime and were also wanted for similar charges from outside of our jurisdiction,” Callus said. One of the rooms was rented for $2,700 a night, she said.
Among those arrested was Dwayne Hage, 48, of Downey, wanted for a felony burglary warrant from Riverside and $100,000 bail, according to the log. Others arrested on various charges were Jordyn Burnside, 19; Phillip Ronald Lozinski, 41, of La Habra; Terrill Studdard, 35, of Buena Park; and Justin Robert Vigil, 31.
Child Abandoned at Main Beach
Police took custody of a 4-year-old boy turned over to Main Beach lifeguards about 5:44 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9 by other beach-goers who realized the child had been playing on his own with other kids for hours, Callus said.
The child was transported to Orangewood Children’s Home and placed in the custody of child protective services after police unsuccessfully searched surrounding beaches and parks for two hours, she said.
The mother, who was not identified, eventually contacted police, Callus said, and was interviewed by investigators. Callus did not indicate if charges are being considered against the mother.
Monday, Aug. 5
Burglary. 400 block of Flora St. 10:08 a.m. A jewelry box was taken while the family was out of town.
Tuesday, Aug. 6
DUI. 2400 block of S. Coast hwy. 12:19 a.m. A 25-year-old Laguna Niguel man was arrested for suspicion of DUI and released after his southbound vehicle crossed into northbound lanes and collided with two parked, unoccupied cars.
Fraud. 200 block of Dolphin Way. 9 a.m. A satisfaction survey sent by an Alabama hotel alerted a resident to the fraudulent use of a credit card.
Petty theft. 31600 block of Jewel Ave. 9:27 a.m. An iPad was stolen at Aliso Beach.
Hit and run. 200 block of Forest Ave. 4:31 p.m. A pedestrian apparently was uninjured after a collision that flung the person across the hood of a car, which fled the scene.
Wednesday, Aug. 7
Defraud innkeeper. 800 block of S. Coast Hwy. Two subjects fled after using fraudulent credit cards to rent a hotel room, abandoning a $1500 tab.
Fraud. 300 block of Pinecrest Dr. 11:32 a.m. Someone made $35,000 in charges beginning in May to a business bank account.
Verbal threats. 31600 block of Seacliff Dr. 6:27 p.m. Someone placed threatening notes in a mailbox.
Vehicle burglary. 31800 block of Coast Hwy. 10:36 p.m. A purse, wallet and checkbook were reported stolen from the second floor of a parking structure.
Friday, Aug. 9
Traffic stop. S. Coast Hwy. 1:52 a.m. A 36-year-old Anaheim woman was arrested for DUI and held for $2500 bail.
Vandalism. 31600 block of Virginia Way. 10:34 a.m. A window was smashed.
Traffic collision. Wesley Dr. 5:55 p.m. Richard George Minota, 38, of Dana Point was arrested for suspicion of DUI following the investigation of a collision where a vehicle fled the scene.
Traffic collision. El Toro Rd. 7:44 p.m. A 53-year-old woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.
Missing person. Thalia Street Beach. A 5-year-old boy, who was taking a surf lesson, was found alone and spent 45 minutes at the police station until his panicked parents realized he was missing. Police determined miscommunication led to adults overlooking the boy’s whereabouts.
Traffic stop. S. Coast hey 10:45 p.m. A 28-year-old Newport Beach man was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.
Saturday, Aug. 10
Suspicious person. 200 block of Nyes Place. 12:31 a.m. An unknown subject was reported using a chainsaw and cutting down a tree.
Traffic stop. Mountain Rd. 1:19 a.m. A 32-year-old woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.
Vandalism. 600 block of Hillcrest Dr. 8:28 a.m. Graffiti was found on a service road.
Vehicle burglary. 31100 block of Coast Hwy. 9 a.m. A window was discovered smashed and a purse stolen.
Drug activity. 300 block of Broadway St. 3:51 p.m. A trolley driver reported seeing three male transients allegedly smoking pot at the depot.
Brandishing a weapon. 600 block of N. Coast Hwy. 5:52 p.m. A male dressed in black carrying an “assault rifle” was found to be someone with a BB gun.
Drunk driving. N. Coast Hwy. The erratic driving of a motorist led to the arrest of a 66-year-old Laguna Woods man for DUI. He was held for $2,500 bail.
Vandalism. 21500 block of Wesley Dr. 6:28 p.m. A car was keyed, causing an estimated $2,000 in damage.
Hit and run. 31600 block of Coast Hwy. Witnesses followed a car involved in a hit and run collision to Monterey and Eagle Rock. The driver, a 23-year-old Mission Viejo woman, was on foot was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI and hit and run.
Pedestrian stop. 31100 block of Coast hwy. 11 p.m. Sean Patrick Munoz, 38, of Santa Ana was arrested for outstanding Riverside county warrants.
Sunday, Aug. 11
Traffic stop. 200 block of Ocean Ave. 1:37 a.m. A 26-year-old Rancho Santa Margarita man and a 29-year-old companion from Illinois were arrested for suspicion of DUI.
Pedestrian stop. S. Coast Hwy. A 46-year-old Laguna Beach man was arrested for two bench warrants.
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