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DUI Arrests

Julie Allen Ruff, 57, Irvine – Tuesday, May 14

Cesar Roque Marquez, 75, Bloomington – Tuesday, May 14

Ramsha Khan, 21, Irvine – Monday, May 13

Tamera Sue Woodward, 51, n/a – Sunday, May 12

Incident Reports

Tuesday, May 14

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Joshua E. Lopez, 26, Fresno

Industrial Way & Old Newport Blvd. I Costa Mesa I Appropriating Lost Property, Petty Theft, Receiving Stolen Property and Paraphernalia

7:46 p.m. Coby Bell Parsons, 31, Yucaipa, was arrested for appropriating lost property, petty theft from a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property with a value less than $950 and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

Placentia Ave. & W. 15th St. I Drinking in Public and Urinating/Defecating in Public

6:45 p.m. Shana Sky O’Connor, 42, Newport Beach, was arrested for drinking in public and urinating or defecating in public. Bail was set at $50.

Birch St. I 4800 Block I Controlled Substance for Sale, Paraphernalia, Controlled Substance and Narcotics

5:03 p.m. Tyler Renee Carroll, 42, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a narcotic controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail was set at $25,000.

4:57 p.m. Jonathan Brian Weber, 41, Winchester, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

Newport Center Drive I 400 Block I Shoplifting and Conspiracy

3:20 p.m. Anthony James Dembrowski, 39, Huntington Beach, was arrested for shoplifting for an amount less than $950 and conspiracy to commit a crime. Bail was set at $20,000.

Pelican Hill Road S. I Trespassing and False ID

1:41 p.m. Matthew Edward Der, 23, San Gabriel, was arrested for trespassing for refusing to leave property and presenting false identification to a specific peace officer. Bail was set at $500.

Campus Drive I 4600 Block I Parole Violation

9:43 a.m. Brian James Mooney, 61, Huntington Beach, was arrested on a parole violation. No bail was set.

San Miguel Drive I 300 Block I Trespassing

4:01 a.m. Larry Scott Burnett, 60, Long Beach, was arrested for trespassing for occupying property without consent. Bail was set at $500.

53rd St. & River Ave. I Paraphernalia and Controlled Substance

3:26 a.m. Dylan Scott Mallow, 26, Perris, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Monday, May 13

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Avocado Ave. & E. Coast Highway I Driving without a License and Warrant

10:37 p.m. Jacob Christopher Moritz, 24, Santa Ana, was arrested for driving without a license and for an undisclosed warrant. Bail was set at $1,000.

Superior Ave. & W. 15th St. I Controlled Substance, Sharps Waste, Narcotics and Warrant

10:36 p.m. Darin Charles Caster, 46, Newport Beach, was arrested on a warrant for battery. Bail was set at $10,000.

10:12 p.m. David Donald Rooten, 51, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, illegal transporting of sharps waste and possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

Jamboree Road I 1500 Block I Paraphernalia, Destroying/Concealing Evidence, Driving without a License and Drinking in Public

4:12 p.m. Jacob Emmanuel Cuadras, 38, Lemon Grove, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, destroying or concealing evidence, driving without a license and drinking in public. Bail was set at $500.

Irvine Ave. I 800 Block I Paraphernalia, Trespassing and Entering a Non-Commercial Dwelling

11:32 a.m. Natasha Maria Brooks, 37, Anaheim, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, trespassing for refusing to leave property and entering a non-commercial dwelling. Bail was set at $500.

W. Coast Highway & Balboa Blvd. I Taking an Auto without Owner’s Consent and Parole Violation

7:57 a.m. David Brian Brown, 48, Buena Park, was arrested for taking an auto without the owner’s consent and for a parole violation. Bail was set at $20,000.

Hospital Road & Superior Ave. I Taking an Auto without Consent and Warrants

2:22 a.m. Melissa Lobato, 25, Anaheim, was arrested for taking an auto without the owner’s consent and warrants for horse theft, petty theft and possession of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $60,500.

2:16 a.m. Bryan Antonio Escobar, 26, n/a, was arrested for taking an auto without the owner’s consent. Bail was set at $20,000.

Promontory West I 700 Block I Battery

1:47 a.m. Michael Toler Willis, 52, Newport Beach, was arrested for battery. Bail was set at $500.

10th St. & W. Balboa Blvd. I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Warrant

1:27 a.m. Marco Louis Hernandez, 21, Corona, was arrested on a warrant for possession of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $2,500.

1:26 a.m. Samantha Leann Martinez, 19, Corona, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $2,500.

Sunday, May 12

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Reese Rasool Thomas-McDade, 21, Las Vegas     

Balboa Pier & Main St. I Warrant

11:43 p.m. Victor Emmanuel Hernandez, 31, Loma Linda, was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. Bail was set at $55,000.

Bristol St. I 1400 Block I Costa Mesa I Destroying/Concealing Evidence, Narcotics, Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Probation Violation

10:07 p.m. Dakota Ren Sharber, 28, Fountain Valley, was arrested for destroying/concealing evidence, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for a felony probation violation. Bail was set at $10,000.

10:01 p.m. Michael David Lamb, 26, Newport Beach, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $10,000.

Santa Ana Ave. & Mesa Drive I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Probation Violation

9:42 p.m. Jacquelyn Marie Blankfield, 29, Huntington Beach, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for a felony probation violation. Bail was set at $2,500.

Park Newport Drive I 1200 Block I Paraphernalia

5:55 p.m. Marlene Damaris Roman, 23, Newport Beach, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

22nd St. & Newport Blvd. I Driving while Suspended/Revoked and Drinking in Public

4:48 p.m. Daniel Enright, 24, Corona, was arrested for driving while suspended or revoked. Bail was set at $500.

4:45 p.m. Dillon Peter Enright, 24, Corona, was arrested for drinking in public/open container. Bail was set at $50.

19th St. & Whittier Ave. I Costa Mesa I Warrant

4:21 p.m. Christina Marie Fouts, 28, Costa Mesa, was arrested on a warrant for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Avocado Ave. & E. Coast Highway I Marijuana, Driving while Suspended/Revoked, Driver allowing Open Container, Open Container, Controlled Substance, Allowing Unlicensed Driver to Drive Vehicle and Narcotics

4:20 p.m. Anthony Morgan Sarmie, 31, Los Angeles, was arrested for possession of an open container of marijuana, driving while suspended or revoked and being a driver allowing passenger to possess an open container. Bail was set at $500.

4:16 p.m. Cynthia Galindo, 25, Bell Gardens, was arrested for possessing a controlled substance, being a passenger with an open container, being a vehicle owner allowing an unlicensed driver to drive and possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

28th St. & Beach I Drinking in Public

2:35 p.m. John Paul Dymora, 57, Chico, was arrested for drinking in public. Bail was set at $50.

Dover Drive I 900 Block I Warrant

12:30 p.m. Viet Quoc Nguyen, 32, Santa Ana, was arrested on a warrant for unauthorized use of ID. No bail was set.

Balboa Pier I Warrant

10:19 a.m. Ronald Lynn Hicks, 55, Norwalk, was arrested on a warrant for vehicular trespassing. Bail was set at $500.

Balboa Blvd. & 44th St. I Burglary Tools and Riding Bike on Sidewalk

8:46 a.m. Carlos Alberto Gonsalez, 27, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of burglary tools and riding a bicycle on the sidewalk. Bail was set at $500.

Irvine Ave. & University Drive I Warrant

12:24 a.m. Gerardo Cardoso, 26, n/a, was arrested on a warrant for DUI. Bail was set at $15,000.

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Police Files

Local who allegedly took lemur from Santa Ana Zoo could be responsible for a number of NB burglaries

Last summer someone stole a 32-year-old lemur from the Santa Ana Zoo. The suspect has now been identified as Quinn Kasbar, 19, of Newport Beach.

Authorities say Kasbar stole the primate and then the next day dropped it off at the Newport Beach Marriott Bayview hotel in a box with a note saying that it belonged to the Santa Ana Zoo and to call police.

A video from the hotel showed a suspect leaving the scene in a hoodie sweatshirt.

Recently, Kasbar was allegedly “bragging” about the incident. In a follow-up investigation, police found that he’s allegedly also tied to a number of burglaries on Balboa Island, Corona del Mar and Newport Beach.

He will appear in court next month. However, he remains free on bail.

Loaner car reported missing from Fletcher Jones Motorcars

Newport Beach Police took a report on Wednesday, May 8, from Fletcher Jones Motorcars for a vehicle that was previously taken without their consent. 

The incident originally took place on December 7, 2018, when the vehicle was issued as a loaner car, to be returned two days later on December 9, 2018. The vehicle, a white Mercedes c300, was never returned.

Police are investigating.

Parole violator arrested for commercial burglary

Last Thursday, May 9, Newport Beach Police arrested Gabriel Michael Lopano, 25, from Costa Mesa, at 10 a.m. for commercial burglary with no forced entry.

The incident took place in the 2200 block of Bristol Street where a citizen had previously reported a burglary on the prior Saturday, May 4. Police were investigating the report on Monday, May 7 and found Lopano testing door handles to the building, where he gained access through multiple doors, according to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel.

He was subsequently arrested and additionally charged with a parole violation.

His bail was set at $20,000.

NBPD to open their doors this Sunday to the public

The Newport Beach Police Department will have an open house this Sunday, May 19, from noon until 4 p.m.

Enjoy free food, station tours, live demonstrations, police horses, K9s and activities for kids.

The police station is located at 870 Santa Barbara Dr. The community is asked to park in the parking structure at 888 1/2 San Clemente Dr.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime report

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Police Files

Woman charged with NHHS Nazi-related crimes

A woman was charged yesterday with one count of misdemeanor vandalism and two counts of misdemeanor graffiti for allegedly posting Nazi propaganda at Newport Harbor High School and Fullerton College.

Grace Elisabeth Ziesmer, 22, Fullerton, has been charged with one misdemeanor count of vandalism under $400 and two misdemeanor counts of graffiti. If convicted of all charges, Ziesmer faces a maximum sentence of one year and six months in Orange County Jail.

Ziesmer is scheduled to appear at the Harbor Justice Center at 8:30 a.m. on June 6.

On March 4, the defendant is accused of posting Nazi propaganda posters on city light poles near Fullerton College. Ziesmer is also accused of posting Nazi propaganda posters on Newport Harbor High School’s property on March 11.

The posting of Nazi propaganda, which included swastikas, SS mottos and other neo-Nazi statements, is a hate incident.

“Hate does not belong here. It does not belong anywhere,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting hate crimes and hate incidents to the fullest extent of the law. I am not going to tolerate hate in Orange County.”

Ziesmer was not charged with a hate crime enhancement due to a lack of sufficient evidence that her conduct was directed at a particular victim for being Jewish. It could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant’s conduct was directed at the schools because of their connection with the Jewish people or the Jewish religion, based on the evidence and interviews conducted in the case.

Deputy District Attorney Jake Jondle of the Special Prosecutions unit is prosecuting this case.

Fire Files

Flight en route to Orange County makes emergency landing

Flight 1154, an Alaska Airlines Airbus A320, flying from Portland to Orange County, was diverted to LAX Friday evening, May 10, because of a “strong chemical smell” onboard, according to an airline spokesperson.

The flight had 146 passengers and five crew members on board.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of ocair.com 

The smell emanated from the back galley area of the airplane.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and examined two passengers who had complained of medical issues. Both were examined and released at the scene.

According to Alaska Airlines, the plane was removed from service and maintenance technicians were inspecting the aircraft.

All passengers were successfully rerouted to Orange County.

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DUI Arrests

Mazen Aoun, 33, Newport Beach – Friday, May 10

Kenneth Larry Ford, 64, Santa Ana – Friday, May 10

William H. Tettehmartey, 52, Newport Beach – Friday, May 10

James Dustin Walseth, 33, Newport Beach – Thursday, May 9

Zaibu Nissa Tufail, 36, Tustin – Wednesday, May 8

Incident Reports

Saturday, May 11

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Bruce Michael Navarro, 29, Anaheim

Prospect St. & W. Coast Highway I Controlled Substance and Driving while Suspended/Revoked

11:25 p.m. Robert Dara Heng, 51, Huntington Beach, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and driving while suspended or revoked. Bail was set at $2,500.

Sea Gull Lane & Sherington Place I Narcotics and Paraphernalia

10:30 p.m. Mike Jon Schuler, 49, Irvine, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $10,000.

10:24 p.m. Shannon Michelle Kelly, 32, Woodstock, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $10,000.

Ocean Blvd. & Channel Road I Warrant

8:44 p.m. Omar Alexander Contreras Ruiz, 19, Anaheim, was arrested on a warrant for running a red light. Bail was set at $7,500.

W. Balboa Blvd. I 1600 Block I Assault, Cruelty to Child and Battery

6:35 p.m. Bruce Michael Navarro, 29, Anaheim, was arrested for assault with deadly force using hands/fists, cruelty to a child with possible injury/death and battery on a peace officer. Bail was set at $100,000.

Summit St. & Seashore Drive I Paraphernalia and Controlled Substance

6:39 p.m. Edward Kenneth Slank III, 53, Fountain Valley, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $500.

Park Newport Drive I 1200 Block I Battery

6:03 p.m. Amisadai Naari Roman, 26, Newport Beach, was arrested on battery. Bail was set at $500.

E. Coast Highway & Fernleaf Ave. I Warrant

3:54 p.m. Felix Mendoza Mentadomendo, 35, Santa Ana, was arrested on a warrant for violation of taillamps. Bail was set at $2,500.

19th St. I 900 Block I Costa Mesa I Paraphernalia and Controlled Substance

3:59 p.m. Irma Patricia Vargas, 44, Laguna Beach, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

15th St. & W. Balboa Blvd. I Driving while Suspended/Revoked and Open Container while Driving

3:35 p.m. Roberto German Gonzalez, 30, Long Beach, was arrested for driving while suspended or revoked and possession of an open container while driving. Bail was set at $2,500.

Brighton Road I 4600 Block I Paraphernalia, Controlled Substance and Under the Influence

3:29 p.m. Nathan Saenz, 30, San Bernardino, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Irvine Ave. & Monte Vista Ave. I Narcotics and Driving without a License

3:03 p.m. Gerardo Palomino, 33, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and driving without a license. Bail was set at $2,500.

Old Newport Blvd. I 400 Block I Drinking in Public and Warrant

10:31 a.m. Mykal David Roybal, 25, Costa Mesa, was arrested for drinking in public and on an undisclosed warrant. Bail was set at $1,550.

SR-1 & Brookhurst St. I Huntington Beach I Narcotics, Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Driving while Suspended/Revoked

8:45 a.m. Roger Lee Holmes, 57, Orange, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and driving while suspended or revoked. Bail was set at $2,500.

8:45 a.m. Jimmy Richard Pitts, 44, San Bernardino, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Friday, May 10

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Starli Raelene Atencio, 21, Norwalk

Javier Antonio Baires Bautista, 24, Costa Mesa

Christine Joy Kelly, 31, Los Angeles

Kevin Andrade, 23, Montclair

Superior Ave. & Placentia Ave. I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia, Driving while Suspended/Revoked, Unlawful Registration and Unlawful Display of Registration

4:18 p.m. Brian Pham, 32, Anaheim, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, driving while suspended or revoked, unlawful registration/ID/plates and unlawful display of registration in windshield. Bail was set at $2,500.

W. Ocean Front I 2200 Block I Driving while License is Suspended/Revoked and Unlawful Registration

12:39 p.m. Christian Maada Sam, 26, Corona, was arrested for driving while license is suspended or revoked and for unlawful registration/ID/plates. Bail was set at $500.

Newport Pier I Nudity, Indecent Exposure, Disorderly Conduct and Warrant

8:12 a.m. Michael Richard Dahn Jr., 31, Laguna Woods, was arrested for public nudity, indecent exposure, disorderly conduct for being under the influence of drugs and on an undisclosed warrant. Bail was set at $30,500.

Superior Ave. & W. Coast Highway I Parole Violation and Under the Influence

7:26 a.m. Brian Russel Hemenway, 44, Orange, was arrested for a parole violation and for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Lugonia St. I 200 Block I Warrants

12:09 a.m. Joshua Bryant Jones, 37, Banning, was arrested on a warrant for possession of methamphetamine and for three other undisclosed warrants. Bail was set at $72,500.

Thursday, May 9

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Bayside Drive I 100 Block I Petty Theft

6:25 p.m. Robert Oxier, 36, Laguna Beach, was arrested for petty theft of bicycles. Bail was set at $500.

Avocado Ave. I 1000 Block I Warrant

3:51 p.m. Overton Thomas May, 69, Ontario, was arrested on a warrant for trespassing. Bail was set at $2,500.

Bristol St. I 2200 Block I Burglary and Parole Violation

10:00 a.m. Gabriel Michael Lopano, 25, Costa Mesa, was arrested for commercial burglary with no forced entry and for a parole violation. Bail was set at $20,000.

Jamboree Road I 4600 Block I Driving while Suspended/Revoked

7:49 a.m. Cesar Rodriguez, 19, Los Angeles, was arrested for driving while suspended or revoked. Bail was set at $500.

Irvine Ave. & 17th St. I Paraphernalia

3:16 a.m. Joshua Caleb Hart, 26, Orting, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

3:04 a.m. Austin Milesetchgoyen Turner, 27, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

Wednesday, May 8

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

William Dwight Olinger Jr., 51, Newport Beach

Terry Dwayne Sanders, 41, Laguna Beach

Darin Richard Bond, 51, Newport Beach

San Miguel Drive I 2600 Block I Paraphernalia, False ID, Shoplifting and Controlled Substance

8:38 p.m. Marquedas Markietha Greene, 31, San Diego, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, presenting false identification to a specific peace officer, shoplifting an amount less that $950 and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Park Newport Drive I 3200 Block I Warrant

3:32 p.m. Bryce Christopher Wetton, 33, Newport Beach, was arrested on a warrant for assault with a deadly weapon. Bail was set at $15,000.

Santa Barbara Drive I 800 Block I Warrant

12:37 p.m. Kenyatto Montez Jones, 44, Santa Ana, was arrested on a warrant for making a false statement. Bail was set at $465,000.

Irvine Ave. & Baycrest Road I Appropriating Lost Property, Riding Bike on the Sidewalk, Unlawful Disabled Placard and Narcotics

12:00 p.m. Jesus Alfonso Bernal, 35, Costa Mesa, was arrested for appropriating lost property, riding a bicycle on the sidewalk, possession of an unlawful disabled placard and possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

W. 16th St. I 800 Block I Narcotics and Parole Violation

8:24 a.m. Manuel Figueroa Garcia, 42, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and on a parole violation. No bail was set.

E. Coast Highway & Jamboree Road I Controlled Substance

2:26 a.m. Richard Dean Mann, 61, Fullerton, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

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DUI Arrests

Andrea Rose Dapper, 33, Huntington Beach – Monday, May 6 (with prior)

Darbi Loy Schennue, 58, Irvine – Sunday, May 5

Gino Antonio Cordova, 23, Riverside – Sunday, May 5

Shawn Michael Dolmage, 42, San Clemente – Sunday, May 5

Matthew John Langevin, 37, Long Beach – Sunday, May 5

Incident Reports

Tuesday, May 7

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Cecillia Aguilar, 39, Santa Ana

Serrano Ave. I 2100 Block I Driving without a License and Warrant

6:03 p.m. Karen Sue Springer, 49, Riverside, was arrested for driving without a license and on a warrant for driving while suspended/revoked. Bail was set at $1,500.

15th St. & Old Newport Blvd. I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Driving while Suspended/Revoked

1:03 p.m. Dylan Michel Cowden, 26, Concord, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and driving while suspended/revoked. Bail was set at $2,500.

W. Coast Highway I 6000 Block I Violating a Court Order and Warrant

7:51 a.m. Taylor Craig Hollinghurst, 29, Rancho Santa Margarita, was arrested for violating a court order to prevent domestic violence and on a warrant for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $25,000.

Monday, May 6

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Jacquelyn Suzanne Nunez, 34, Huntington Beach

Neil Anjan Choudhuri, 33, Costa Mesa

Fernleaf Ave. & Ocean Blvd. I Operating a Vehicle with Obstructed Windows and Driving without a License

7:54 p.m. Anthony Castillero Rodriguez, 22, Fountain Valley, was arrested for operating a vehicle with windows obstructed and driving without a license. Bail was set at $500.

Newport Center Drive & Santa Rosa Drive I Narcotics and Driving while Suspended/Revoked

5:21 p.m. Ericca Simonne Murillo, 30, Whittier, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and driving while a license is suspended/revoked. Bail was set at $2,500.

Newport Center Drive I 500 Block I Embezzlement

2:12 p.m. Frank Omar Alcala, 28, Costa Mesa, was arrested for embezzlement. Bail was set at $20,000.

MacArthur Blvd. & Bonita Canyon Drive I Driving while Suspended/Revoked

11:57 a.m. Kevin Morales, 31, Anaheim, was arrested for driving while a license is suspended/revoked. Bail was set at $500.

W. Coast Highway I 4600 Block I Appropriating Lost Property and Parole Violation

11:00 a.m. Mark Anthony Ornelas, 51, Irvine, was arrested for appropriating lost property and on a parole violation. Bail was set at $500.

W. Ocean Front I 2100 Block I Battery

8:43 a.m. Jessica Zepeda, 36, Santa Ana, was arrested for battery. Bail was set at $500.

Orange St. & W. Coast Highway I Defrauding an Innkeeper

2:54 a.m. Jacob Isaac Benveniste, 28, Redlands, was arrested for defrauding an innkeeper of $950 or less. Bail was set at $500.

Sherington Place & Sea Gull Lane I Driving while Suspended/Revoked and Drinking in Public

2:20 a.m. Julio Cesar Santos, 28, Santa Ana, was arrested for driving while a license is suspended/revoked and drinking in public. Bail was set at $500.

Sunday, May 5

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Gregg Newkirk Pierce, 60, Costa Mesa

Cagney Lane I 900 Block I Assault

8:13 p.m. Rae Ann Costa, 34, Fountain Valley, was arrested for assault with deadly force using hands/fists. Bail was set at $25,000.

Skypark Circle I 18000 Block I Irvine I Parole Violation

5:33 p.m. Dale Ira Haviland Jr., 53, Irvine, was arrested for a parole violation. No bail was set.

Marguerite Ave. & E. Coast Highway I Drinking in Public

4:05 p.m. Terry Dwayne Sanders, 41, Laguna Beach, was arrested for drinking in public. Bail was set at $50.

18th St. & Pomona I Costa Mesa I Paraphernalia and Narcotics

3:30 p.m. Michael Jr. Daovieng, 28, Cypress, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

3:26 p.m. George Christopher Sadeh, 26, Buena Park, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

Orange Ave. I 1600 Block I Costa Mesa I Obstructing/Resisting and Failure to use Left Edge of Road

12:03 p.m. Frank Joseph Grieco, 29, Santa Ana, was arrested for obstructing/resisting a peace officer and being a pedestrian failing to use the left edge of the road. Bail was set at $500.

W. Ocean Front & 24th St. I Removal of Garbage/Recyclables and False ID

3:16 a.m. Tania Marlene Lopez, 37, Santa Ana, was arrested for removing garbage and/or recyclables and for presenting false identification to a specific peace officer. Bail was set at $500.

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Police Files

Former NBA star Dennis Rodman may be in trouble again with possible yoga studio theft

A Newport Beach police investigation is underway concerning the alleged theft of some $1,000 worth of clothing from Vibes Hot Yoga in Newport Beach earlier this week. A store video shows a woman on Tuesday, May 7 stuffing clothes into her purse, while her friends allegedly attempt to distract store employees.

One of those friends appears to be former NBA star Dennis Rodman, although Newport Beach Police have yet to positively confirm his identity.

According to reports, the group of people also allegedly attempted to remove a crystal art piece from the front desk of the business, but ended up dropping and shattering it. The piece was valued at $2,500.

They eventually left the yoga studio, even taking the shattered crystal with them.

The owner of the studio claimed that the group reeked of alcohol.

A note the next day was found taped to the front door of the studio that read, “We stopped by at 4:26. Thank you for letting us be ourselves! Looking forward to seeing you soon!” It was apparently signed by Rodman himself.

No one has as of yet been arrested and the investigation continues.

Rodman is presently on probation following a DUI conviction.

Now ex-employee suspected of taking $32,000 from local business

A business in the 2100 block of Westcliff Drive filed a crime report with Newport Beach Police saying that a now ex-employee took some $32,000 from a safe, without permission. 

The incident occurred sometime between 5:20 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17 and 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 18.

The complaint was filed on Tuesday, May 9.

Fire Files

NB Fire knocks down Eastbluff home fire

On Tuesday, May 7, the Newport Beach Fire Department made an aggressive attack on a one-story Eastbluff home fire. First in units reported a working garage fire.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBFD

Firefighters were able to keep the fire from extending into the house itself and to any adjacent structures.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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Police Files

Video surveillance leads to arrest of nearby arson suspect 

On Saturday morning, May 4, a Newport Beach Police Officer responded to a call to the 4000 block of MacArthur Blvd. concerning a potential arson case. The owner of the business located there relayed to the officer that around 2 a.m. earlier that day, the Newport Beach Fire Department had been on site extinguishing a fire.

After reviewing surveillance footage, police were able to identify a potential suspect. The officer located Lewis Patrick Hathorne, 53, of Costa Mesa, some 400 feet away, matching the suspect in the video.

Upon questioning, Hathorne admitted starting the fire and was arrested for arson on a structure and held on $50,000 bail.

The next day, following his release on bail, Hathorne was again arrested by NBPD on trespassing charges for refusing to leave property.

He was charged and had another $500 bail set.

Big piece of equipment disappears from construction site

Newport Beach Police were sent to the 3300 block of Via Lido for a citizen requesting to report an incident of grand theft.

The superintendent of a construction site located there reported to police that sometime between 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 28 and 7 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, an excavator was stolen.

The value of the excavator was estimated to be $60,000.

Police are investigating.

Police make arrest in two-month old stolen bike case

Reed Alan Palmer, 21, of Newport Beach, was arrested for commercial burglary on Wednesday, May 1, at 11:46 a.m. while in possession of a stolen bicycle.

A bicycle missing report was filed by a victim on March 3 following its disappearance from a chain link fence at Newport Harbor High School. The victim had locked the bicycle at 8 a.m. that day and when he returned at 3 p.m., the bicycle was missing.

In addition to commercial burglary charges against Palmer, NBPD also found him in possession of a narcotic controlled substance and unlawful paraphernalia.

His bail was set at $22,500.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime report

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DUI Arrests

Dustin Levi Blough, 23, Huntington Beach – Saturday, May 4

Aaron Patrick Clancy, 38, Toronto – Saturday, May 4

Denise Joann Hill, 72, Newport Beach – Saturday, May 4

Loryn Michael Hubbard, 27, Irvine – Friday, May 3

Emily Rose Petrosino, 21, Huntington Beach – Friday, May 3

Frank Tomas Grijalva, 23, Montebello – Thursday, May 2

Incident Reports

Saturday, May 4

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Dylan Christian Salvary, 27, Anaheim

Anthony Osmar Aguilar, 21, West Covina

Eric Anthony Nolasco, 23, Santa Ana

17th St. & Monrovia I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Destroying/Concealing Evidence

11:05 p.m. Kristin Catherine Bennett, 42, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and destroying/concealing evidence. Bail is set at $10,000.

Balboa Bay & W. Coast Highway I Windows Obstructed, Reckless Driving, Unsafe Speed, Unsafe Lane Change, Excessive Speed and Missing License Plate

11:03 p.m. David Le, 21, Westminster, was arrested for operating a vehicle with windows obstructed, reckless driving on a highway, unsafe speed for prevailing conditions, unsafe lane change, excessive speed and missing one of two required license plates. Bail was set at $500.

W. Ocean Front I 2300 Block I Battery

7:41 p.m. Kimberly Sophia Studdard, 44, Huntington Beach, was arrested for battery. Bail was set at $500.

W. Coast Highway I 700 Block I Scanning Device and Paraphernalia

5:48 p.m. Sarah Louis Determan, 36, Orange, was arrested for fraudulent possession and use of a scanning device and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

5:45 p.m. Ray Gerald Yamashita, 43, Garden Grove, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

Lido Park Drive I 600 Block I Burglary and Warrant

5:36 p.m. Scott Christopher Sinnig, 52, Newport Beach, was arrested for commercial burglary with forced entry and on a warrant for fraudulent impersonation. Bail was set at $30,000.

45th St. & Seashore Drive I Sharps Waste, Paraphernalia, Probation Violation, False ID and Under the Influence

12:49 p.m. Zachary Arthur Thomas, 24, Huntington Beach, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $1,000.

12:45 p.m. Jerad Richard Menezes, 33, Fresno, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, illegal transporting of sharps waste, for a probation violation and for presenting false identification to a specific peace officer. No bail was set.

12:21 p.m. Kana Miyamoto, 33, Newport Beach, was arrested for illegal transporting of sharps waster. Bail was set at $500.

MacArthur Blvd. I 4000 Block I Arson

11:58 a.m. Lewis Patrick Hathorne, 53, Costa Mesa, was arrested for arson on a structure. Bail was set at $50,000.

Old Newport Blvd. & Industrial Way I Costa Mesa I Paraphernalia and Parole Violation

2:44 a.m. Eric Antonio Flores, 56, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for a parole violation. Bail was set at $500.

Friday, May 3

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

16th St. & Aliso Ave. I Narcotics and Warrant

10:47 p.m. Evan Arthur Spengler, 28, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and on a warrant for knowingly bringing a forbidden substance into prison. Bail was set at $10,000.

W. Coast Highway I 4500 Block I Trespassing

7:15 p.m. Lewis Patrick Hathorne, 53, Costa Mesa, was arrested for trespassing for refusing to leave property. Bail was set at $500.

Vilaggio & MacArthur Blvd. I Hit and Run and Driving without a License

5:25 p.m. Erick Guillen Hernandez, 25, La Habra, was arrested for hit and run with property damage and driving without a license. Bail was set at $500.

Superior Ave. I Narcotics

2:11 p.m. Charles David Totten Jr., 51, Huntington Beach, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

Thursday, May 2

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Juli Arlene Avemaria, 53, Placentia

San Joaquin Hills Road & Newport Ridge Drive East I Driving without a License, Marijuana, Missing License Plate, Deceptive Government ID and Allowing Unlicensed Driver to Operate Vehicle

5:50 p.m. Charles Grayson Hansen, 19, Los Angeles, was arrested for allowing an unlicensed driver to operate his vehicle, missing one of two required license plates and possession of deceptive government identification. Bail was set at $500.

5:10 p.m. Shemmoy Rochane Gidden, 24, West Hollywood, was arrested for driving without a license and possession of an open container of marijuana. Bail was set at $500.

Avocado Ave. I 1500 Block I Paraphernalia, Controlled Substance and Obstructing/Resisting

5:32 p.m. Carlos S. Cruz, 38, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and obstructing/resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $10,000.

El Modena Ave. I 400 Block I Obstructing/Resisting and Reckless Driving

4:08 p.m. Joseph David Masarik, 19, Newport Beach, was arrested for obstructing/resisting a peace officer and reckless driving on a highway. Bail was set at $500.

Old Newport Blvd. & Orange Ave. I Burglary Tools, Appropriating Lost Property, Paraphernalia and Warrant

9:13 a.m. Damian John Warren, 37, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of burglary tools, appropriating lost property, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and on a warrant for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $10,500.

Wednesday, May 1

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

E. Coast Highway I 300 Block I Receiving Stolen Property

11:03 p.m. Dominic Paul Singleton, 45, Santa Monica, was arrested for receiving stolen property with a value less than $950. Bail was set at $500.

Santa Barbara Drive I 800 Block I Burglary, Narcotics and Paraphernalia

11:46 p.m. Reed Alan Palmer, 21, Newport Beach, was arrested for commercial burglary with no forced entry, possession of a narcotic controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $22,500.

E. Coast Highway I 300 Block I Shopping Cart

10:03 p.m. Jharrett Allen Adamski, 24, Shelborn, was arrested for possession of a shopping cart. Bail was set at $500.

Old Newport Blvd. & 15th St. I Warrant

2:15 p.m. Roderick Delton Edison, 28, Hacienda Heights, was arrested on a warrant for a vehicle registration violation. Bail was set at $1,500.

Ocean Blvd. I 1500 Block I Driving without Valid Insurance, Driving without a Valid License and No Registration

11:49 a.m. Damoon A. Arman, 32, Yorba Linda, was arrested for driving without a valid license, driving without valid insurance coverage and for not having vehicle registration. Bail was set at $50.

Del Cerro Place I 300 Block I Fullerton I Warrant

7:37 a.m. Dennis Sam Medici, 57, Fullerton, was arrested on a warrant for possessing a forged item. Bail was set at $305,000.

W. Ocean Front I 2300 Block I Warrant and Drinking in Public

12:59 a.m. Jessie Lonza Nathaniel Burns, 30, Oakland, was arrested for drinking in public. Bail was set at $50.

12:58 a.m. Jessica Tiffany Brown, 25, Sacramento, was arrested on a warrant for loitering with the intent to commit prostitution. Bail was set at $500.

12:51 a.m. Monday Genique Lewis, 24, Fresno, was arrested on a warrant for loitering with the intent to commit prostitution. Bail was set at $500.

Hoag Drive & W. Coast Highway I Riding Bike on the Sidewalk, Obstructing/Resisting, Headlight/Reflectors Violation and Pedestrian against a Red Light

12:19 a.m. Magali Herrera Tellez, 21, Anaheim, was arrested for riding a bicycle on the sidewalk, obstructing/resisting a peace officer, having a bicycle headlight/reflector violation and being a pedestrian moving against a red light. Bail was set at $500.

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DUI Arrests

Damien McCabe, 48, Old Castle – Tuesday, April 30

Thomas Lloyd Blair, 65, Newport Beach – Sunday, April 28

Incident Reports

Tuesday, April 30

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Irvine Ave. & E. 20th St. I Paraphernalia and Shopping Cart

7:53 p.m. Bradley Scott Montgomery, 50, Newport Beach, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a shopping cart. Bail was set at $500.

28th St. & Newport Blvd. I Controlled Substance, Driving without a License and Paraphernalia

4:53 p.m. Raul Martinez Lucio, 37, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, driving without a license and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $2,500.

Newport Blvd. & Finley St. I Obstructing/Resisting

9:01 a.m. Wil Francis Whisman, 52, Arleta, was arrested for obstructing/resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $500.

Birch St. & MacArthur Blvd. I Under the Influence

8:28 a.m. Jesse Colin Ferguson, 28, Costa Mesa, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $1,000.

Birch St. I 20200 Block I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Narcotics

2:14 a.m. Leah Natalie Zarian, 28, Newport Beach, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

Aliso Ave. & 16th St. I Costa Mesa I Driving without a License and Failure to Stop

12:05 a.m. Raul Gudino-Sanchez, 40, Costa Mesa, was arrested for driving without a license and failing to stop at a stop sign. Bail was set at $500.

W. Balboa Blvd. I 1200 Block I Probation Violation

12:02 a.m. Bijan Paul Savoji, 29, Newport Beach, was arrested on a felony probation violation. No bail was set.

Monday, April 29

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Bristol St. & Santa Ana Ave. I Costa Mesa I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Narcotics

9:46 p.m. Ramsey Adam Bilbeisi, 38, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

San Joaquin Hills Road & Beaulieu I Controlled Substance and Paraphernalia

3:25 p.m. Shaolei Han, 37, Redlands, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $2,500.

Ocean Blvd. I 3700 Block I Drinking in Public and Warrants

2:36 p.m. Jose Alfredo Resendiz, 33, Santa Ana, was arrested for drinking in public and for warrants for driving while suspended/revoked and for DUI. Bail was set at $1,050.

Wallace Ave. I 1900 Block I Costa Mesa I Identity Theft

1:08 pm. Tina Nicole Sherman, 32, Costa Mesa, was arrested for identity theft by using another’s identification with the intent to obtain money. Bail was set at $20,000.

Westcliff Drive & Highland Drive I Under the Influence

12:21 p.m. Jolin Widi, 38, Lake Forest, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Sherington Place I 1900 Block I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Garbage

12:02 p.m. Ryan Scott Mascitelli, 36, Costa Mesa, was arrested for collecting garbage and recyclables. Bail was set at $100.

11:57 a.m. James Vance Hoover, 49, Riverside, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for collecting garbage and recyclables. Bail was set at $10,000.

Hoag Drive I 00 Block I Trespassing

3:12 a.m. John Andrew Stanewich, 23, Oak View, was arrested for trespassing for refusing to leave property. Bail was set at $500.

Sunday, April 28

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Jason Mark Olson, 49, Costa Mesa

Newport Blvd. & 17th St. I Costa Mesa I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Obstructing/Resisting

10:38 p.m. Ronald Arlen Stephen, 52, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and obstructing/resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $10,000.

Bristol St. I 1400 Block I Costa Mesa I Burglary Tools

10:06 p.m. Alec Jordan Quinteros, 27, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of burglary tools. Bail was set at $500.

43rd St. & Balboa Blvd. I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia, Under the Influence and Warrant

9:53 p.m. Francisco Jesus Guillen, 35, Texarkana Miller, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, being under the influence of a controlled substance and on a warrant for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $10,500.

Irvine Ave. & 16th St. I Narcotics

6:44 p.m. Ian Kyle Murphy, 27, Alta Loma, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

Newport Pier I Drinking in Public and Contributing to Delinquency of a Minor

3:26 p.m. Buddy Robles, 34, Las Vegas, was arrested for drinking in public and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Bail was set at $500.

Old Newport Blvd. I 400 Block I Paraphernalia and Controlled Substance

3:43 p.m. Mykal David Roybal, 24, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Campus Drive & Dove St. I Narcotics, Controlled Substance and Paraphernalia

1:05 p.m. Jeremy Joseph Cap, 30, Midway City, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $10,000.

Campus Drive & Dove St. I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Warrant

1:00 p.m. Amanda Lynn Parr, 27, Lake Arrowhead, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and on a warrant for petty theft. Bail was set at $3,000.

Orange St. & W. Coast Highway I Under the Influence and Controlled Substance

7:58 a.m. Joseph Edward Flamm, 51, Newport Beach, was arrested for being under the influence and for possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

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Police Files

Car chase ends in Newport Beach following standoff

A vehicle pursuit began Wednesday, May 1, in Laguna Beach shortly after 3 p.m. and ended several hours later with the suspect’s capture in Newport Beach near Fashion Island.

It all began at 3:08 p.m. when the Newport Beach Police Department’s Dispatch Center received information that a vehicle pursuit had begun in Laguna Beach and was proceeding through Orange County. The vehicle was a silver Mercedes and the suspect was identified as Richard Bloustine. He was wanted for a felony no bail warrant, suspected of fraudulent activity and was reported to be armed with a gun.

At 4:01 p.m., NBPD entered into the pursuit at the request of the pursuing units as the suspect entered into city limits. The suspect continued to evade pursuing police cars, while at the time on the phone with NBPD Dispatch.

Finally, the suspect brought his vehicle to a stop in the 1441 Avocado Dr. parking lot. Although initially not compliant with officers’ orders to exit the vehicle, the suspect continued to speak with NBPD’s Crisis Negotiation Team by phone, while surrounded by armed police officers in fire-ready positions. Through telephonic communication, the Crisis Negotiation Team was able to get the suspect to exit his vehicle and surrender.

Photo from LBPD

Richard Scott Bloustine

The Laguna Beach Police Department then took custody of Richard Scott Bloustine, a 53-year-old Newport Beach resident. After being booked in Laguna Beach, he was then transferred to the Orange County Jail.

No weapon was found in his possession at the time of his arrest.

In February of 2016, Bloustine was sentenced to seven years in prison after writing more than $200,000 in bad checks. His sentence included an order by the Orange County District Attorney to pay restitution to victims and attached a fine of $444,000.

His bounced checks included one for $15,000 to a Laguna Beach car dealer, a $32,000 check for the lease on a house, $13,000 to furnish that residence and $80,000 for dental work that he received in Newport Beach.

According to the District Attorney, Bloustine has more than a dozen fraud-related misdemeanor and felony convictions in Orange County.

His record also includes previous arrests and convictions in Arizona, Santa Barbara County and Hawaii for fraud related incidents.

Vandalism hits local business

Newport Beach Police responded to the 700 block of Alderwood Drive for a citizen’s complaint regarding vandalism. According to the victim, someone had driven a wood board through a forklift’s windows sometime between 12 p.m. on Sunday, April 29 and 10:41 a.m. on Monday, April 30, shattering the windows.

It was additionally reported that paint had been splattered on the company’s storage container, retaining wall and the ground.

No one was arrested and police continue to investigate.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime report

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DUI Arrests

Paul Owen Dunn, 70, Newport Beach – Thursday, April 25

Joseph Edward Rosena, 27, Irvine – Wednesday, April 24

Incident Reports

Saturday, April 27

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Treboly Pacheco Hochwald, 26, Newport Beach

Graham Douglas Rickenbaker, 34, Piedmont

Deborah Ann Diaz, 41, Huntington Beach

Newport Center Drive & Anacapa Drive I Paraphernalia, False ID and Warrant

8:32 p.m. Adrian Perez Contreras, 28, Moreno Valley, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, presenting false identification to a specific peace officer and for a warrant for owning a firearm while prohibited. Bail was set at $15,000.

28th St. & Lafayette Ave. I Under the Influence

3:04 p.m. Mitchell Anthony Santos, 28, Mission Viejo, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $1,000.

Newport Center Drive & San Miguel Drive I Fugitive from Justice

2:40 p.m. Cameron Thomas Armijo, 34, Fall City, was arrested for being a fugitive from justice with a warrant arrest. Bail was set at $100,000.

17th St. & Newport Blvd. I Costa Mesa I Appropriating Lost Property and Narcotics

2:15 p.m. Michael Alan Schulz, 52, Los Alamitos, was arrested for appropriating lost property and for possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

45th St. & Balboa Blvd. I Marijuana and Obstructing/Resisting

11:35 a.m. Karla Elaine Stafford, 30, Santa Ana, was arrested for smoking/ingesting marijuana in public and for obstructing/resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $500.

University Drive I 2300 Block I Taking an Auto without Owner’s Consent, Burglary Tools and Warrant

1:43 a.m. Tayrik Nathahl Jones, 20, Winchester, was arrested for taking an auto without the owner’s consent and possession of burglary tools. Bail was set at $20,000.

1:41 a.m. Mark Joel Adams, 26, Costa Mesa, was arrested for taking an auto without the owner’s consent and for a warrant for a DUI. Bail was set at $30,000.

Superior Ave. & Nice Lane I Fugitive from Justice

1:11 a.m. Roylee Jr. Palmer, 39, Newport Beach, was arrested for being a fugitive from justice with an arrest warrant. Bail was set at $50,000.

Friday, April 26

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Miguel Angel Baraja Rosales, 22, Long Beach

Samantha Laracortes, 22, Garden Grove

Superior Ave. & W. 16th St. I Paraphernalia and Warrants

11:37 p.m. Louis Anthony Montalvo III, 51, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for warrants for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $20,500.

Marguerite Ave. I 300 Block I Warrant

10:02 p.m. Keith Michael Sizemore, 30, West Hollywood, was arrested for an undisclosed warrant. Bail was set at $5,000.

Vilaggio & MacArthur Blvd. I Warrant

8:28 p.m. Dao Cong Dang, 24, Costa Mesa, was arrested for a warrant for hit and run. Bail was set at $10,000.

38th St. I 400 Block I Tampering with Vehicle

5:24 p.m. Aris Hyung Yoon, 36, Bayside, was arrested for tampering with a vehicle. Bail was set at $500.

E. Coast Highway I 2200 Block I Under the Influence and Probation Violation

4:32 p.m. Felicia Marie Moberly, 31, Rancho Santa Margarita, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and for a felony probation violation. Bail was set at $2,500.

MacArthur Blvd. & Vilaggio I Operating Vehicle with Window Obscured, Failure to Maintain Lighting Equipment, Driving while Suspended/Revoked and Missing License Plate

1:41 p.m. Erik Salomon, 28, Santa Ana, was arrested for operating a vehicle with the windows obscured, failure to maintain vehicle lighting equipment, driving while suspended/revoked and for missing one of two required license plates on a vehicle. Bail was set at $500.

41st St. & Balboa Blvd. I Driving without License and Warrant

12:05 p.m. Orlando Torres, 39, Garden Grove, was arrested for driving without a license and for a warrant for civil contempt. Bail was set at $25,500.

Marguerite Ave. & E. Coast Highway I Warrants

11:50 a.m. Austin Wilder Taylor, 31, Hemet, was arrested on warrants for a supervision violation and for an undisclosed warrant. No bail set.

54th St. & Seashore Drive I Taking Auto without Owner’s Consent and PRCS Revocation

11:23 a.m. Sean Alan Keith, 39, Huntington Beach, was arrested for taking an auto without owner’s consent and for a PRCS revocation. Bail was set at $20,000.

11:10 a.m. Michelle Leann Zander, 33, Newport Beach, was arrested for taking an auto without owner’s consent. Bail was set at $20,000.

Bayadere Terrace I 1700 Block I Contempt of Court and Probation Violation

9:03 a.m. Robert Carl Munson II, 52, Newport Beach, was arrested for contempt of court for disobeying a court order and for a felony probation violation. Bail was set at $15.000.

N. Bristol St. & Spruce St. I Driving while Suspended/Revoked

8:04 a.m. Ami Allison Joyce, 45, Newport Beach, was arrested for driving while suspended or revoked. Bail was set at $500.

W. Balboa Blvd. & 21st St. I Driving without License, Controlled Substance and Warrant

1:57 a.m. William Jerome Burks, 55, Laguna Hills, was arrested on a warrant for driving while suspended or revoked. Bail was set at $1,500.

1:49 a.m. Jacklyn Leigh Smoot, 31, Irvine, was arrested for driving without a license and for possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $500.

Thursday, April 25

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Jose Manuel Guerra, 40, n/a

W. Coast Highway & Orange Way I Paraphernalia, Sharps Waste and Controlled Substance

11:18 p.m. Keli Leanora Carpenter, 50, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, illegal transporting of sharps waste and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

Eastbluff Drive I 2500 Block I Trespassing

7:59 p.m. Diemha Nguyen Bach, 45, Sierra Vista, was arrested for trespassing for refusing to leave a property. Bail was set at $500.

73 Freeway & Birch I Warrant

5:59 p.m. Katilyn Mary Clayton, 30, Pomona, was arrested on a warrant for DUI. Bail was set at $2,500.

Cliff Drive & Santa Ana Ave. I Paraphernalia

5:57 p.m. Christopher John Robinson, 39, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

Superior Ave. & Placentia Ave. I Riding Bicycle on Sidewalk, Paraphernalia and Controlled Substance

1:31 p.m. Michael Joseph Woodward, 44, Costa Mesa, was arrested for riding a bicycle on the sidewalk, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

Bristol St. I 2100 Block I Deceptive Government ID

11:50 a.m. Jorge Ortiz Calderon, 26, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of deceptive government identification. Bail was set at $500.

Wednesday, April 24

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Westcliff Drive I 2000 Block I Paraphernalia

9:36 p.m. Scott Cameron Deflox, 29, Royal Palm Beach, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

9:25 p.m. Jethro Clay Bullock, 41, Huntington Beach, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

9:25 p.m. Dennis Kent Moore, 56, Huntington Beach, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

MacArthur Blvd. & Corinthian Way I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia, Receiving Stolen Property and Unlawful Registration/Plates

7:18 p.m. Daisuke Mark Watanabe, 42, Anaheim, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, receiving stolen property and unlawful registration and plates. Bail was set at $2,500.

E. Coast Highway I 200 Block I Controlled Substance and Driving without a License

1:12 p.m. Alfredo Molina, 48, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and driving without a license. Bail was set at $2,500.

Newport Blvd. & Industrial Way I Costa Mesa I Driving while License Suspended

1:57 a.m. Lyle Aaron Gonzales, 36, Long Beach, was arrested for driving while license is suspended. Bail was set at $500.

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Police Files

Interesting details emerge in double homicide suspect’s possible motives

Media reports are saying that double-murder suspect Jamon Buggs “was possibly after men he believed had a romantic history with a woman from his past,” according to detectives.

Those reports came following Buggs’ attempted burglaries in Irvine where he allegedly went “looking for a Caucasian man by the name of Jared.” Instead, Buggs came across a residence with a man by that same name, but of Asian descent. 

Meanwhile, according to Eyewitness News, suspicious surveillance footage has surfaced which includes a man “resembling Buggs.” A resident of Corona del Mar told the television station that his vehicle was broken into a week ago Friday. “Three days earlier, the same suspect (Buggs) was seen in his neighbor’s backyard in Corona del Mar.”

The CdM resident added that his former neighbor was Darren Partch, one of the victims in the double homicide.

Still, however, police officials are saying that there is no evidence that Wendi Miller, the other victim, had any prior interaction with Buggs.

Courtesy of Irvine Police Department

Jamon Rayon Buggs

Yesterday, Buggs was in the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach for his scheduled arraignment, however, it was postponed until May 17. He is currently being held without bail.

His charges include the two counts of murder, attempted burglary of an inhabited dwelling, discharging a gun at an inhabited dwelling and being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Buggs faces a minimum sentence of life without the possibility of parole and a maximum sentence of the death penalty. 

Buggs had a prior conviction for an assault on a police officer in San Diego County in 1995.

Buggs is accused of murdering Darren Donald Partch, 38, of Newport Beach, and Wendi Sue Miller, 48 of Costa Mesa. The two were found deceased inside a residence in the 2100 block of East 15th Street in Newport Beach on the evening of April 21.

Partch and Miller were last seen at the Loft and Sandpiper in Laguna Beach early Saturday morning, April 20, at approximately 1:45 a.m.

Miller was the CEO for the nonprofit organization Wings for Justice, an advocacy group for children in the family court system. Partch was a former minor league hockey player and most recently worked for Atrinsic, an Irvine-based financial services company, as an account executive.

Funeral arrangements for both have been planned. For Miller, a service is scheduled for this Friday, May 3 at 2 p.m., at Mariners Church in Irvine in the Community Center. For Partch, there is a Celebration of Life planned for Saturday, May 4 at the Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park and Mortuary in Costa Mesa at 5:30 p.m.

Police arrest two driving out-of-town stolen vehicle

On Saturday, April 27, just before 2 a.m., a Newport Beach Police Officer was on a patrol check in the area of the 2300 block of University Drive and observed a suspicious vehicle occupied by two males. Upon further investigation, the police officer discovered that the vehicle, a Jeep Wrangler, was stolen out of Imperial County.

The officer stopped the occupants and they denied that the vehicle was stolen.

However, both were arrested. Tayrik Nathahl Jones, 20, from Winchester, was taken into custody and charged with taking an auto without the owner’s consent and possession of burglary tools that were also found in the vehicle. He was booked and held on $20,000 bail.

Mark Joel Adams, 26, of Costa Mesa, was also arrested for taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and for an outstanding DUI warrant. He was held on $30,000 bail.

A night out leads to $175,000 missing diamond ring

On Thursday, April 18, sometime between 4:30 and 9:30 p.m., someone reportedly entered a building in the 2100 block of E. Ocean Front and stole a diamond ring that the victim left on the bathroom counter.

Upon the victim’s return later that evening, and noticing the ring was missing, she notified the Newport Beach Police Department and filed a report.

The ring was valued at $175,655.

No arrests have been made and police are continuing to investigate.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime report

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Police Files

Newport Beach murder suspect of two in custody

Yesterday, April 25, the Newport Beach Police Department arrested Jamon Rayon Buggs, a 44-year-old resident of Huntington Beach, for the murders of Darren Donald Partch, 38, of Newport Beach, and Wendi Sue Miller, 48, of Costa Mesa. 

The victims were found deceased inside a residence in the 2100 block of East 15th St. in Newport Beach last Sunday evening. Partch’s roommate, who had spent the weekend in the desert, returned home to find the murder scene and notified police.

Courtesy of Irvine Police Department

Jamon Rayon Buggs

At the time of his arrest, Buggs was already in custody at the Orange County Jail in connection with unrelated charges stemming from an arrest by the Irvine Police Department. He had been taken into custody Monday following a short pursuit and after barricading himself in an unoccupied home. His charges included attempted burglary, shooting into an inhabited dwelling, possession of a firearm by a felon, hit and run and evading police.

He also has a previous criminal record that includes guilty pleas of vandalism, possession of a firearm, taking property and brandishing a weapon.

Buggs is currently being held on a $1,000,000 bail pending double murder charges.

According to the Newport Beach Police, this is an open and ongoing investigation and no additional details are available at this time. Anyone with information regarding the case or with information on the recent activities and whereabouts of Jamon Rayon Buggs prior to his arrest should contact Detective Rick Henry at 949.644.3797.

The Newport Beach Police Department worked with law enforcement partners including the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Orange County Crime Lab, Irvine Police Department, Laguna Beach Police Department, Costa Mesa Police Department, Santa Ana Police Department and Anaheim Police Department on the investigation.

 

Darren Partch and Wendi Miller were murdered in Newport Beach

Partch was a former minor league hockey player and most recently worked in Irvine with Advanced Financial Services.

Miller was CEO of the nonprofit Wings for Justice, an advocacy group working to protect children in the family court system. 

It was thought that after an evening in Laguna Beach, Miller had offered a ride home to Partch. 

Police have not identified any connection between Buggs and the victims at this time. It was reported, however, that there was no forced entry to Partch’s residence prior to the murder.

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DUI Arrests

Alexander Lopez, 22, Los Angeles – Tuesday, April 23

Christian Scott Casey, 39, Beverly Hills – Monday, April 22

Bradley Steven Fry, 32, Long Beach – Sunday, April 21 (with prior)

Alejandro Martinez, 34, Santa Ana – Sunday, April 21 (with prior)

Kaiiwa Siddartha Beaudoux, 49, Costa Mesa – Sunday, April 21

Incident Reports

Tuesday, April 23

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Christopher Manuel Rodriquez, 27, Ontario

Newport Coast Drive I 23000 Block I Burglary and Identity Theft

4:20 p.m. Brandon Felix Ruiz, 45, Costa Mesa, was arrested for commercial burglary through fraud/forgery and identity theft by personating another to get money. Bail was set at $20,000.

3:55 p.m. Noushig Lesa Charshafijan, 42, Costa Mesa, was arrested for commercial burglary through fraud/forgery, possession of a controlled substance and identity theft by personating another to get money. Bail was set at $20,000.

Bristol St. & Santa Ana Ave. I Costa Mesa I Paraphernalia, Narcotics, Controlled Substance, Sharps Waste and Warrant

11:57 a.m. Cheyenne Elizabeth Stambaugh, 26, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, illegal transporting of sharps waste and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $500.

11:51 a.m. Corey James Dolim, 32, Westminster, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, illegal transporting of sharps waste and an undisclosed warrant. Bail was set at $11,500.

W. Coast Highway & Highland St. I Warrant

12:52 a.m. Kelly Jean Romero, 50, Anaheim, was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Jamboree Road & Eastbluff Drive I Burglary Tools, Tear Gas, Paraphernalia and Ammo

12:27 a.m. Anastasia Grace Phillips, 26, Chatsworth, was arrested for possession of burglary tools, being a felon in possession of tear gas, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of ammo by a prohibited person. Bail was set at $20,000.

Monday, April 22

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Omar Nazif, 45, Newport Beach

David Michael Wolfe, 48, Costa Mesa

Fullerton & 17th St. I Costa Mesa I Controlled Substance

10:57 p.m. Nickole Antonice Francin Crusoe, 45, Rancho Dominguez, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

San Miguel Drive I 1600 Block I Paraphernalia, Driving while Suspended/Revoked and Warrant

11:35 a.m. Eduardo Flores, 24, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, driving while suspended/revoked and for a warrant for DUI. Bail was set at $10,500.

McFadden Place I 100 Block I Under the Influence

3:23 a.m. Kim Khoi Thai Tran, 46, Garden Grove, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $1,000.

Ocean Blvd. & Channel Road I Paraphernalia and Controlled Substance

2:32 a.m. Jacqueline Joyce James, 26, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

Fifth Ave. & Fernleaf Ave. I Under the Influence, Controlled Substance and Paraphernalia

2:29 a.m. Janeen Costello Leon, 54, Costa Mesa, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $2,500.

Via Lido I 3300 Block I Sharps Waste

1:24 a.m. Kevin James Nodolf, 28, Bakersfield, was arrested for illegal transporting of sharps waste. Bail was set at $500.

26th St. & Newport Blvd. I Driving while Suspended/Revoked and Warrant

4:09 p.m. Willits Howard Haines, 57, Tustin, was arrested for driving while suspended/revoked and for a warrant for driving while suspended/revoked. Bail was set at $5,000.

Villa Point Drive I 00 Block I Obstructing/Resisting, Trespassing and Nudity

2:24 p.m. Kim Khoi Thai Tran, 46, Garden Grove, was arrested for obstructing/resisting a peace officer, trespassing for refusing to leave property, obstructing/resisting an executive officer and public nudity. Bail was set at $20,000.

Sunday, April 21

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Samuel Irving Younes, 22, Newport Beach

Jessica Soto, 27, Garden Grove

Joseph Richard Mannion, 19, Newport Beach

Marguerite Ave. I 1600 Block I Warrant

3:36 a.m. Ryan Newmen York, 33, Mira Loma, was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. Bail was set at $2,500.

River Ave. & Lido Sands Drive I Appropriating Lost Property and Using a Park after Hours

12:43 a.m. Xavier Chavira, 34, Long Beach, was arrested for appropriating lost property and using a park after hours. Bail was set at $500.

Ocean Blvd. I 3300 Block I Contempt of Court, Controlled Substance and Warrant

7:36 p.m. Shawn Timothy Brack, 51, Santa Ana, was arrested for contempt of court for disobeying a court order, possession of a controlled substance and on a warrant for violating a court order. Bail was set at $30,000

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Police Files

Double homicide in Newport Beach

A man and woman were found dead Sunday night, April 21, at the Villa Siena condominium complex across the street from Newport Harbor High School at 15th Street and Irvine Avenue, which Newport Beach Police are calling a double homicide.

A roommate of the male victim was returning home around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday from a weekend in the desert and discovered the bodies. At the time, he did not recognize the identity of the female.

The Orange County Coroner’s office has identified the deceased as Darren Partch, 38, of Newport Beach, and Wendi Miller, 48, a Costa Mesa resident and CEO of Wings for Justice, who had been reported missing.

 

Darren Partch and Wendi Miller were murdered in Newport Beach

Newport Beach Police have yet to release any further details, other than to say they are reporting that there didn’t appear to be any signs of a forced entry.

A family member reported on Wendi’s death saying, “She had been shot and (we were) told that she did not suffer.”

Police are investigating and have “no information on a suspect at this time.”

Miller was last seen, according to friends, at the Loft and Sandpiper in Laguna Beach early Saturday morning, and she hadn’t been seen or heard from since. She was driving a white convertible Lexus.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

Newport Beach Police cordoned off the area in front of the Villa Siena condominium complex at 2101 E. 15th St., Newport Beach

A neighbor in Villa Siena told Stu News that two vehicles were impounded from the scene earlier yesterday.

Partch was a retired hockey player from the San Diego Gulls organization where he last played in 2005-06. He also played for the Long Beach Ice Dogs back in 2003-04. 

He was originally from Agoura Hills.

Laguna Beach detectives are assisting Newport Beach detectives in the investigation and will be involved in the overall investigation.

Police chase leads to violent crash and arrest of two

A police chase in Newport Beach ended in a violent crash early Friday morning, April 19, near Sherington Place and Seagull Lane. According to reports, the suspect’s vehicle rammed into three parked cars and then he attempted to flee on foot.

Police arrested Carl Richard Johnson Jr., 38, of Costa Mesa, at 3:28 a.m. Police had engaged Johnson in the pursuit after he reportedly hit a planter box and then sped off.

Three people were injured in the collision.

Johnson was arrested on charges of evading police officers with wanton disregard, driving without a license, obstructing and resisting police officers and hit and run with property damage. Johnson also had an outstanding warrant for a parole violation.

Julie Ann Shapero, 39, of Fullerton, a passenger in Johnson’s vehicle, was also arrested on an outstanding warrant for possession of unlawful paraphernalia.

Johnson was held on $20,000 bail, while Shapero faced a $2,500 bail.

Previously suspected Newport Beach bank robber dead following another heist

A standoff between a man suspected of being the Leatherface Bandit and Sheriff’s deputies ended in the suspect’s death last Friday, April 19. The suspect had been attempting to elude deputies during a car chase that ended in a crash with another vehicle in Rancho Santa Margarita.

The suspect had just robbed Pacific Western Bank in Dana Point around 3:40 p.m., according to the FBI, and, following a standoff where he refused to exit his vehicle, was found dead. Investigators determined that he may have taken his own life.

The same man is suspected of robbing banks previously in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, including OneWest Bank in Corona del Mar on March 8.

He earned the Leatherface nickname from a mask he wore in the robberies.

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DUI Arrests

Craig Daniel Medici, 49, Newport Beach – Saturday, April 20

Joshua Arturo Franco, 22, Downey – Saturday, April 20 (with prior)

Christopher Charles Haynes, 31, Costa Mesa – Wednesday, April 17

Incident Reports

Saturday, April 20

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Robert Oxier, 36, Laguna Beach

17th St. & Tustin I Costa Mesa I Sharps Waste, Under the Influence and Paraphernalia

9:39 p.m. Christopher John Robinson, 39, Costa Mesa, was arrested for illegally transporting sharps waste, being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $1,000.

Vista del Oro & Perla I Warrant and Drinking in Public

7:00 p.m. Michael Ray Dwyer, 46, Tustin, was arrested for drinking in public and for an undisclosed warrant. Bail was set at $15,000.

W. 15th St. & Placentia Ave. I PRCS Violation and Drinking in Public

4:16 p.m. Ronald Christopher Fry, 44, Santa Ana, was arrested for a PRCS violation/10-day flash hold and drinking in public. Bail was set at $50.

Santiago Drive & Irvine Ave. I Petty Theft, Narcotics, Conspiracy, Controlled Substance, Missing License Plates, Marijuana, Driving while Suspended/Revoked and Receiving Stolen Property

2:11 p.m. Pedro Marcos Perea, 39, Moreno Valley, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit a crime, missing license plates of which two are required on a vehicle, possession of 1 oz. or less of marijuana while driving, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, driving while suspended or revoked and receiving stolen property with a value less than $950. Bail was set at $20,000.

2:04 p.m. Karla Karina Mora-Cervantes, 30, Santa Ana, was arrested for petty theft of mail packages, possession of a narcotic controlled substance and conspiracy to commit a crime. Bail was set at $20,000.

W. Coast Highway & Balboa Blvd. I Paraphernalia and Drinking in Public

8:19 a.m. Samantha Kay Summers, 40, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and drinking in public. Bail was set at $500.

26th St. & Newport Blvd. I Obstructing/Resisting and False ID

7:59 a.m. Sebastian Matisse Deloye, 32, Costa Mesa, was arrested for obstructing/resisting a peace officer and for presenting false identification to a specific peace officer. Bail was set at $500.

Newport Blvd. & 30th St. I Driving the Wrong Way and Controlled Substance

3:52 a.m. Ali Khurdum Neshaily, 29, Irvine, was arrested for driving the wrong way on a divided highway and for possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Friday, April 19

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

E. Coast Highway I 400 Block I Sharps Waste

3:16 p.m. Jason Stuart Moore, 33, Santa Ana, was arrested for illegally transporting sharps waste. Bail was set at $500.

Jamboree Road I 4100 Block I Trespassing, Obstructing/Resisting and Battery

10:18 a.m. Crisdun B. Meadows, 38, Newport Beach, was arrested for trespassing for refusing to leave a property, obstructing/resisting an executive officer and battery on a peace officer. Bail was set at $20,000.

E. Coast Highway & Tustin I Warrant

11:33 a.m. Jacquelyn Danielle Newell, 29, Irvine, was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. Bail was set at $5,000.

Sherington Place & Sea Gull Lane I Paraphernalia and Appropriating Lost Property

5:30 a.m. Sabrina Marie Gomez, 22, Anaheim, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and appropriating lost property. Bail was set at $500.

Sherington Place & Sea Gull Lane I Evading a Peace Officer, Driving without a License, Obstructing/Resisting, Hit and Run and Warrant

3:28 a.m. Carl Richard Johnson Jr., 38, Costa Mesa, was arrested for evading a peace officer, driving without a license, obstructing/resisting a peace officer, hit and run with property damage and for a warrant for a parole violation. Bail was set at $20,000.

2:59 a.m. Julie Ann Shapero, 39, Fullerton, was arrested on a warrant possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $2,500.

Irvine Ave. & Linda Lane I Sharps Waste, Narcotics, False ID and Warrants

1:24 a.m. Jesse Maxwell Dawson, 28, Mission Viejo, was arrested for illegally transporting sharps waste, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, presenting false identification to a peace officer and warrants to terminate for post release community supervision and an undisclosed warrant. Bail was set at $15,000.

Thursday, April 18

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

37th St. & Lake Ave. I Marijuana for Sale

7:29 p.m. Kourtney A. Jayo, 36, Newport Beach, was arrested for possession of marijuana for sale. Bail was set at $500.

W. 15th St. I 800 Block I Parole Violation and Under the Influence

3:20 p.m. Garrett Kyle Martin, 23, Costa Mesa, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and for a parole violation. Bail was set at $1,000.

Newport Blvd. & 31st St. I Driving while Suspended/Revoked and Failure to Provide Financial Responsibility

12:53 p.m. Dillon Matthew Sala, 23, Cedar Glen, was arrested for driving while suspended or revoked and for failure to provide proof of insurance coverage. Bail was set at $500.

Laurel Place & Irvine Ave. I Paraphernalia and Warrant

2:04 a.m. Ryan Laurence Minkoff, 29, Newport Beach, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for a warrant for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $3,000.

Wednesday, April 17

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Micah Ralph Gadberry, 60, Costa Mesa

Shane Allen Eppler, 38, Irvine

Birch St. I 4800 Block I Narcotics, Forge Access Card, Paraphernalia, Forgery and Probation Violation

10:45 p.m. Ryan Joseph Swanson, 30, Dana Point, was arrested for forging an access card to defraud, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for a felony probation violation. Bail was set at $500.

9:33 p.m. Jamie Nicole Pett, 28, Dana Point, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance, forging an access card to defraud, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, forgery by possessing a fake driver’s license and for a warrant for possession of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $22,500.

Newport Center Drive I 700 Block I Petty Theft and Probation Violation

4:57 p.m. Jeffrey Steven Townsend, 42, Martinez, was arrested for petty theft and for a felony probation violation. Bail was set at $500.

19th St. & Balboa Blvd. I Warrant

4:43 p.m. Ronald Keith Hernandez, 57, Costa Mesa, was arrested for a warrant for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $5,000.

MacArthur Blvd. & San Joaquin Hills Road I Warrant

4:07 p.m. Andrea Helena Herrera-Williams, 39, La Habra, was arrested for a warrant for possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail was set at $15,000.

San Joaquin Hills Road I 1000 Block I Tampering with a Vehicle and Petty Theft

1:49 a.m. Rogelio Navarro, 30, Anaheim, was arrested for tampering with a vehicle and petty theft from a vehicle. Bail was set at $500.

16th St. & Irvine Ave. I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Warrant

1:35 a.m. Zachary Adam Lange, 36, Torrance, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for a warrant to revoke, modify, or terminate post release community supervision. Bail was set at $10,000.

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Police Files

Police find vandalized auto, two returning subjects, burglary tools and drugs

Newport Beach Police found a suspicious vehicle parked in an empty parking lot near a gated community in the 1400 block of Bayswater on Sunday morning, April 14, around 5:30 a.m. The vehicle had a broken window, displaying broken glass and paper plates covering the license plates. 

Two subjects, Jenna Raynoelle Setzerhillert, 25, from Mission Viejo, and Charles Daniel Williams, 34, from Fullerton, returned to the vehicle and were engaged by the police. Upon further investigation, police realized the parties were returning from the gated community where they were attempting to commit theft from vehicles.

Both were questioned further.

Setzerhillert, at first, attempted to utilize the name of another person to conceal her identification. Eventually, she was arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime, burglary from a motor vehicle and false personation of another. She was also found to have four outstanding warrants.

Williams, the cohort, was found to be in possession of .9 grams of methamphetamine, .7 grams of heroin, syringes, a glass breaking tool, another metal glass breaking tool, black gloves, a black mask and bolt cutters. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, and additional charges of possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of burglary tools, receiving stolen property with a value less than $950, conspiracy to commit a crime, burglary from a motor vehicle and appropriating lost property.

Both subjects were held on $20,000 bail.

No license plates, no license, no freedom

Newport Beach Police stopped a vehicle shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday, April 15, in the 4200 block of MacArthur Blvd. for driving with no front or rear license plates. After initiating the stop, NBPD questioned and identified the occupants of the vehicle.

The driver was Gabriel John Paola, 46, of Cedar Glen. In addition to no plates, he also did not have a driver’s license. After being uncooperative, he was arrested on charges of obstructing/resisting a peace officer, driving without a license and seven other charges.

The passenger was Tracie Anne McKray, 40, of San Juan Capistrano. Upon further investigation of McKray, police discovered her to be in possession of methamphetamine and a methamphetamine pipe. 

She was arrested and held on $25,000 bail.

Paola was arrested and held on $500 bail. 

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Fire Files

NBFD called for mercury spill at Sage Hill School

Yesterday, April 15, at 9:40 a.m., firefighters from the Newport Beach Fire Department, with assistance from the Orange County Fire Authority, Huntington Beach Fire Department and Orange County Health Hazardous Materials, responded to a hazardous materials spill at Sage Hill School. Upon arrival, firefighters were notified of a mercury spill inside the science area of the school. First in crews isolated the incident and denied entry. The hazardous materials team mitigated the spill by removing the hazard.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBFD

No injuries were reported as a result of the hazardous materials spill. Students and school staff were evacuated for their safety. The Newport Beach Fire Department would like to remind everyone to review Material Safety Data Sheets prior to operating in or near areas with hazardous materials.

Police Files

Suspected DUI driver arrested for hit and run causing property damage, evading police

Police apprehended Larry Marcus Parker, 26, of Garden Grove, on Friday, April 12 at 1:45 a.m. at Tustin Ave. and Riviera Drive in Costa Mesa following a pursuit. Parker initially took an auto without the owner’s consent. During his attempt to evade, he allegedly hit another vehicle causing property damage.

When he was finally arrested, he failed a sobriety check.

He was taken into custody on charges of DUI drugs, obstructing/resisting a peace officer, hit and run causing property damage, evading police with a wanton disregard and for taking a vehicle without consent.

He was held on $50,000 bail.

Driving on a suspended license leads to $55,500 bail for suspect

Driving on a suspended license is never a good idea. Take Andrew Chase Fluor, 35, of Newport Beach, for example. Fluor was arrested on Saturday, April 13, shortly before 6 p.m. at Zenith Ave. and Spruce Ave. He was arrested for driving while suspended or revoked. He was additionally charged with obstructing and resisting by the arresting officer. 

Upon further investigation, Newport Beach Police found him to be in possession of unlawful paraphernalia. He also had outstanding warrants. Those included charges of threatening of a serious crime that could cause death, petty theft, false impersonation of another, possession of a controlled substance and another charge related to paraphernalia.

He was taken into custody and held on $55,500 bail.

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Police Files

Newport Beach man arrested on serious sexual assault charges

Steven James Caswell, 27, of Newport Beach, was arrested on Tuesday, April 9, at 11:23 a.m. in the 1400 block of San Miguel, on serious sexual assault charges. His charges included sexual penetration with force and sexual battery.

Newport Beach Police chose not to release additional comments on the case.

However, records show that upon further investigation, NBPD discovered Caswell in possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Following his arrest, he was charged additionally with attempting to bring a controlled substance into prison.

His bail was set at $100,000.

Suspected drunk driver caught with plenty of drugs to boot

On Monday, April 8, Newport Beach Police received a citizen’s report of an apparent drunk driver. The citizen was driving from Huntington Beach to Newport Beach and noticed the suspect driving erratically. 

NBPD located the vehicle and observed the driver commit multiple driving violations and stopped the suspect at 51st St. and Neptune Ave.

The driver, Joshua Michael Mikulay, 35, of Norwalk, failed a field sobriety test. Upon further investigation, police also found a cache of drugs, including 28.4 grams of heroin, five grams of methamphetamine and 1.9 grams of fentanyl.

Mikulay was arrested and charged with possession of a narcotic controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics for sale, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a leaded cane and obstructing/resisting a peace officer. He was also charged with DUI.

His bail was set at $25,000.

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Police Files

Ongoing investigation turns up suspect, held on $1,000,000 bail

An ongoing investigation dating back to November 2018 by Newport Beach Police Detectives has led to the arrest of Jonathon Thomas Campos, 35, of Anaheim. 

Campos was arrested near La Palma Ave. and N. West St. in Anaheim at 11:09 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3. His charges include residential burglary with forced entry, robbery with a firearm, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of ammo by a prohibited person, receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950, possession of burglary tools and possession of a controlled substance.

Campos is being held on $1,000,000 bail.

Missing license plate leads to sizable heroin stash

Rory Allen Hutchinson, 30, of Lake Stevens, was sitting in his vehicle shortly after midnight on Saturday, April 6, in the area of 61st St. and W. Coast Highway. A Newport Beach Police Officer passing by on patrol noticed one of the license plates missing from his car.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, upon questioning, it was discovered that Hutchinson was under the influence of a controlled substance. Further investigation turned up 58.3 grams of heroin and tin foil with some burn marks. According to sources online, the street value of this amount of heroin is over $10,000.

Hutchinson was arrested and charged with being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of narcotics for sale and transporting narcotics for sale.

His bail was set at $25,000.

Citizen complaint leads to arrest of suspected chronic drunk driver

Newport Beach Police were sent to the 100 block of 26th St. for a citizen’s complaint of a drunken driver. However, when police arrived, the subject had not entered his vehicle or attempted to leave the area.

As police investigated, they identified the man as Charles Chester Towle, 59, of Anaheim. Lo and behold, Towle had in his possession an open container. However, records showed that he additionally had two outstanding warrants for DUI.

He was charged for the warrants and for drinking in public.

His bail was set at $50,100.

Vehicle burglaries on the upswing, keep your vehicles locked

In the last couple of months, Newport Beach Police have seen the number of burglaries from vehicles increase across the city. In the majority of these crimes, cars are left unlocked, but they report also seeing forced entries when valuables are left out in plain sight. 

Remember, it just takes a matter of seconds for a thief to shatter a window, grab your property and disappear.

NBPD reminds you to take a minute to remove your valuables, roll up your windows & lock your doors – every time you park. 

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Police Files

Find my iPhone app leads police to stolen vehicle

On Saturday afternoon, March 30, a Newport Beach Police Officer was sent to the 3000 block of Via Lido following a citizen’s report of a stolen vehicle. The victim had reportedly parked her vehicle at 12 noon and left. When she returned 10 minutes later, the vehicle was gone.

Fortunately, the victim had left her cell phone in the vehicle and enabled the Find my iPhone app which provided the vehicle’s location.

Officers were then able to locate the vehicle and took the sole occupant, Marian Demus, 34, of Sherman Oaks, into custody.

Demus had apparently been testing car door handles when she located the victim’s 2013 Infinity G37 unlocked. She is then allegedly proceeded to take the vehicle without permission.

Demus was arrested and charged with taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and grand theft auto.

Her bail was set at $20,000.

Gas guzzler arrested for burglary from vehicle

In the early morning hours of Sunday, March 31, a Newport Beach Police Officer was sent to the 1400 block of Superior Ave. in response to a citizen complaint of a male breaking into vehicles.

Upon arrival, the officer observed a suspect, later identified as Gregory Scott Whitaker Jr., 28, of Victorville, wearing all black, black gloves and siphoning gas from a vehicle. Further investigation, according to NPBD PIO Heather Rangel, revealed that Whitaker was trying to open vehicles with his car key, breaking gas caps and siphoning gas from other vehicles.

He was arrested on charges of burglary from a motor vehicle, possession of burglary tools and for a parole violation.

His bail was set at $20,000.

NBPD says put the cell phone away or get ticketed

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Newport Beach Police Department will be joining law enforcement agencies statewide by having additional officers on patrol looking specifically for drivers who violate California’s hands-free cell phone law.

Distracted driving is dangerous, especially when it involves a cell phone. According to preliminary data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), 66 people were killed and more than 6,500 injured in 2017 from distracted driving-related crashes.

“Cell phones remain one of the top distractions for drivers,” said Newport Beach Police Department Lieutenant Cartwright. “Like any bad habit, it can be hard to break, but this habit can have life-altering consequences.”

In a 2018 observational survey by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), driver cell phone use found about 4.5 percent of drivers are still using their cell phone illegally, a nearly 27 percent increase from 2016.

“That text or phone call will never be worth losing a life over,” said Lieutenant Cartwright. “That is why curbing distracted driving is high on our priority list.”

Under the most recent cell phone law that went into effect in 2017, drivers are prohibited from having a phone in their hand for any reason and can only use their phone in a hands-free manner. The phones must be mounted on the dashboard, windshield or center console, and can only be touched once with the swipe or tap of a finger to activate or deactivate a function. First-time offenders face a $162 fine.

If you need to make a call or text someone, pull over and park at a safe location. Struggling to stay off the phone while driving? Put your phone in a place you can’t reach, like the backseat or trunk.

Funding for distracted driving enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Police Files

Commercial burglary in progress reported, suspects arrested

On Wednesday, March 27, at 1:40 a.m., Newport Beach Police Officers were sent to the 100 block of W. Coast Highway for a citizen’s report of a burglary in progress. The victim reported that she saw unknown males enter her business on surveillance footage.

Upon arrival, officers found Brian Edward Riley, 51, of Newport Beach, in the business without permission and in possession of multiple stolen magazines. The store owner responded to the location and requested a private person’s arrest for trespassing.

NBPD officers arrested Riley for commercial burglary with no forced entry. Upon further investigation, police found drug paraphernalia that included burnt foil and syringes, according to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel. Riley was additionally charged with possession of unlawful paraphernalia and illegally transporting sharps waste.

Byron Sherwood Graves, 35, of Placentia, was with Riley and was arrested for disorderly conduct for loitering in a private business.

Riley was arrested and held on $20,000 bail, while Graves’ bail was set at $500.

Vehicle burglary reports nearly $14,000 in stolen property

On Saturday, March 30, a victim reported to Newport Beach Police that his parked vehicle, a 2018 Mercedes c300, had been burglarized sometime between 11 p.m. on March 12 and 7 a.m. on March 13. The victim had returned to their car, in the 2900 block of Irvine Avenue, planning to head for work and observed the trunk open and the contents in the vehicle missing.

The vehicle was reportedly left locked by the victim. The stolen property was valued at $13,950.

The police have no leads at this time.

Smash and grab vehicle burglary reported

On Thursday, March 28, a victim of a vehicle burglary went into the Newport Beach Police Department and requested a police officer for a report. The victim stated that he had parked his vehicle, a 2009 white Ford Edge, on March 28, at 8:30 a.m. in the 6800 block of Seashore Drive and when he returned at 9:30 a.m., he found that his rear passenger window had been smashed and multiple items were missing.

The value placed on the stolen items was $3,580.

The police have no leads at this time.

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Fire Files

Apartment catches fire, woman rescued four stories up

On Tuesday, March 26, at 11:23 p.m., the Newport Beach Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at the Park Newport Apartments. First in units noted smoke emitting from a fourth story apartment, with a female victim calling for help from the balcony. 

The Newport Beach Fire Battalion Chief immediately upgraded the fire to a second alarm due to the potential life threat to the building occupants. 

Newport Beach Truck 63 utilized their 100-foot aerial ladder to quickly rescue the female victim and she was treated and transported to a local burn center by Newport Beach Paramedics. No additional injuries were reported.

Courtesy of NBFD

A cat was also rescued from the apartment and turned over to the Newport Beach Police Department’s animal control.    

First in units went into an offensive attack with progressive hose lays and were able to contain the fire to the involved apartment. In total, 40 firefighters from Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Orange County Fire Authority assisted.

Newport Beach Police Department Officers assisted with evacuating the surrounding units.

 Newport Beach Fire Investigators are currently investigating the cause of the fire. There was approximately $100,000 in building and content damage. 

Police Files

Alleged thief works parking garage in early morning

Julian Charles White, 37, of Coto de Caza, was arrested by Newport Beach Police on Monday, March 25, in the early morning hours, for residential burglary with no forced entry.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, White, in the 100 block of San Joaquin Drive, had entered an underground parking garage around 5:30 a.m. and began pulling on car door handles. A private security department notified police who located and confirmed White as the suspect through surveillance footage.

In White’s possession were female watches, cash, a wallet and sunglasses that were allegedly all taken from vehicles.

White was arrested on burglary charges and bail was set at $50,000.

Suspected drunk driver found with assault weapon

On Saturday, March 23, a Newport Beach Police Officer was sent to the area of the 2600 block of San Miguel Drive at 7:47 p.m. for a citizen complaint of a suspected drunk driver. The witness had observed Richard Sebby Warner, 72, Newport Beach, driving erratically and advised the police officer of the suspected drunk driver’s location. 

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, upon arrival and further investigation, Warner was located and found to be under the influence of alcohol and in possession of a handgun, ammunition and an assault rifle.

NBPD arrested Warner for DUI, carrying a concealed weapon in his vehicle and for possession of an assault rifle. 

He was held on $20,000 bail.

Intercepted email worth $105,000

A victim from the 2500 block of W. Coast Highway came into the Newport Beach Police Department to report a loss of $105,000 that occurred through an email transaction sometime between February 28 and March 21. 

Investigation showed that an unknown suspect had intercepted email interactions and requested that the bank wire monies to a fraudulent location.

The crime of obtaining money through false pretenses is being investigated.

Fraud leads to airline miles theft

A victim filed a fraud report with the Newport Beach Police Department after receiving an email from American Airlines stating that $57,304 worth of miles had been fraudulently used from the account.

The value of the fraud was estimated at $57,304. The incident occurred between October 18, 2018 and March 19, 2019.

The crime of grand theft by fraud continues to be investigated.

The crime of obtaining money through false pretenses is being investigated.

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Police Files

Big name Newport Beach attorney faces “stormy” future with Nike extortion charges 

Newport Beach attorney Michael Avenatti was arrested yesterday on charges of attempting to extort some $20+ million from Nike, the athletic apparel company. 

Avenatti, 48, of Century City, the former attorney for porn star Stormy Daniels, was arrested in New York for wire fraud and bank fraud according to U.S. Attorney Nicola Hanna.

Avenatti had announced a news conference for today on Twitter just prior to his arrest, saying that he had discovered a college basketball scandal “perpetuated by Nike.”

Federal prosecutors also announced unrelated wire and back fraud charges against him for allegedly embezzling from a client to pay off his own debts. 

If convicted, Avenatti could face up to 50 years in federal prison.

Celebrity attorney Mark Geragos was named as a co-conspirator with Avenatti in the alleged extortion attempt of Nike.

Transient arrested, then found with controlled substance in jail

Adrian Perez Contreras, 28, a transient with no listed hometown, was stopped by Newport Beach Police in the 3200 block of E. Coast Highway and initially charged with possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for presenting false identification to the officers.

Additional checking on Contreras turned up a warrant for violating a previous court order.

Once arrested, police found a controlled substance in Contreras’ possession in jail.

He was additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance in prison.

His bail was set at $35,000.

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Police Files

Man force enters boat on Lido Isle to consume alcohol, says NBPD

Tuesday, March 19, at 10:17 p.m., Newport Beach Police responded to a call on Lido Isle concerning a male suspect trespassing on a private boat. Upon arrival, officers met with the reporting party who expressed a desire to prosecute and signed a private persons arrest for trespassing.

Further investigation revealed that the subject, Jerret Mlagenovich, 34, of Santa Ana, had forced entry onto a secure boat in order to steal and consume alcoholic beverages, according to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel.

Mlagenovich was arrested for trespassing, burglary and a felony probation violation. His bail was set at $20,000.

Someone takes $44,000 necklace…no leads

Newport Beach Police received a report that sometime between March 2 and March 16, someone entered an apartment in the 22700 block of Pelican Hill Road S and stole a necklace valued at $44,366.

The victim stated that multiple people had access to the property during the two-week period. They filed a citizen’s complaint of grand theft.

There were no eyewitnesses and no apparent leads.

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Police Files

Burglar gets away with $103,000 in jewelry

A forced entry residential burglary on Bridgeport Road last Thursday, March 14, was very costly to residents. Sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 8:22 p.m., a burglar took jewelry and other unknown items at an estimated value of some $103,000.

The suspect entered through the yard from a dirt trail that backs up to the property, crossing a glass fence where fingerprints were left. He or she then used a barbeque to gain access to the second floor where a sliding glass door was shattered.

There was no surveillance camera or eyewitnesses.

The Newport Beach Police Department continues to investigate.

Late night meth arrest leads to big-time bail

If you want to talk about a bad day, go no further than Christine Marie Wells, 30, of Wilmington. Wells was a passenger in a vehicle that the Newport Beach Police pulled over on Friday, March 15, at Via Lido and Newport Blvd. at 2:23 a.m.

Upon further investigation, police found that Wells had not only a felony warrant in her name, but also 2.9 grams of methamphetamine and a meth pipe in her possession.

She was arrested for the warrant and possession of a controlled substance.

Her bail amount, $752,500.

Ride a bike on the sidewalk and this time go to jail

A no-no in Newport Beach is riding a bicycle on the sidewalk. So, when the Newport Beach Police Department noticed Nathan Ooten Seigel, 34, of Felicity, doing exactly that, they stopped him.

That, of course, as it does many times, led to other problems for the suspect. 

When they tried to run him, they found that Seigel was using a false name and date of birth. Upon further investigation they searched his backpack and found a set of metal knuckles, bolt cutters and black gloves.

He also had outstanding warrants, one related to possession of narcotics for sale.

Police arrested Seigel for possession of metal knuckles and possession of burglary tools, false ID to a specific peach officer and two warrants, one related to possession of narcotics for sale.

He was booked on $20,000 bail.

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Police Files

Locals top the names of college admission scandal

Newport Beach has been at the top of the news for the $25 million college admission scandal that erupted this week.

First and foremost is Newport Beach resident William “Rick” Singer, 58, who has been accused of assisting wealthy parents in getting their children admitted to prestigious colleges across the country in exchange for bribes.

It is being called the biggest college admission scandal on record.

Singer has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy and other charges in federal court earlier this week in Boston. His companies include Edge College & Career Network and the Key Worldwide Foundation.

TV stars including Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin are among the clients Singer allegedly assisted.

As a result of the scandal, a number of college administrators and coaches have been suspended or fired.

Locally, two school board trustee members from Sage Hill School, Doug Hodge, 61, of Laguna Beach and Michelle Merage-Janavs, 48, of Newport Coast, are accused of being involved and have been indicted.

Hodge supposedly spent some $450,000 to facilitate the cheating and false athletic resumes of two of his children. Hodge is the former CEO of PIMCO.

Janavs is accused of making two payments totaling $75,000 to have her daughter admitted to USC.

I-Hin “Joey” Chen, 64, of Newport Beach, a warehouse provider for the shipping industry, allegedly paid $75,000 to get assistance with his son’s ACT test results.

Neal back in OC to stand trial for O’Keefe’s murder

James Alan Neal, 72, of Monument, Colo., has been extradited back to Orange County from Colorado to stand trial for the cold case murder of 11-year-old Linda O’Keefe. Neal is accused of killing O’Keefe in 1973.

He was arraigned on Wednesday, March 13. Prosecutors have also announced additional charges against Neal for two sexual assaults that supposedly took place sometime between 1995 and 2004 in Riverside County.

O’Keefe was walking home from summer school in Corona del Mar when she disappeared. Her body was found the next morning in the Back Bay area.

New DNA technology led to the arrest and “good old-fashioned police work” led to Neal’s arrest.

He is charged with murder with special circumstances for kidnapping and lewd acts on a child.

District Attorney Todd Spitzer said, “The significant arrest for the brutal sexual assault and murder of Linda O’Keefe is an affirmation to never give up on solving cold cases. The community resolve for justice, cooperation of local law enforcement, and the strategic use of investigative tools like DNA are what helped find answers for this family and community. Our office will work tirelessly to ensure justice is served in a court of law.”

Newport Beach Police Chief Jon Lewis said, “For 45 years, the Newport Beach Police Department continued to search for Linda’s killer. Generations of investigators worked on her case. We never gave up.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy will prosecute the case.

A continued arraignment is scheduled for Friday, March 29 at 10 a.m. in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana.

Woman accused of taking $14,000 bracelet at charity event

Betty Diane Kerr, 59, of Yucca Valley, was arrested for allegedly taking a $14,000 bracelet from a charity event table in the 1200 block of W. Coast Highway. The incident took place shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, Kerr was seen on a surveillance camera taking the jewelry box containing the bracelet and hiding it in her dress.

The private security company notified the Newport Beach Police Department and Kerr was taken into custody for grand theft.

Her bail was set at $20,000.

Woman busted walking from store with stolen merchandise

Danielle N. Rudd, 38, of Newport Coast, was arrested in the 600 block of Newport Center Drive on Saturday afternoon, March 9. Rudd was observed on a surveillance camera by a loss prevention officer removing clothing items from hangers and putting them into her own canvas bag.

Rudd then exited the store. The surveillance officer approached her when she was 50 feet outside of the building and still in possession of the unpaid items.

The officer notified the Newport Beach Police Department and she was taken into custody for commercial burglary. The value of the stolen merchandise was established at $1,913.

Rudd was booked and held on $20,000 bail.

Paper plates apparently lead to serial criminals

Lovan Dshone Sudds Jr., 36, of Anaheim, and Tina Tuong Duong, 27, of Santa Ana, were observed by Newport Police driving in a vehicle with no front license plate and a paper rear plate that was not compliant to California code. Police stopped the vehicle.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, further investigation produced 1.2 grams of marijuana, a marijuana pipe with residue, burglary tools including bolt cutters and two sets of gloves. Police also found the vehicle license plates in the trunk issued one year ago. Duong also had a forged driver’s license in her possession that belonged to Sudds.

According to Rangel, the relationship between the two is unknown, but they are accused of committing multiple crimes in other cities together and have multiple court cases pending.

Sudds was arrested for possession of marijuana, driving without a license, possession of burglary tools, being a felon in possession of tear gas, forgery by signing another’s name, forgery by using an official seal and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Duong was charged with missing license plates, possession of burglary tools and conspiracy.

The arrest took place around 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 10.

Both were held on $20,000 bail.

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Police Files

Swastika fliers found posted on NHHS campus

Fliers depicting Nazi symbols were found posted around campus at Newport Harbor High School over the weekend, according to reports.

The Newport Beach Police Department received a call Sunday morning, March 10, notifying them that nearly a dozen 8-by-11 fliers were posted around campus bearing swastikas.

The fliers are the second incident involving NHHS in the last week. An off-campus party the prior weekend depicted students playing the drinking game beer pong around a swastika comprised of red plastic cups. The students could be seen in the background posing with the Nazi salute.

The incident made national news and led to two community meetings, plus a conversation between Anne Frank’s stepsister, Eva Schloss, and a group of NHHS students who attended the beer pong party.

There are presently no leads on who’s responsible for the fliers.

NBPD to step it up for St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by millions across the country, often culminating in parties where drinking is involved. Sadly, this leads to tragedies on our roadways because of drivers who choose to leave parties impaired.

This St. Patrick’s Day weekend (March 16 and 17), the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) will have additional officers on patrol in an effort to stop drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Due to St. Patrick’s Day becoming a dangerous holiday on our roads, NBPD encourages everyone to plan ahead and use a designated sober driver, ride-share or public transportation. Even one drink can be one too many.

“Don’t even put yourself in a position where you need to ask whether you are okay to drive,” Newport Beach Police Department Lieutenant Cartwright said. “If you feel the slightest hint of a buzz, you should not be driving.”

NBPD also wants to remind everyone that a “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can all be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

“We all know the dangers about driving impaired,” NBPD Lieutenant Cartwright said. “Let’s all be responsible adults and help each other get where we need to go safely.”

Funding for St. Patrick’s Day DUI enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Police Files

NBPD seeks public assistance in identifying bank robbery suspect

The Newport Beach Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a bank robbery investigation. The crime occurred on Thursday, March 7, at 3:48 p.m. at OneWest Bank (3700 East Coast Highway). The suspect entered the bank and brandished a black semi-automatic handgun as he demanded money from the teller. There were no customers in the bank at the time and no report of any injuries. The bank reported a loss of $8,000.

The suspect is being identified as a white male, 5’6 - 5’9 and 175 - 190 lbs.

Click on photo for a larger image 

Click on photo for a larger image 

OneWest Bank security cameras captured the photos above at the time of the robbery. The suspect may have stuffed a pillow inside his shirt to display a different body characteristic. After committing the robbery, the suspect fled from the location on a black electric bicycle. The suspect is armed and dangerous; do not approach him if located. 

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect in the photos is encouraged to contact Detective Mike Fletcher at 949.644.3779.

Transient appearing drunk found to have 10 outstanding warrants

On Sunday, March 3, at 8:31 a.m., Newport Beach police encountered Matthew Mark Hoscoe, a 57-year-old transient from Huntington Beach, who was found lying down on the sidewalk at Superior Avenue and W. Coast Highway. According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, pedestrians were being forced to walk around him.

Police suspected that Hoscoe was under the effects of intoxication.

Upon further checking, police also realized that Hoscoe had an extensive rap sheet including 10 outstanding warrants.

The warrants ranged from two for drinking in public, one for DUI, six for being drunk in public and one for noise.

He was taken into custody and held on $49,000 bail.

Bartender arrested for alleged arson of local oceanfront home

Lisa Michelle Pickard, a 49-year-old Newport Beach resident, was arrested Sunday, March 3, at 9:16 p.m. in the 1800 block of W. Ocean Front, on the charge of arson of an inhabited structure.

According to NBPD, Pickard allegedly set fire to a house/duplex of residents she knew.

“This isn’t an instance of serial arson or an unknown arsonist. All of the parties are known to each other, and there is no threat to public safety at this time,” NBPD Watch Commander Lt. Rachel Johnson said.

Though she was unable to confirm the number of people inside the home at the time of the fire, Lt. Johnson did say that she did not believe anyone was injured, in a phone interview yesterday.

Pickard, who listed her occupation as “bartender” in the arrest logs, was being held on $250,000 bail.

The odds and ends of local crimes range from pick pocket to stolen vehicles

Crimes were plenty around town in the last several days. 

A bicycle was stolen in the matter of one minute from the 2100 block of W. Balboa Blvd. on Sunday, March 3, at 9:35 p.m. The loss was estimated to be $600.

No suspect was found.

Then, a pick pocket incident took place in a retail store in the 8000 block of E. Coast Highway on Sunday, March 3, shortly after noon.

The victim was “shopping and looking at an item when she felt a nudge” as a person passed her by. 

Shortly afterwards, she realized her wallet was missing. The loss was estimated at $1,700. No arrest was made.

And, residents living in the 200 block of Pearl Ave. reported jewelry missing from their home sometime between 3 p.m. on February 17 and 8 p.m. on February 18. According to the victims, their delay in reporting was to make certain that the jewelry wasn’t located at another location.

The residents believe someone entered in the middle of the night through an unlocked door while they were sleeping. 

Two rings and a watch were reportedly taken with a value of $42,500.

Finally, a gray Volkswagen Jetta was stolen overnight on Saturday, March 2, after the resident “had locked and secured” it in the 1800 block of Park Newport Drive.

No arrests were made. The loss was estimated at $25,125.

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Police Files

Two locals arraigned for insurance fraud scheme

Four defendants were arraigned for insurance fraud of over $100,000 in February for their involvement in a scheme that allegedly unlawfully obtained patients for a medical center by paying “cappers” and failing to disclose this to insurers. 

As a result, they are accused of attempting to defraud multiple insurers of over $2.9 million. Jeffrey Scott Catanzarite, 59, Irvine, Max Humberto Matos, 78, Long Beach, Ronald Lee Martin, 68, Corona del Mar, and his wife Veronica Martin, 63, Corona del Mar, are each charged with 34 felony counts of insurance fraud and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, as well as additional counts for the unlawful referral of patients for compensation. 

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 43 years and eight months in state prison. The defendants appeared in court on February 19 for continued arraignment and were released on bail. The defendants are scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on May 21, 2019, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-55, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

The OCDA Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Deputy District Attorney Steven Schriver of the Insurance Fraud Unit is prosecuting this case.

Newport Beach man accused of stealing car, again

Thursday evening, Feb. 28, Matthew David Patterson, 45, of Newport Beach, was arrested for taking an auto without the owner’s consent. It apparently wasn’t his first time. 

Patterson was arrested in the 4300 block of MacArthur Boulevard, this time for allegedly taking a 2000 BMW 528i, according to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel.

Police also found unlawful paraphernalia, a meth pipe.

In addition, Patterson had warrants for vehicle theft, identity theft, possession of a controlled substance, counterfeiting and false personation.

His bail was set at $27,500.

Forgery, fraud, grand theft and more

Newport Beach police went to the 20900 block of Brookhurst St. in Huntington Beach to arrest 26-year-old Yecenia Garciavidal, of Long Beach. Garciavidal was suspected in a commercial burglary using forgery and fraud.

Additional charges included grand theft from buildings, identity theft in order to get credit and other’s ID, possession of bad checks and receiving stolen property.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, the alleged crimes occurred at a rehabilitation home.

Garciavidal’s bail was set at $20,000.

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Police Files

Pliers, wrenches and meth lead to burglary arrest

In the early morning hours of Monday, Feb. 25, NPBD received a radio call for a suspicious male and female hiding behind a car wearing dark clothing in the 200 block of Nice Lane.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, the male suspect was seen trying to cut bike locks in the parking structure, and was found to be in possession of bolt cutters, flashlights, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers and a drill bit, along with methamphetamine and a drug pipe.

Scott Michael Pearson, 48, of Lake Forest, and Brittany Lane Hahn, 26, Costa Mesa, were arrested on a number of charges, including burglary and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Pearson was additionally charged with possession of burglary tools, possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and identity theft. According to Rangel, Pearson had a credit card in the name of someone else on his person.

His bail was set at $20,000.

Hahn was also charged with possession of paraphernalia and a warrant for the same.

She was held on $30,000 bail.

One arrested for shoplifting, friend goes along for the ride

Two Midway City men were taken into custody Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 26, one on an earlier shoplifting incident.

Bret Damon McCarthy, 49, was arrested for shoplifting, and additionally charged with illegally transporting sharps waste, possession of a controlled substance, appropriating lost property and on warrants related to narcotics and two for driving under the influence.

He was held on $25,000 bail.

Jesse Luke Smalley, also 49, was arrested for illegally transporting sharps waste and on a petty theft warrant.

He was held on $3,000 bail.

The arrest took place at Bonita Canyon Drive and MacArthur Boulevard just before 3 p.m.

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Police Files

OCSD Coroner reports 2018 homeless deaths, six in Newport Beach

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Coroner Division publicly released two reports yesterday concerning reported deaths of individuals experiencing homelessness in Orange County in 2018.

The OCSD Coroner Division is responsible for investigating deaths that occur within the county of Orange. This includes unnatural deaths such as homicides, suicides, accidents and/or suspicious or unexplained deaths. 

In Orange County in 2018, there were 5,858 deaths reported to the Coroner Division. Of those, 210 decedents were considered homeless as they had “no fixed abode” at the time of death. This number is up from 196 in 2017, 202 in 2016, 187 in 2015, and 126 in 2014.

Six of the deaths in 2018 occurred in Newport Beach, according to information released by Carrie Braun, Public Information Officer, OCSD. 42 deaths occurred in Santa Ana, 35 in Orange, 30 in Anaheim, 16 in Huntington Beach, 13 in Garden Grove, 9 in Fullerton and Costa Mesa, 8 in Westminster, and 7 in Mission Viejo.

The first report, titled “Coroner Division Homeless Mortality Report,” provides data categorized by the cause of death and the geographic location of where the death occurred. The information is provided for each calendar year from 2014 to present, in addition to statistical graphs by mode of death. The Coroner Division has been working to compile this data since January 2019 to study these cases and identify changing patterns important to public health and safety.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of OCSD

Statistics for 2018 thus far – 32 of the 210 homeless deceased are still in a pending status awaiting toxicology reports

While deaths from natural causes and suicides went down in 2018 compared to 2017, homicides and accidental deaths went up.

The second report was prepared pursuant to a request from the Honorable David O Carter, Judge in the US District Court to provide the causes of death of homeless individuals who passed away in 2018 and 2019. The report lists the 210 decedents from 2018, and 25 reported deaths from January 1 to February 19, 2019.

2018 data shows that of the 210 homeless decedents, 75 individuals died of natural causes, with overdose as the second highest cause of death claiming the lives of 44. 32 are still pending an official cause of death awaiting toxicology results.

“Examining this data allows us to observe causal factors that might assist in preventing the deaths of individuals experiencing homelessness,” said Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Don Barnes. “As a member of the Commission to End Homelessness, I will be presenting this data to the commission for further discussion and action aimed at reducing the number of deaths of homeless individuals.”

Three taken into custody for commercial burglary

Two San Diego men and one woman were arrested Wednesday afternoon, February 20, in the 3700 block of Campus Drive, on a variety of charges, including commercial burglary.

William Basneer Aluqdah, 46, Danny Lee Washington Jr., 27, and Jamillah A. Prince, 47, were taken into custody shortly after 3 p.m.

Aluqdah was charged with commercial burglary with no forced entry, receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950, possession of burglary tools, obstructing/resisting a peace officer, conspiracy to commit a crime, false personation of another and multiple warrants.

He was held on $280,000 bail.

Washington and Prince were also charged with commercial burglary with no forced entry, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of burglary tools and receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950.

Washington was additionally charged with appropriating lost property and driving without a license.

Both were held on $20,000 bail.

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Police Files

Suspect in custody for triple murder, victims were his parents and family housekeeper

Richard Nicholson, 64, and Kim Nicholson, 61, both of Newport Beach, and Maria Morse, 57, of Anaheim, have been identified as the homicide victims in the shooting last week, allegedly killed by Camden Burton Nicholson, 27, of Costa Mesa.

Richard and Kim were parents of Nicholson’s and Morse was the family’s housekeeper.

Courtesy of OC District Attorney

Camden Burton Nicholson

Nicholson has been booked on three counts of murder. He is expected to enter a plea on March 8 and is being held without bail.

Newport Beach police were alerted by Irvine police requesting a welfare check on the Nicholsons’ home after Camden appeared in the emergency room of an Irvine medical facility. NBPD found the three bodies.

Camden attended Corona del Mar High School and the University of Utah.

No plates lead to drug arrest of rapper

On Tuesday, Feb. 12, shortly after midnight, Newport Beach Police pulled over a vehicle with no license plates and discovered the occupant did not have a driver’s license on his possession. Upon further check, police discovered that Terrell Rashad Wilson, 32, Buena Park, who listed his occupation as a rapper, was driving on a suspended license for a DUI.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, police searched Wilson and found Alprazolam and Adderall on his person and later discovered Oxycodone in his sock when he was being booked into jail.

He was arrested for possessing a controlled substance without a prescription, possessing a controlled substance, no vehicle registration and possessing a controlled substance in prison.

His bail was set at $20,000.

Machinery stolen in commercial burglary, no suspects

Newport Beach Police were alerted to a commercial burglary that took place sometime between Saturday, Feb. 9, at 4 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 11, at 4:45 a.m.

According to NBPD reports, a commercial area under construction at Old Newport Boulevard and Santa Ana Avenue had its lock cut and was burglarized. Missing was a generator and the trailer that held it. The machine was valued at $53,000.

Video footage did not have night vision and there are no known suspects.

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Police Files

Three murdered in Newport Beach, son arrested

On Wednesday, Feb. 13, the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) arrested Camden Burton Nicholson, a 27-year-old resident of Newport Beach, for the murder of three people at 36 Palazzo.

Nicholson had been previously held for investigation earlier at the Irvine Medical Center Wednesday while the Irvine Police Department requested a welfare check at the Palazzo address. 

Upon arrival, NBPD officers found three deceased people in the residence, two adult females and one adult male. The Orange County Coroner’s Office is identifying the victims and notifying the next of kin before they release their identities.

Speculation is that the three deceased include the suspect’s parents and a maid.

Nicholson was subsequently booked directly at the Orange County Jail on the charge of 187(A) PC Homicide. 

NBPD detectives and Crime Scene Investigation personnel are conducting an active homicide investigation. 

Anyone with information or a witness to the crime is asked to contact Detective Prince at 949.644.3762.

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Police Files

Police looking for suspect in Citibank robbery

The Newport Beach Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a bank robbery investigation. The crime occurred on Friday, Feb. 8, at 10:15 a.m. at Citibank, 1100 Newport Center Dr. 

The suspect entered the bank carrying a red Target reusable bag, handed the bank teller a note that stated he had a “bomb,” and verbally demanded cash. The loss is unknown at this time. The suspect then fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted by Citibank

According to the Newport Beach Police Department, the same suspect may be linked to bank robberies in Oceanside and Newport Beach as well as an attempted robbery in Escondido.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect in the photo is encouraged to contact Detective Jason Prince at 949.644.3762.

NBPD to hold public showing of recovered stolen property

As part of an ongoing criminal investigation of Aquinas Kasbar, the Newport Beach Police Department Detectives have recovered additional property that is believed to be stolen from the Newport Beach area within the last year. The newly recovered property includes watches and miscellaneous jewelry.

There will be a public showing of the newly recovered property at the Newport Beach Police Department on Friday, Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. If you believe that your property may have been recovered, please bring a copy of your crime report, case number, valid identification and any other information that may help detectives positively identify your property.

If you have any additional questions, contact Sergeant Comte at 949.644.3765.

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Police Files

Man allegedly bites arresting officer in strong armed robbery attempt

On Sunday, Feb. 3, at 12:50 p.m., Blake Michael Wilkins, 25, from Fayetteville, was arrested for strong armed robbery.

Wilkins is accused of entering a Fashion Island store and attempting to take two jackets without paying. According to reports, he attempted to exit the store, wearing both jackets and was told to return by the store’s loss prevention officer. At this point. circumstances led to Wilkins biting the officer.

He subsequently was arrested on strong armed robbery charges and was held on $20,000 bail.

Sex offender found on Newport Harbor High campus

Jeremy Ryan Spandorf, 35, of Newport Beach, a registered sex offender, illegally entered the Newport Harbor High School campus without proper authorization on Monday, Feb. 4, at 11 a.m., according to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel. The incident was a violation of his sex offender requirements.

Newport Beach Police were called and arrested Spandorf. He additionally was charged with failure to provide proof of residency.

He was held on $20,000 bail.

$20,000 taken from unlocked vehicle in beach parking lot

A 60 year-old Newport Beach male filed a report with Newport Beach Police claiming that $20,000 in cash, a debit card, his driver’s license and a bag were stolen out of his black Mercedes SUV.

The victim claimed the incident took place in a Corona del Mar beach parking lot from his unlocked vehicle.

Police weren’t provided with any suspect descriptions and have no further leads.

Man allegedly enters Newport residence illegally to use restroom

On Monday, Feb. 4, Tyler Michael Peterson, 34, of Phoenix, allegedly entered an unlocked, but occupied, residence at E. Edgewater Ave. and Fernando St. with the intent of using the restroom. The homeowner made an arrest on Peterson for trespassing.

Newport Beach Police arrested Peterson and he was being held on $20,000 bail. During that stay, he was additionally charged with damaging/destroying jail property. Details of the specific incident were not available at press time.

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Police Files

Trio arrested in alleged ID theft ring bust

Newport Beach Police arrested three out-of-town people at various locations to break up an alleged identity theft ring.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, a radio call came in for a complaint of subjects sitting in a vehicle using narcotics. Upon arrival, officers conducted an investigation that led to the finding of drug paraphernalia. The suspects, Robert Carrasquillo and Kayla Hurst, reportedly ran from the car and were later located and arrested.

Located in the suspects’ vehicle were checks in the names of other people, a glass pipe with burnt meth and multiple pipes, according to Rangel.

The first arrest was at 1:31 p.m. of Kayla Renee Hurst, 20, of Los Angeles, in the 1700 block of W. Balboa Boulevard. Hurst was charged with identity theft for possessing 10 or more different identities, obstructing/resisting police, possession of burglary tools and for an outside agency warrant.

At 2:08 p.m., police took Robert Cameron Carrasquillo, 31, of Lynwood, into custody in the 100 block of McFadden Place. Carrasquillo was charged with possession of 10 or more identities, unlawful paraphernalia, residential burglary with no forced entry, receiving stolen property, obstructing/resisting, fraudulent possession of a scanning device, fraudulent possession of a re-encoder, being a felon in possession of tear gas and on a warrant for possession of narcotics.

Next came the arrest of Lucas Andrew Reid, 26, of Calabasas, at 17th Street and W. Ocean Front at 2:31 p.m. Reid’s charges included possession of 10 or more identities and unlawful paraphernalia.

Carrasquillo was held on $110,000 bail, while Hurst and Reid had bail set at $20,000 each.

Fire Files

Sub-floor fire hits Bayside home

On Sunday, Feb. 3, at 12:38 p.m., firefighters from the Newport Beach Fire Department, with assistance from the Costa Mesa Fire Department, responded to a working structure fire on the 1600 block of Bayside Drive. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photos courtesy of NBFD

Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story house with a sub-floor that had a working fire in the kitchen. First in units went into an offensive attack to extinguish the fire, conduct a search for victims and prevent fire extension to the remainder of the house.

Click on photo for a larger image

No injuries were reported as a result of this fire loss. Newport Beach Fire Investigators are currently investigating the cause of the fire. The Newport Beach Fire Department would like to remind everyone to plan two ways out of every structure because every second counts.

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Police Files

Suspects fail in residential burglary, but not because of a lack of effort

An attempted residential burglary of an unoccupied Newport Beach home was unsuccessful. Sometime between 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29, and 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30, suspects attempted to pry open a lock on a residence in the 1900 block of Glenwood Lane.

The suspect or suspects attempted to gain entry by removing door pins and prying the lock to the garage pedestrian access door. The suspects also cut, removed and damaged screens on multiple windows around the home. All attempts failed.

Nothing was taken and no one reported seeing or hearing anything.

Local transient arrested for intent to terrorize

Brandon Paul Gay, 23, Newport Beach, a local transient according to police logs, was arrested Monday, Jan. 28, in the 2000 block of W. Balboa Blvd., for threatening a crime with the intent to terrorize. 

The incident took place at 11:32 a.m. near the Newport Pier.

Gay was arrested and held on $50,000 bail.

Stolen car turns up near Newport Pier, two arrested

Arnold Saaverde Colores, 54, Buena Park, and Fermin Gary Medina Jr., 27, Santa Ana, were arrested Monday, Jan. 28, for taking an automobile without the owner’s consent. The arrest took place at Court Avenue and McFadden Place, near the Newport Pier.

Both were charged with auto theft. Colores was additionally charged with being a felon in possession of tear gas and on a warrant for failure to comply with automobile registration requirements.

Colores was held on bail of $22,500, while Medina was held on $20,000 bail.

Emergency call centers to accept text messages

The Newport Beach Police Department will join all Orange County first responder dispatch centers and begin accepting texts to 9-1-1 on February 6. 

Text-to-911 enables text messages to reach 9-1-1 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device. This service is aimed to assist people who are hearing impaired, or speech disabled, or someone who is in an emergency situation where calling 9-1-1 is not possible. Always contact 9-1-1 by making a voice call, if you can.

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Police Files

Four arrested for drugs, identity theft and stun gun

Emery Leonard Scott Jr., 31, Rancho Santa Margarita, was arrested by Newport Beach Police on Monday, Jan. 21, at 12:09 a.m., for possession of narcotics for sale, possession of a controlled substance for sale and being a felon in possession of a stun gun.

Scott, unemployed according to NBPD, was found with 19.3 grams of cocaine. A further search of his vehicle yielded a stun gun.

The arrest took place in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 800 block of Irvine Avenue.

Three other males were also arrested with Scott, including Steven Bohna, 25, Newport Beach; Timothy Kuster, 29, Newport Beach; and Jonathan Tonkinson, 30, Costa Mesa.

Bohna was charged with possession of a narcotic controlled substance and unlawful paraphernalia; Kuster, identity theft and a warrant for possession of a controlled substance; and Tonkinson, possession of a controlled substance and a warrant for entering a commercial establishment with the intent to commit larceny.

Scott was held on $25,000 bail; Bohna, $2,500; Kuster, $10,500; and Tonkinson, $5,000.

Man arrested for grand theft…second charge in a week

Omar Gonzalezsoto, 40, Costa Mesa, and Maria Isabel Urquiza, 42, Santa Ana, were arrested by Newport Beach Police on Thursday, Jan. 24, at 10:39 p.m. at Via Lido and Newport Boulevard, on charges of grand theft.

Although the formal police report is still incomplete, police found the pair with stolen bicycles and burglary tools. They were additionally charged with conspiracy to commit a crime. Bail was set for both at $20,000.

NBPD PIO Heather Rangel confirmed that this is the same Gonzalezsoto who was arrested a week prior for burglary from a boat, burglary from a commercial location and identity theft.

Oceanfront home vandalized

Jose Luis Garcia Macias, 24, Huntington Beach, was arrested on Sunday, Jan. 20, at 9:43 p.m. in the 1800 block of W. Ocean Front, on charges of felony vandalism.

Police say Macias vandalized a residence, removing wooden shingles from an exterior wall of a house. A window on the home’s side was also shattered.

The resident estimated the damage to be $3,000 - $4,000.

Fire Files

Fire damages Lido Isle home

On Sunday, Jan. 27, at 4:45 p.m., firefighters from the Newport Beach Fire Department, with assistance from the Orange County Fire Authority and Huntington Beach Fire Department, responded to a working garage fire on Via Koron in Lido Isle. Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story house with heavy smoke and fire coming from the garage. First in units went into an offensive attack to extinguish the fire, conduct a search for victims and prevent fire extension to the surrounding homes.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBFD

No injuries were reported as a result of this fire loss. Newport Beach Fire Investigators are currently investigating the cause of the fire. The Newport Beach Fire Department would like to remind everyone to install smoke detectors in your home. Smoke detectors have been proven to notify people of a fire and save lives.

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Police Files

Dance instructor suspected of lewd acts against teen

Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators arrested a man suspected of committing multiple lewd acts on a 13-year-old boy beginning in 2011. Brandon Jacob Nease, 25, of Orange, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of felony child molestation. 

For the past one and a half years, Nease has been a drama teacher at Costa Mesa High School. From 2012 to 2015, Nease was a dance specialist at Camp James in Newport Beach. He previously taught dance at the Boys and Girls Club in Tustin and Fountain Valley, was the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Musical Theatre West in Long Beach and was the Choreographer/Director for the Musical Theater Village in Irvine. Nease worked closely with children in each of his roles as a dance instructor.

Photo submitted by OCSD

Brandon Nease

Camp James is a popular summer camp located at the Newport Dunes & Waterfront Resort in Newport Beach.

Due to Nease having continued access and contact with children over the past seven years, investigators believe there may be additional victims.

Nease posted $100,000 bond this morning and has been released from custody.

Please contact the Special Victims Detail at 714.647.7419 if you have any information. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1.855.TIP.OCCS.

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Police Files

Fugitive and sex offender are among those arrested

It’s all in a day’s work for the Newport Beach Police Department. On Saturday, Jan. 19, James Rashad Moss, 37, of Modesto, is arrested on a warrant citing him as a fugitive from justice. He was held on $100,000 bail. 

Just 20 minutes earlier, William Harry Thorpe, 65, of Norwalk, was arrested for being a sex offender transient. Thorpe didn’t do what’s required, registering when you arrive in a new town. His bail is only $500.

Add to that a case involving battery, two drivers behind the wheel on suspended licenses, one with an open container and one with burglary tools.

Welcome to Saturday in Newport Beach.

Earlier in the week, it’s mostly narcotics and controlled substances. Drop in a set of metal knuckles, five DUIs and a few drunk in publics.

Who said Newport Beach is a sleepy town?

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Police Files

NBPD helps eradicate black market marijuana farm discovered in Wilderness Park

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Orange County Parks just completed a massive cleanup of a black market marijuana grow discovered late last year at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, according to a release issued by CDFW.

The black market marijuana grow was discovered on September 27, 2018 by CDFW during routine flights over Orange County with the National Guard’s Counter Drug Unit. Following the discovery, Newport Beach Police Department conducted an eradication mission at the site. Attempts to apprehend the suspects were unsuccessful.

According to CDFW, officers eradicated 500 plants and confiscated 75 pounds of processed marijuana. The grow, when in full production, contained almost 1,500 plants. During the eradication, CDFW documented numerous environmental violations including streambed alterations, haphazard pesticides left on the property, trash within 150 feet of a waterway, and a poached deer.

 According to Laguna Canyon Foundation Executive Director Hallie Jones, the grow area was well-hidden in a remote part of the 7,000 acre park, and caused significant habitat damage to our endangered coastal sage scrub habitat. The growers came in by foot.

“Growers remove native plants and cause additional damage by creating trails and using chemicals on the marijuana plants. This grow site will require extensive repair and mitigation to restore the destroyed habitat,” said Jones in a statement to Stu News on Thursday.

“Passive restoration, in which we remove the problem and let the plants re-establish themselves, will take years. The rains this winter will help, and within a few years we should be hard-pressed to identify exact sites,” Jones continued.

The team cleanup effort was conducted in two phases, in December and January, and included the removal of approximately 3,120 pounds of trash, 1,500 feet of plastic irrigation piping, 24 ounces of pesticides as well as other forms of garbage that can be detrimental to the environment.

Click on photo for a larger image 

Courtesy of CDFW website

CA Department of Fish and Wildlife and OC Parks worked together to clean up Laguna Coast Wilderness Park after an illegal marijuana grow was discovered

For the cleanup, OC Parks worked with a specialized hazmat contractor, Clean Harbors, to ensure the pesticide was removed and disposed of correctly. Through testing, the pesticide was confirmed to be carbofuran, a highly toxic and banned substance. To understand the toxicity, just a teaspoon can kill a 300-pound black bear.

“Protecting California’s natural resources takes commitment from federal, state, county and city entities. I commend all those that were involved in this effort to identify the black market grow, eradicate it and clean it up,” said David Bess, Deputy Director and Chief of the CDFW Law Enforcement Division. “Working together, we can protect the environment and help the permitted cannabis market thrive.”

Between 2013 and 2018, CDFW has removed more than 2.4 million feet of irrigation pipe, 50 tons of fertilizer and 65 gallons of chemicals, many illegal in the U.S., on black market grows. CDFW has also removed 709 dams and water diversions resulting in restoration of 800 million gallons of water back into local watersheds.

CDFW would like to remind the public to report environmental crimes such as water pollution, water diversions and poaching to the CalTIP hotline by calling (888) 334-2258 or by texting “CALTIP” followed by a space and whatever the desired message, to 847411 (tip411).

3 men busted for a slew of crimes in Newport Beach 

On Monday, January 14, at 3:16 a.m., at Tustin Avenue and 19th Street in Costa Mesa, three men are arrested on several charges for crimes that occurred in Newport Beach at San Joaquin Hills Road and Jamboree Road.

“A security guard witnessed a truck leave the complex with multiple bikes in the truck bed. Additional officers were able to locate the vehicle driving on Tustin Avenue as the truck described by security as well as in violation of darkly tinted front windows,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. 

Rangel continued, “One of the subjects admitted to stealing the bikes during questioning during the vehicle stop. During a search in the vehicle for valid registration and valid insurance, narcotics, drug paraphernalia, bolt cutters, a cut bike lock and gloves were located along with drugs and drug paraphilia.”

Multiple stolen bikes were recovered. NBPD also found a slew of drugs, including marijuana, meth, heroin, and suboxone.

The three suspects, Steven Nicholas Petka, 38, Huntington Beach, Edward Gregory Barseghian, 31, Costa Mesa, and Ronald Stephen Loomis, 26, Newport Beach, were arrested for committing burglary of a garage – no forced entry, possession of burglary tools, possession of a narcotic controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. 

Bail was set at $50,000 for each.

Canoga Park telemarketer makes the wrong call, arrested for paraphernalia

On Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 12:24 p.m., at 22nd Street and Ocean Front W. Drive, NBPD arrested a Canoga Park man while tracking the black 2016 Ford Mustang he was driving around town, which had been reported stolen in the Los Angeles area earlier in the day.

“The mustang was reported stolen earlier that day to LAPD – Topanga Division. The victim did not wish to press charges on the suspect,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. “The suspect had a syringe known to administer meth and heroin.”

Jason Frank Hackett, 24, Canoga Park, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia with an unknown bail.

Rangel added, “The victim gave multiple ID names and numbers that did not return with any information. He was verbally advised over the phone that his vehicle had been located.”

According to police reports, the victim’s story kept changing about the location of the theft and whether or not he wanted to press charges.

Hackett listed his occupation telemarketer.

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Police Files

Postal worker allegedly goes postal threatening Newport Beach receptionist

On Friday, Jan. 11, at 2:30 p.m., at 2300 block of Fairview Road in Costa Mesa, a suspect was arrested on charges of threatening to commit a crime with intent to terrorize.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, “The suspect walked into the [Newport Beach] business and handed the receptionist a note while verbally threatening her life.”

The receptionist is described as a white female in her 20s. The suspect allegedly both verbally threatened her and also threatened her via a written letter. 

While the victim might not have been familiar with the suspect, the business was.

“The business of occurrence has had problems with the suspect on prior occasions. The victim knew who [Larry] Chapekis was but does not know him on a personal level,” Rangel said. 

“The follow up investigation led to the suspect’s home,” Rangel added.

Larry A. Chapekis, 70, Costa Mesa, was arrested for threatening to commit a crime with intent to terrorize. 

Chapekis listed his occupation as “postal worker.” 

Bail was set at $50,000. 

Rampant crimes in the area are a cause for caution

On Friday, Jan. 11, at 11:03 a.m., at the 300 block of Victoria in Costa Mesa, Joseph Gregory Sidler, 28, Newport Beach, was arrested on charges of threatening to commit a crime with intent to terrorize and assault with a deadly weapon/cutting instrument. Sidler listed his occupation as “none.” Bail was set at $50,000. 

On Thursday, Jan. 10, at 1:15 p.m., Garren Richard Weedenhawkin, 38, San Jose, was arrested for allegedly receiving stolen property valued at $950 or more, trespassing without owner consent, on a warrant related to possession of methamphetamine, commercial burglary without forced entry and illegal transport of sharps waste. Weedenhawkin listed his occupation as “stocking.” Bail was set at $22,500. 

On Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 2:07 p.m., Heather Michelle Hopkins, 26, Mission Viejo, was arrested on charges of shoplifting items valued at $950 or more, identity theft, false impersonation of another and receiving stolen property valued at $950 or more. Hopkins listed her occupation as “loan company.”

Bail was set at $20,000.

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Police Files

NBPD seeks public’s help identifying residential burglary suspect

NBPD is seeking the public’s help to identify a suspect in a residential burglary investigation. The crime occurred on Wednesday, Jan. 2, between 6:30 p.m. and 7:50 p.m., in the area of Malabar Drive. The suspect made entry into the home by breaking a rear glass window and fled the area before NBPD officers arrived. After reviewing the surveillance video, it appears that one of the suspects rings the doorbell to ensure no one is home. Then, moments later, the suspects are seen entering the backyard and breaking the rear window. 

Click on photo for a larger image 

Courtesy of NBPD

Suspect captured by the homeowner’s Ring Doorbell at the time of the crime 

still at large, NBPD seeks the public’s help

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect in the photo is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant D. Joe at (949) 644-3763 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

NBPD nabs undergrad on meth and burglary charges at Hoag

On Sunday, Jan. 6 at 10:05 p.m., at the 00 block of Hoag Drive, NBPD responded to the report of a burglary crime.

“The suspect entered a vehicle by entering through the rear window and taking multiple items. The victim returned to his locked/secured vehicle and found the suspect going through his car. The suspect tried to leave the area with the victim’s credit cards, pocket knife and charger,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. “The rear window was covered by a plastic bag that was taped to the car. The victim was a victim of a vehicle burglary weeks prior.”

According to police records, the suspect was under the influence of meth and a meth pipe was found on his person.

Joshua John Oliver Bramon 22, Anaheim, was arrested for burglary from a motor vehicle, being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and on a warrant related to trespassing.

Bramon listed his occupation as “undergrad.”

Bail was set at $80,000. 

Commercial burglary strikes Newport Beach

On Sunday, Jan. 6 at 4 p.m., NBPD received a report of a commercial burglary at the 7900 block of E. Coast Hwy. The reported stolen property value was $9,600.

NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said, “Clothing items and jewelry were taken. No specific details were given on the items. The company has surveillance video. While taking morning inventory they noticed that items were missing which led them to check their surveillance footage for suspects.” 

Three female suspects were involved.

“Suspect #1 was described as a female, possibly from India, approximately 5 feet 4 inches in height and weighing 160 pounds. She had brown hair, brown eyes, and was wearing a white sweater with a long black skirt/dress. Suspect #2 was described as a female, possibly from India, approximately 5 feet 3 inches in height and weighing 115 pounds. She had brown hair, brown eyes, and was wearing a black sweater with a red dress. And Suspect #3 was described as a female, possibly from India, approximately 5 feet 4 inches in height and weighing 140 pounds. She had brown hair, brown eyes, and was wearing a long gray sweater with blue stripes and blue jeans,” Rangel said.

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Police Files

House cleaner arrested for allegedly mopping up over $150K from local homeowner’s safe

On Thursday, Jan. 3, at 2:59 p.m., at the 00 block of Clear Water, a house cleaner is accused of literally cleaning house, taking her clients to the cleaners by cleaning out their safe.

Lideli Mojica, 39, Tustin, was arrested for residential burglary, no forced entry. 

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, “Mojica was the victim’s house cleaner. Over $150,000 in cash was taken. The money was taken from the homeowner’s safe. The suspect was not caught in the act of taking the money.”

Mojica listed her occupation as housekeeper.

Bail was set at $50,000.

Medical facility is thrashed, cords and cameras broken and smashed

On Wednesday, Jan. 2, NBPD received a commercial vandalism report for an incident that occurred between Friday, Dec. 28 and Jan. 2.

Over that time period, NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said, “Multiple cords and cameras were broken at a closed medical facility by an unknown suspect. Over $50,000 in cameras and cords were damaged.”

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Police Files

Man arrested for cell phone robbery on NYE

On Monday, Dec. 31, at 6:18 p.m., NBPD responded to a robbery call at Back Bay Drive and San Joaquin Hills Road. The victim, described as a 59-year-old white male, was approached by a man while he was riding his bicycle. The suspect demanded that he stop and would not let the bicyclist leave the area, according to NBPD. 

“He then demanded the victim’s cell phone. Once the suspect had the cell phone, he immediately handed it back to the victim and walked away,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. “Though he gave the cell phone back, due to the totality of the circumstances, Arthur was arrested for strong-arm robbery.”

Garrick Leslie Arthur, 39, Costa Mesa, was arrested for strong-arm robbery. Bail was set at $50,000.

Skateboarder smashes car with board after driver beeps at him, suspect at large

On Sunday, Jan. 30, at the at 3000 block of Newport Boulevard, NBPD received a report of vandalism committed on a personal car.

“The suspect was standing with his skateboard in a lane of traffic when the victim approached the area of the road he was standing in, and she honked for him to move,” LBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. “At that time, the suspect became angry and hit the car with his skateboard.”

The damage included scratches to a front passenger window and door from the suspect hitting the car with his skateboard. The suspect has not been located. He is described as a white male with blond hair in his 20s and approximately 6’ to 6’ 3” tall.

The incident was not caught on video. If anyone witnessed the incident, please call NBPD at (949) 644-3681.

Babysitter and barber arrested on fraud, burglary, theft and drug charges

On Friday, Dec. 28, at 4:08 p.m. at SNA Auto Rentals, at the 3000 block of Campus Drive, NPBD received a report of fraud.

“The suspects entered SNA Auto Rentals with a female and tried to rent a vehicle with fraudulent credit cards,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. “The employee noticed that the credit cards were fraudulent and called NBPD for assistance.”

Hessam Saeed Kamkar, 25, Lake Forest, was arrested for commercial burglary – no forced entry and theft by false pretenses or fraudulent representation. Bail was set at $20,000.

Claire Marie Fondarella, 24, Stamarg, was arrested for commercial burglary – no forced entry, forgery of credit card to defraud, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail was set at $20,000.

“Fonderella was in possession of xanax, suboxone and heroin,” Rangel said.

Fonderalla listed her occupation as babysitter.

Kamkar listed his occupation as barber.

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Police Files

NBPD invites locals to attend Citizens’ Academy 

Newport Beach Police Department is proud to offer a Citizens’ Police Academy to the Newport Beach community. This engaging and informative program is designed to increase understanding of the Police Department’s operations and to allow community members the opportunity to interact with their outstanding personnel. Topics covered include SWAT, the K9 Program, CSI, Dispatch, narcotics, traffic laws, firearms, detective investigations and much more. 

Students will participate in informative classroom-style presentations as well as pratical demonstrations with a variety of Police Department personnel. Activities include a police facility tour, a jail tour, a simulated car stop exercise, firearms instruction in the shooting range, fingerprinting and crime scene investigation, and a community-oriented policing challenge. Each student will also be given the opportunity to go on one four-hour ride-along with a Police Officer during the course of the Academy. 

Click on photo for a larger image 

Courtesy NBPD Instagram

NBPD looks forward to hosting its Citizens’ Academy for locals starting March 6

Instructors are drawn from all areas in the Department. Students meet the Chief of Police, managers, supervisors, patrol officers, detectives, dispatchers and other department employees. NBPD encourages students to ask questions and express their concerns about pertinent issues. A major goal of the Citizens’ Police Academy is to increase understanding between citizens and the Police Department, and to enhance the strong relationships NBPD has with the community.

According to the Newport Beach Police Department website, “While the Academy will give students a better understanding of how the Police Department is organized, the services we provide, and how we serve the community, it is not based on a traditional police academy. The program is not designed to prepare students to be police officers or provide training in the field of law enforcement. A typical Citizens’ Academy class is made up of 24 students of all age groups, and instructors will accommodate any physical limitations. 

Click on photo for a larger image 

Courtesy NBPD Instagram

NBPD’s Citizens’ Academy is an exciting 12-week program that starts in March

Successful graduation of the Citizens’ Police Academy is a prerequisite for the Department’s Volunteers in Policing Program.

The Academy is 12 weeks long, with one three-hour class each Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Academy culminates in a graduation ceremony in Week 12, which friends and family are welcome to attend. Classes will be held on March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24 and May 1, 8, 15 and 22 at NBPD at 870 Santa Barbara Dr., Newport Beach.

For more information and to sign up, go to http://nbpd.org/programs/citizens/default.asp.

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Police Files

Costa Mesa man goes rogue, arrested for stealing 70-foot yacht…NBPD boards vessel and takes control 

On Sunday, Dec. 23, at approximately 3:46 p.m., NBPD Officers boarded an OCSD patrol vessel taking them to investigate a boat theft in the area of Fernando Street and East Edgewater Avenue.  

“While traveling to the victim’s boat, OCSD received an emergency call of a boat traveling erratically in the Newport Bay near the 2300 block of Newport Blvd,” NBPD Sgt. Peter Carpentieri, Professional Standards Unit, said. “NBPD Officers and OCSD Deputies responded to that call and located an approximate 70-foot yacht in the bay near 19th Street. The yacht had collided with some other boats docked in the area.”  

The yacht’s owner responded to the scene and advised the officers his boat had been stolen. 

“The suspect and sole occupant of the yacht, later identified as [Theodore] Wilson, was unresponsive to commands and attempted to accelerate and steer the boat away,” Sgt. Carpentieri said. 

It was apparent that until control was regained of the boat, it represented a significant safety hazard to the civilian traffic in the bay including other boats, paddle boarders, etc., in addition to the law enforcement first responders. 

“Ultimately, some NBPD officers and an OCSD deputy boarded the still-moving boat – at great risk to their own safety – and detained Wilson, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs,” Sgt. Peter Carpentieri said. “Fortunately, this incident was resolved without any injuries due to the collaborative and decisive actions of the involved officers and deputies.”

At 19th Street and W. Bay Avenue, Theodore Liko Wilson, 24, Costa Mesa, was arrested for DUI, alcohol and drugs, obstructing/resisting a peace officer, committing grand theft of a boat/vessel, vandalism and taking a boat without owner consent. 

Bail was set at $20,000.

Three men busted on X-mas Day on burglary charges

On Tuesday, Dec. 25, at approximately 8:39 p.m., officers responded to a report of a burglary at an unlocked commercial garage structure in the 100 block of Main Street.  

“Witnesses observed the involved suspects flee in a vehicle,” Sgt. Carpentieri said. “NBPD’s contracted helicopter, ‘HB1’, responded to conduct an area search and assisted officers with locating the suspect vehicle.”  

Officers ultimately detained the three occupants, Daniel Jimenez-Tapia, Humberto Rojas Perez and Daniel Alcantar, and after further investigation, they were booked at Newport Blvd. & Via Lido.

At 9:53 p.m., Alcantar, 31, Santa Ana, was arrested for burglary of a garage, no forced entry. 

At 10:08 p.m., Perez, 32, Santa Ana, was arrested for burglary of a garage, no forced entry. 

At 10:14 p.m., Jiminez-Tapia, 31, Huntington Beach, was arrested for burglary of a garage, no forced entry and on a warrant related to felony second-degree burglary. 

Bail was set at $50,000 for Alcantar and Perez and $70,000 for Jiminez-Tapia.

Newport Beach woman arrested for a slew of crimes 

On Wednesday, Dec. 19, NBPD received a report of a residential burglary in the 500 block of El Modena Avenue. 

“The suspect had entered the victim’s open garage door and stole his wallet, credit cards and cash from his unlocked vehicle. The incident was captured on video surveillance,” Sgt. Carpentieri said. “NBPD detectives conducted follow-up investigation and identified Sager as the suspect in the burglary.”  

Shirley Ann Sager, 44, Newport Beach, was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 20, at 12:50 p.m., at the 00 block of Fairview Drive, for forgery, committing residential burglary, no forced entry, theft by false impersonation of another person’s credit cards, using false identification of another person with intent to commit a crime, committing grand theft fraud and violation of parole. 

No bail was set. 

Man arrested for vandalizing cars in parking lot

On Wednesday, Dec. 19, at approximately 7:54 p.m., NBPD officers responded to a report of vandalism in a parking lot in the 3000 block of Newport Blvd. 

“Officers discovered two damaged vehicles, one with a broken window and the other with a broken taillight, Sgt. Carpentieri said. “The suspect, [Joseph] Basile, was captured on video surveillance and officers were able to locate him nearby.”

Joseph Christopher Basile, 37, Orlando, was arrested for vandalism and possession of an open alcohol container, at 37th St. and Balboa Ave.

Bail was set at $20,000.

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Police Files

‘Tis the season to commit crimes?

Newport Beach legal secretary arrested on six counts including burglary, theft and fraud

Over the busy holidays criminals are getting busy. Fighting a spate of Grinch-like crimes in Newport Beach, NBPD officers have apprehended myriad suspects over the last few days. By indications, it appears the holiday spirit is in shortage for some whose preference is shorting others. 

Case in point, on Thursday, Dec. 20, at 12:50 p.m., legal secretary Shirley Ann Sager, 44, Newport Beach, was arrested at the 00 block of Fair Drive in Costa Mesa for allegedly not being so fair. 

NBPD charged Sager on six counts. She was arrested for forgery, committing residential burglary, no forced entry, theft by false impersonation of another person’s credit cards, using false identification of another person with intent to commit a crime, committing grand theft fraud and parole violation.

By violating parole, Sager did not get bail.

Diamond Bar woman faces time behind bars if found guilty

Facing similar charges, NBPD officers arrested suspect Tianyi Zou, 24, Diamond Bar, at 9:10 p.m., at the 600 block of Newport Center Drive, for committing commercial burglary, no forced entry, theft by false impersonation of another person, providing false identification to a specific peace officer and giving false information. 

Zou did not list her occupation. Bail was set at $20,000.

Employee seemingly takes own holiday bonus, allegedly steals $13,683 

Also on “theft Thursday”, Dec. 20, at the 00 block of Corporate Plaza, an employee reportedly committed a corporate crime. NBPD received a report of alleged theft by an employee, which allegedly occurred over a seven-week span from midnight, Thursday, Nov. 1, to midnight, Dec. 13. Stolen property is valued at $13,683.

Two OC men go on alleged bike stealing spree, stealing shiny bikes perhaps meant for under the tree?

Thieving Thursday continued to thrive with alleged thievery on December 20 when two OC men where caught red-handed with stolen bicycles in their possession. At the 400 block of E. 16th Street, at 6:21 p.m., Jay Patrick Gerondale, 61, Costa Mesa, and three minutes later, at 6:24 p.m., Rafael Moreno, 30, Garden Grove, were both arrested by NBPD officers on charges of committing grand theft of bicycles and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Moreno, who listed his occupation as landscaping, also faced additional charges. He was arrested on a warrant for possession of unlawful paraphernalia.

Bail was set at $20,000 for Gerondale and $22,500 for Moreno.

Stayed tuned…Stu New Newport will be following up with NBPD for more details to run in Friday’s edition on these incidents. 

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Fire Files

Lido Isle home burns during Boat Parade

On Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 6:57 p.m., firefighters from the Newport Beach Fire Department, with assistance from Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach Fire Departments, responded to a two-alarm structure fire on Lido Isle.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBFD

An aerial view of the two-alarm structure fire

Upon arrival, firefighters reported a two-story house with a working fire on the second floor. First in units immediately went into an offensive attack to conduct a search for victims, extinguish the fire, and prevent fire extension to neighboring homes. 

The fire was limited to the involved structure. No injuries were reported. 

The cause of this fire is under investigation by Newport Beach Fire Department Investigators.

Police Files

LA man arrested for a host of crimes in Newport

On Sunday, Dec. 16, at approximately 4:46 p.m., NBPD officers responded to a call for service involving a subject trespassing in a parking structure located in the 3500 block of Jamboree Road. 

“Hugo Perez, who was inside a vehicle at the time, fled from the officers when they attempted contact and a vehicle pursuit ensued,” NBPD Sgt. Peter Carpentieri said. “Perez’s vehicle was eventually disabled but he physically resisted arrest before being taken into custody.”

Hugo Perez, 40, Los Angeles, was arrested for obstructing/resisting a peace officer, battery on a peace officer with wanton disregard and with a weapon. Bail was set at $50,000.

NBPD arrests a man caught on video surveillance stealing multiple bikes

On Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 1:31 a.m., NBPD received a report of a burglary in the 2600 block of Mesa Drive. The victim reported the suspect had entered her garage via an unlocked door and stolen two bicycles. 

“The suspect was captured on video surveillance. The same victim had reported a theft on Sunday, Dec. 9, in which various property, including cash, clothing and miscellaneous items was stolen from three unlocked vehicles,” NBPD Sgt Carpentieri said.

Later the same day on December 12 around 9:49 a.m., the victim observed the suspect in the area of University Drive and Irvine Avenue. 

“The suspect was in possession of her stolen bicycles among other property from the prior theft. The victim contacted NBPD and officers responded to take the subject, Codey Franks, into custody,” Sgt. Carpentieri said.

Codey Edgar Franks, 25, Costa Mesa, was arrested for receiving stolen property valued greater than $950, possession of a controlled substance in prison, committing burglary with no forced entry and on a warrant related to possession of unlawful paraphernalia. 

“At the NBPD Jail, officers discovered a small amount of heroin concealed in his clothing,” Sgt. Carpentieri said.

Bail was set at $26,500. 

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Police Files

Laguna man arrested for threatening crime with intent to terrorize and parole violation

On Saturday, Dec. 15 at 11:45 a.m., NBPD officers assisted Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Laguna Beach Police Department at the 500 block of Emerald Bay, amidst reports of a possible stolen limousine the previous evening.

According to NBPD records, Maxwell Carlton Post, 27, Laguna Beach, was arrested for threatening a crime with the intent to terrorize and violating parole. Bail was set at $50,000.

Ring of alleged crimes brought to screeching halt by NBPD 

On Friday, Dec. 14 at 1:31 a.m., at Santa Ana and Cecil in Costa Mesa, NBPD arrested Louis Marcos Mercado, Jr., 26, Pomona, for driving a vehicle without owner consent, appropriation of lost property and on an undisclosed felony warrant. Bail was set at $80,000. 

Also on Friday, Dec. 14 at 1:09 a.m., at the 200 block of 22nd St., NBPD arrested Armando Alex Amaxa, Jr., 22, Pomona, for driving a vehicle without owner consent, trespassing without consent, appropriation of lost property and obstructing/resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $20,000. 

On Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 1:12 a.m., at 29th St. and Newport Blvd., Jose Ganno Mernoabarca, 26, Long Beach, was arrested by NBPD for driving a vehicle without owner consent, possession of burglary tools, receiving stolen property valued at $950 or more, providing false identification to a specific peace officer and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $20,000.

Carson man nailed and jailed for felony possession of tear gas and burglary tools

On Thursday, Dec. 13, at 11:09 a.m., at Coast Highway and Balboa Blvd., Michael Edward Simmons, 57, Carson, was arrested for felony possession of tear gas, possession of burglary tools and receiving stolen property valued greater than $950. Bail was set at $20,000. 

Simmons listed his occupation as pile driver.

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Police Files

Sous chef, cook and server get cooked in separate arrests

On Monday, Dec 10, at 11:53 a.m., an NBPD officer observed a suspect inside a suspicious vehicle parked in the area of 21st Street and West Oceanfront. 

“After an investigation, it was determined the vehicle, a 2009 Subaru Impreza, was reported stolen out of Arizona,” said NBPD Sgt. Peter Carpentieri. “The suspect was also in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine and related drug paraphernalia.” 

Eric James Huss, 21, Denton, Texas, was arrested for illegal transport of sharps waste, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property valued at $950 or greater and driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent. Bail was set at $20,000. 

Huss listed his occupation as sous chef.

On Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 1:41 p.m., an NBPD officer conducted a bicycle stop on a suspect in the area of West 15th Street and Monrovia Avenue. 

“After an investigation, it was determined the suspect was in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine and related drug paraphernalia,” Sgt. Carpentieri said. 

Eric Antonio Flores, 55, Costa Mesa, was arrested for parole violation, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful paraphernalia, having an open container and riding a bike on the sidewalk. Bail was set at $10,000.

Flores listed his occupation as chef.

Later on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 9:25 p.m., NBPD officers responded to a call for service involving a suspicious male subject inside a residence on the 1700 block of East Balboa Boulevard. 

“The officers contacted the subject at the scene and determined he was in possession of cash he had stolen from inside the residence,” Sgt. Carpentieri said. 

Chiefwind Great Daniels, 21, San Pedro, was arrested for residential burglary, no forced entry. Bail was set at $50,000.

Daniels listed his occupation as server.

Heavy rescue traffic crash could have been worse

On Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 8:43 a.m., the Newport Beach Fire Department responded to a heavy rescue traffic collision at the intersection of Riverside Avenue and West Coast Highway. 

Click on photo for a larger image 

Courtesy of NBFD

Thankfully, no one in the crash needed medical treatment

“Upon arrival, firefighters found one car on top of another with possible trapped patients,” said Kevin Tiscareno, NBFD Training Captain/Fire Investigator. “Firefighters were effective in stabilizing the vehicles creating a safety zone for everyone on scene. All of the patients refused transportation to the hospital.” 

The traffic collision created heavy traffic for commuters on Coast Highway. “NBFD would like to remind commuters to use situational awareness at all times,” Capt. Tiscareno added.

NBPD conducted a traffic collision investigation related to this incident but the completed report was not available at time of publication. However, NBPD confirmed that no arrests were made during the investigation. 

NBPD community recovered property showing today

Today, at the Newport Beach Police Department, detectives will be showing property from a recent burglary arrest. 

“If you believe your property has been recovered, please come to the NBPD front desk on Friday, Dec. 14, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.,” NBPD Detective Sgt. Josh Comte said. “You will need to have your photo ID and crime report or case number. Please bring any photos of the missing property so that detectives can attempt to identify it.”

The only property currently remaining is miscellaneous jewelry and watches. Property will not be shown unless detectives are able to positively match what is listed in the person’s crime report with the remaining property.

Any questions can be directed to Sgt. Comte at 949.644.3765.

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Police Files

“Real estate” suspect arrested for false imprisonment

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 9:25 a.m., at the 00 block of Shoreridge, Sunny H. Dharod, 27, of Newport Beach, who listed his occupation as “real estate” in the arrest logs, was arrested for false imprisonment, vandalism and possession of an assault weapon. No bail was set.

Newport Beach woman arrested for assault with a deadly weapon/cutting instrument 

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 8:07 a.m., Avery Lynn Tamblyn, 26, Newport Beach, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon/cutting instrument at 16th Street and Sea Gull Lane. Bail was set at $50,000.

Pair busted for controlled substances, fake checks

On Thursday, Dec. 6, at 11:25 a.m., at the 100 block of Scholz Plaza, Gary Nicholas Seeds, 33, of Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a controlled narcotic substance, unlawful paraphernalia, appropriating lost property, passing fictitious checks and a warrant related to battery of a cohabitant. Bail was set at $25,000.

Also on Thursday at the same location, 16 minutes earlier, Katherine Carlisle Taylor, 31, of Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a controlled narcotic substance, unlawful paraphernalia and a warrant related to possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $22,500.

String of thefts and burglaries hit home,

USPS has tips for avoiding holiday package theft

Two days in a row, two Newport Beach residents reported being victims of burglaries. On Wednesday, Dec. 5, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., at the 00 block of Waterford Way, a forced entry residential burglary was reported to NBPD. The value of the stolen property was $9,200. 

The next day, on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m., at the 1600 block of San Miguel Drive, a grand theft was reported. The value of the stolen property was $2,900. 

Two days later, on Saturday, Dec. 8, between 6:30 p.m. and 6:50 p.m., a grand theft was reported at 44th Street and Beach. The value of the stolen property was valued at $1,415.

Also on Saturday, at the 2200 block of Alta Vista Drive, a Newport Beach resident reported catching footage on their home security camera of their delivered parcels being stolen between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. The victim reported grand theft of mail/packages with a value of $1,800 to NBPD.

According to the U.S. Postal Service, Americans are expected to send more than 15 billion mail items over the holidays. In 2017, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service arrested nearly 2,500 people for mail theft and convicted about 2,200. 

The USPS has 10 tips on avoiding holiday mail and package theft: 

–Avoid sending cash

–Don’t leave delivered letters and packages unattended

–Consider an alternative shipping address

–Customize the delivery

–Plan ahead. Ship using, “Hold for pickup.”

–Going out of Town? Hold mail at the local Post Office.

–Secure the shipment using USPS Signature Services

–Chose the most secure area for delivery

–Use a PO Box

–Change the package address while it’s in transit by using USPS Package Intercept

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Police Files

Serial residential burglary suspect arrested at age 18

On Saturday, Dec. 1, at 9:43 p.m., Aquinas Arrigo Kasbar, 18, of Newport Beach, was taken into custody by the Newport Beach Police Department Detective Division on multiple charges of burglary, possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools, identity theft and resisting arrest. 

“Kasbar was identified by the NBPD Property Crimes Section as a possible suspect in a months-long series of Newport Beach Residential Burglaries where unoccupied homes were targeted,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said.

Rangel continued, “In connection with the arrest, NBPD Detectives served search warrants at various locations within the city, including a storage unit, which yielded a large amount of suspected stolen property valued in the several hundred thousands of dollars. Much of the recovered stolen property is believed to be related to this recent series of Newport Beach residential burglaries.”

NBPD Detectives will be contacting the victims of these Newport Beach residential burglaries in an effort to return the stolen property. Victim inquiries about the recovery of this stolen property should be directed to NBPD Property Crimes Detective Sergeant Comte, (949) 644-3765. 

“Victims who reported a loss to NBPD will be contacted by the detective unit to advise that on Friday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. they will be able to come into the department and collect their stolen property,” Rangel said. “They will have to bring a driver’s license and have information specifically showing that the property is theirs.”

No property has been returned yet and the investigation remains open.

“It is unknown at this time if Kasbar was under 18 of age during any burglaries,” Rangel said. “Many burglaries may not have been reported yet.”

“NBPD would like to thank our law enforcement partners at the Huntington Beach Police Department Aviation Unit, ‘HB-1’ and the Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Department for assisting in the capture of Kasbar,” Rangel said.

Bail was set at $50,000.

Buena park woman busted at Bloomingdales

On Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 8:13 p.m., at the 700 block of Newport Center Drive, an officer working patrol at Fashion Island was sent to Bloomingdales to assist a loss prevention officer with a reported theft that had just occurred. 

“A female, Jacqueline Hurtado, had entered Bloomindales with an empty shopping bag, no money on her person, and had intent to steal clothing,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. “The loss prevention officer witnessed Hurtado enter multiple fitting rooms with clothes and exit with shopping bags fuller than before. The loss prevention officer also checked the fitting rooms after Hurtado exited, only to find that no clothes were left and security tags were removed and left on the floor.”

Upon further investigation, the NBPD officer discovered that Hurtado had given the stolen items to the loss prevention officer and left the area. The NBPD officer was able to find Hurtado and arrested her for stealing $1,158 worth of clothing, including multiple shirts and a sweatshirt.

Jacqueline Hurtado, 48, of Buena Park, was arrested for grand theft.

Bail was set at $20,000.

Rain causes headaches and havoc in Newport Beach, flooding, collisions, and closures plague the area 

Yesterday, at 11:15 a.m., NBPD sent out a Nixle advisory alert to avoid northbound Jamboree Road at San Joaquin Hills Road due to lanes number 2 and 3 being closed for approximately 1.5 hours because of a collision and flooding.

“There was a major delay due to flooding only. The drains were blocked by sandbags. City crew arrived and removed the bags,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said.

The rain hit areas of Newport Beach hard, totaling almost two inches. Some Balboa Island residents reported flooding with streams of water rushing through streets and into homes.

Four schools in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District closed early Thursday due to the dangerous flooding conditions, including Newport Harbor High, Corona del Mar High and Middle and Back Bay High schools.

To help mitigate flooding, the City of Newport Beach is offering residents up to 10 unfilled sand bags. The bags are available from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the city corporation yard located at 592 Superior Ave.

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Police Files

Rare dolphin stranded multiple times first helped by Newport Coastal Adventure passengers

On Saturday, Dec 1, at 11:45 a.m., Pacific Marine Mammal Center received a call about a rare dolphin that had stranded itself multiple times at Emerald Bay.

PMMC Events and Public Relations Coordinator Krysta Higuchi lauded Newport Coastal Adventure and wildlife photographer Mark Girardeau, who looked out for the well-being of the dolphin.

“Thank you to Newport Coastal Adventure and the public beach goers for reporting the animal so quickly,” Higuchi said. “Though it was a sad outcome, the animal was clearly suffering and the quick and respectful direction and action from everyone at the beach created what would be best for that animal.” 

Girardeau, a wildlife photographer aboard a Newport Coastal Adventure boat, captured the attempted rescues via a live video on social media that showed the young dolphin as it tried to get back to shore.

“PMMC sent a rescue team and decided to bring the dolphin back as the animal was clearly in distress,” Higuchi said. “Upon further examination, humane euthanasia was determined as the best course of action. The dolphin was seizing, had severe raking, a severe jaw injury and was in respiratory distress.” 

Click on photo for a larger image 

Photo by Mark Girardeau/Courtesy of PMMC

A rare dolphin strands itself multiple times at Emerald Bay, sadly needs to be euthanized

According to Higuchi, a necropsy was performed Sunday and it was determined that the animal was a striped dolphin, rare for coastal California waters, normally found in tropical waters.

“The dolphin was found to have serious jaw injuries directly causing other life threatening complications,” Higuchi said. “Injuries were determined to not be human caused but possibly from fights with other dolphins or species over food sources or aggressive mating behaviors.” 

The dolphin was determined to be a juvenile female. Two have been reported injured both within the last 30 days in Northern California.

“PMMC is hoping this isn’t a sign that warmer waters are again hitting our coastline; changes in ocean patterns like these can adversely affect marine life and our coastal ecosystems,” Higuchi said.

Newport Coastal Adventure is located at 309 Palm St. For more information, call (949) 922-8784 or visit www.newportcoastaladventure.com.

Alleged burglars nabbed by NBPD in recent crimes

On Saturday, Dec 1, at 11:41 p.m., at the 100 block of E. Coast Hwy., NBPD responded to reports of crimes including burglary and identity theft.

NBPD arrested Aquinas Arrigo Kasbar, 18, of Newport Beach, for forced entry residential burglary, commercial fraud/forgery, possession of burglary tools, receiving stolen property valued at $950 or greater, identity theft to personate to get money and obstructing/resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $50,000. 

Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, Nov 28, at 8:33 p.m., at the 700 block of Newport Center Drive, Jacqueline Hurtado, 48, of Buena Park, was arrested for committing grand theft against businesses. Bail was set at $20,000. 

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Police Files

NBPD seeks public’s assistance identifying suspects involved in Louis Vuitton theft

The Newport Beach Police Department is seeking two additional suspects for the theft of multiple Louis Vuitton bags. On Tuesday, November 26, at approximately 4:20 p.m., four suspects entered Neiman Marcus at 601 Newport Center Drive and stole multiple bags valued at approximately $20,000. A fifth suspect waited in a vehicle nearby. At 5:58 p.m., three of the five suspects were taken into custody at a pawnshop in Los Angeles and arrested by the Newport Beach Police Department. All of the stolen bags were recovered.

The three suspects were Gregory Anthony Walker, 18, of Los Angeles, Samuel Morgan IV, 19, of Inglewood and Ryan Kyle David, 19, of Gardena. The trio was arrested for Receiving Stolen Property greater than $950 in value, Commercial Burglary – No Forced Entry, Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Conspiracy/False Indictment of Another and a Warrant.

Bail was set at $95,000 for Walker, $20,000 for Morgan IV and $20,000 for David.

Photos courtesy of NBPD

NBPD is seeking two additional suspects in the theft of multiple Louis Vuitton bags on Tuesday

The outstanding suspects are described as black, male, approximately 18-20 years old, with black hair. At the time of the incident, one suspect was wearing a black hoodie, black pants with a white stripe and white shoes. The other suspect was wearing a black hoodie with white writing, black pants with a red stripe and white shoes.

Anyone who can identify these suspects or has additional information about this crime is encouraged to contact the Detective Division at 949.644.3790. Messages may also be left anonymously on the Police Department’s recorded hotline at 1.800.550.NBPD. 

Using fraudulent reward points is a serious crime

On Tuesday, November 27, at 12:45 p.m., an NBPD officer was sent to the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa at 900 Newport Center Drive to assist the Chief Loss Prevention Officer. The loss prevention officer explained that two rooms were being rented with fraudulent Marriott Rewards numbers. 

“Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Luis Guillen had been renting rooms at different hotels for the past two months using fraudulent cards. He did not give details on the hotels,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. 

 During his arrest, it was discovered that he had drugs and drug paraphernalia in his pockets and a warrant out for his arrest.

“The paraphernalia and drugs were found in his pockets during a consensual search. The officer asked if he could search him and he said yes,” Rangel said. “He claimed that the drugs were his, but the pipe was not.”

Luis Alfonso Guillen, 28, of Hawthorne, was arrested for commercial burglary, for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession a controlled substance, false personation of another and a warrant due to assault with a firearm. 

Bail was set at $270,000.

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Police Files

“Food fight” and alleged gun threat at Whole Foods

On Sunday, Nov. 11, at 7:35 p.m., NBPD responded to a call at Whole Foods Market, at the 400 block of Newport Center Drive, to assist a manager with a customer. 

“Upon arrival, the manager explained that Antonio Nelton was throwing food and hitting other customers with a store-motorized wheelchair,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said.

According to Rangel, the manger asked Nelton to leave and he refused. 

“During the officer’s interaction with Nelton, he expressed that he had a handgun in his car and he was going to go get it,” Rangel said. “Upon further investigation, the officer found that Nelton did not have a handgun; however, he was in violation of his parole.”

The parole officer requested Nelton be placed on a parole hold and Nelton was arrested.

Antonio Maitreya Nelton, 45, of Long Beach, was arrested for parole violation and for threatening to commit a crime with intent to terrorize. Bail was set at $50,000. 

Get the message, texting while driving is a serious, often deadly crime that is 100% preventable

On Wednesday, Nov. 21, at 5:05 p.m., at E. Coast Highway and Corporate Way, James Edward Spurgin, 60, of Laguna Beach, was pulled over and cited for using text-based communication while driving. During the traffic stop, Spurgin was arrested for outstanding warrants for possession of a narcotic substance and driving with a suspended license, as well as for possessing unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at a whopping $100,500. 

According to a Newport Beach Police Department press release sent out in April 2018 to promote Distracted Driving Awareness Month, texting while driving is a serious problem that remains a big roadblock on the roads. During the holiday season, distractions seem to multiply on the road with emotions running high, heavier traffic and problems with parking.

Traffic officers throughout the state have issued hundreds of thousands of citations over the past three years to drivers who were texting or making calls on a hand-held cell phone. Recent legislation made it illegal to use any smartphone apps while driving, further limiting drivers’ cell phone activity. Still, we all continue to see people driving dangerously while distracted by their phones.

Since 2011, OTS has conducted an annual observational study of hand-held cell phone use. “This year’s study on the use of handheld cell phones and texting shows a decrease over past years; however, more work needs to be done to target those who were observed to still be breaking the law,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft.  “The best way to put an end to distracted driving is to educate all Californians about the danger it poses. We will do this through enforcement and education efforts like our new advertising campaign ‘Just Drive’, reminding drivers to put down their phones and focus on the road.”

“California’s distracted driving laws have been saving lives for a decade now,” said former State Senator Joe Simitian, who authored the state’s hands-free and no-texting laws. “Every day, somewhere in California, someone is sitting down to dinner with their family who wouldn’t have made it through the day without these laws on the books. That’s tremendously gratifying.”

In 2007, the last full year before the hands-free law went into effect, more than 33,000 drivers in California were involved in distracted driving collisions. Preliminary 2017 data shows that that number decreased to fewer than 22,000 collisions last year. 

“These numbers show a heartening and significant improvement,” said NBPD Chief Jon Lewis, “but there’s still work to be done. Smartphones are a part of our lives now; texting, phone calls, social media posts…the cell phone activity is constant, but doing these things behind the wheel can have deadly consequences. Changing these dangerous habits will help make our roadways safer for everyone.”

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Police Files

Slew of crimes on Sunday include strong arm robbery, battery and drug charges

On Sunday, Nov 18, there were a slew of crimes related to robbery and drugs, according to NBPD police files. At 12:02 a.m., at the 1000 block of McFadden Place, Trevor Allen Jensen, 27, of Lake Forest, was arrested for strong arm robbery and battery. Bail was set at $50,000. Later that morning two suspects were arrested for a litany of crimes including burglary tools, receiving stolen property and possessing a controlled substance.

At W. Coast Hwy. & Balboa Bay, at 2:50 a.m., Kira Lyn Peralta, 30, of Buena Park, was arrested for possessing a controlled substance, possessing a controlled substance without a prescription, possessing a controlled substance for sale, and receiving stolen property. Bail was set at $25,000.

Also at the same location at 2:55 a.m., Daniel James Aaron Fowles, 26, of Westminster, was arrested on a warrant for violating parole, possessing a controlled substance for sale, possessing a controlled substance, possessing a controlled substance without a prescription, and possessing unlawful paraphernalia, as well as possessing burglary tools. Bail was set at $25,000. 

Preventing crime while shopping – key safety tips

The holiday season is upon us, and the busiest shopping days of the year are approaching. While you are out and about hunting for gifts for loved ones or even doing your shopping from your computer, remember to keep safety top of mind.

Here are some tips for preventing crime while you knock out that shopping list, provided by NBPD along with the National Crime Prevention Council:

Shopping in stores:

–Never leave your valuables unattended – phone, purse, wallet, etc.

–Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook.  An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.

–Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package.  The same applies if you are using mass transit.

–Deter pickpockets by carrying your purse close to your body and keeping it closed.

–Men keep your wallet in an inner coat pocket or front pants pocket.

–Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.

–Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.

–Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.

–Shopping with small children: make a plan in case you are separated from each other and select a central meeting place; teach them to know they can ask mall personnel or store security employees if they need help; and keep a current photo of your child in your phone.

–Shopping online: Before surfing the Internet, secure your personal computers by updating your security software. Everyone’s computer should have anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-spam software, as well as a good firewall installed. Visit www.bytecrime.org for free software downloads.

–Keep your personal information private and your password secure. Do not respond to requests to “verify” your password or credit card information unless you initiated the contact. Legitimate businesses will not contact you in this manner.

–Beware of “bargains” from companies with whom you are unfamiliar – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

–Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the icon of a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen or “https” in the URL address.

–Shop with companies you know and trust. Check for background information if you plan to buy from a new or unfamiliar company.

–Save all receipts. Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases. Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.

–Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as one-time or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction site.

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Police Files

Attempted robbery at Bank of America at Eastbluff, NBPD seeks help identifying suspect

The Newport Beach Police Department is seeking a suspect and any possible witnesses for an attempted bank robbery investigation. The crime occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at approximately 1:35 p.m. at the Bank of America in Eastbluff Village Center, at 2501 Eastbluff Drive. 

According to statements received by the NBPD, one male entered the bank with a grey Bank of America money bag. The suspect then approached a bank teller and presented what appeared to be a business check. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

NBPD is looking for this bank robbery suspect, please call with any information

The check had a handwritten note on the back stating, “This is a robbery, I have a gun.” The teller had difficulty opening the money drawer, at which point the suspect stated, “Hurry up, you have 10 seconds.” 

The suspect then raised his voice and once again told the teller to hurry up, which caught the attention of the bank manager who then walked towards the suspect. The suspect then walked out of the bank without any money, and appeared to get into a white truck being driven by an additional unknown suspect.

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Submitted photo

The getaway vehicle from an attempted bank robbery on Nov. 14 at the Eastbluff Bank of America

The suspect is described as a white male, 30 - 40 years old, with dark hair, a brownish grey beard, about 5’6 - 5’8 tall, and weighing around 160 - 180 pounds. He was described as wearing a white and blue flannel, dark hat, sunglasses, tennis shoes, and had tattoos on his right forearm.

NBPD Detectives are asking this person, or anyone who can help identify him, to come forward to assist in the investigation. Anyone who can offer assistance is encouraged to contact Detective Division at 949.644.3790. Messages may also be left anonymously on the Police Department’s recorded hotline at 1.800.550.NBPD. 

33-year-old Newport Beach man sentenced to 35 years in state prison for $13.5 million Ponzi scheme

On Friday, Nov 15, Brandon Walton Stewart, 33, of Newport Beach, was sentenced to 35 years in state prison for defrauding more than $10.5 million from victims and nearly $3 million from banks through a Ponzi scheme according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Stewart pleaded guilty to 125 counts of money laundering, 38 counts of writing non-sufficient funds, 22 counts of using untrue statements in purchase or sale of a security, four counts of failing to file a California state tax return, two counts of financial elder abuse, and one count of residential burglary, all felonies.

He also received sentencing enhancements for aggravated white collar crime in excess of $500,000, property damage over $3.2 million, and money laundering in excess of $2.5 million for a Ponzi scheme he operated from April 7, 2009, to January 22, 2013.

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Police Files

Man arrested 19 times in 18 months by NBPD

On Monday, Nov 12, at 8:14 p.m., at 15th Street and W. Ocean Front, Nathaniel Monks Hutchinson, 53, of Costa Mesa, was arrested for receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950, possessing unlawful paraphernalia, and warrants related to being drunk in public and having an open container in public.

According to Stu News Newport records, Hutchinson has been arrested 19 times in the last 18 months by NBPD for being drunk in public, drinking in public and related warrants.

Hutchinson often lists his occupation as “drinker” with police. 

Bail was set at $46,000.

Two 20-somethings nabbed for major crimes

On Sunday, Nov 11, at 3:49 a.m., a duo was arrested at Santa Ana Avenue and 17th Street for a litany of major crimes.

Christopher Edward Mar, 24, no city of residency, was arrested for possessing unlawful paraphernalia, appropriating lost property, possessing a controlled substance, commercial burglary with no forced entry, conspiracy to commit a crime, identity theft and grand theft from buildings. 

Alyssa Marie Teruel, 20, Indio, was arrested for shoplifting with value less than $950, possessing unlawful paraphernalia, possessing a controlled substance, commercial burglary with no forced entry, conspiracy to commit a crime and grand theft. 

Bail was set at $20,000 for both Mar and Teruel.

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