Police Files

Police capture burglary suspect who also possesses methamphetamine

Newport Beach Police responded to a call for service at 5:03 a.m., on Monday, February 17, to the 800 block of Sea Gull Lane regarding a burglary. Upon arrival, police encountered the potential suspect Fernando Caicedoceballos, 25, of Santa Ana.

Further investigation found that Caicedoceballos was in possession of methamphetamine and a watch taken during a recent nearby apartment burglary.

Caicedoceballos was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and for a non-forced entry residential burglary.

His bail was set at $50,000.

Suspected DUI driver arrested with child in vehicle, $100,000 bail

Around 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, Newport Beach Police responded to a call for service in reference to a potential drunk driver in the 700 block of West Coast Highway.

Police in the area encountered and stopped a vehicle driven by 33-year-old Francisco Javier Gutierrez-Bari, who failed a sobriety check.

Also in the vehicle with Gutierrez-Bari was an unidentified youth.

Gutierrez-Bari was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and cruelty to a child, potentially leading to possible injury or death.

His bail was set at $100,000.

Felon found in possession of methamphetamine and rifle ammunition

Newport Beach Police initiated a vehicle stop at 10:48 p.m. on Monday, February 17.

Upon questioning and further investigation police found the driver, Leonard Joe Lampasona Jr., had a prior felony conviction. Additionally they found him to be in possession of methamphetamine and rifle ammunition.

Lampasona was also found to be in violation his Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS).

He was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, two counts of possession of ammo by a prohibited person and a PRCS Violation/10-day flash hold.

His bail was set at $20,000.

During questioning of a detainee, police receive call IDing him for previous vandalism

On Monday, February 17, around 3:35 p.m., Newport Beach Police officers had detained a suspect, Rueben A. Mezapineda, 32, of Anaheim, following a pedestrian stop. Their questioning concerned a vehicle code violation.

During this time, NBPD received a call reporting the same subject, Mezapineda, as the person who had allegedly vandalized his vehicle. The vehicle in question had been keyed.

He was arrested on vandalism charges for damaging property and held on $20,000 bail.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Newport Beach man killed in early morning single vehicle accident

A Newport Beach man was killed Saturday, February 15, when the vehicle he was driving crashed into a parked construction trailer in Huntington Beach. 

The Orange County Coroner’s office has identified the man as Bryan Ball, 38. Authorities pronounced him dead at the scene.

Huntington Beach Police responded to a call to the scene of the accident at Springdale St. and Littlefield Drive around 3:30 a.m.

No other occupants were in the vehicle.

Attorney poser pleads guilty to 23 felonies while “representing” clients

James Frank Barber, 59, pleaded guilty to posing as an attorney and then stealing from clients he promised to assist. Charges included 23 felonies, including money laundering, forgery and grand theft.

Barber was falsely representing clients from December 2013 through July 2015 with debt consolidation and mortgage payments. 

His charges also included sentencing enhancements for aggravated white-collar crimes between $100,000 and $500,000 and property loss exceeding $200,000.

He will be sentenced June 26 in Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana.

Man found with controlled substance, police find six outstanding warrants leading to nearly $300,000 bail

Just before noon last Thursday, February 13, Newport Beach Police encountered two people for questioning. The first was Collin Francis McKeown, 35, of Santa Ana. McKeown was found to be in possession of a controlled substance.

Upon further investigation, McKeown presented false identification to police. When police were able to finally identify McKeown they found he had six outstanding warrants.

Those included receiving stolen property, domestic violence, possessing a controlled substance for sale, possession of a controlled substance, trespassing and possession of a larger quantity of marijuana.

After arrest, his bail was set at $290,500.

Ariana Emmarylee Browne, 24, of Costa Mesa, was the other suspect. Police found her to be in possession of a controlled substance.

Her bail was set at $2,500.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Warm weather brings beachgoers, but watch out for stingrays

Last week, Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watched over an estimated 67,000 people. Warmer temperatures brought more people to the beaches, with a slight increase in westerly swell. We showed a slight increase in stingray wounds this week, too. Make sure to shuffle your feet! 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

This week, lifeguards educated the surf teams at CdMHS and NHHS through the SALT program. And finally, the lifeguards’ permanent staff and training team interviewed more than 45 eligible lifeguard trainee candidates, who will hopefully join in the 2020 Basic Lifeguard Academy starting in early March.

For the last week, lifeguards made zero ocean rescues, 14 preventative actions, 340 public contacts, 12 medical aids, 66 animal warnings and 20 code enforcements.

Lifeguards Weekly Statistics are from Monday, February 10 through Sunday, February 16, 2020.

Police Files

Student shuttle van collides with Suburban, two hurt

A UCI student shuttle van and a Chevrolet Suburban collided just before 10 p.m. Wednesday night at the intersection of Irvine Avenue and Bristol Street.

The Suburban, occupied only by the driver, reportedly ran a red light. The driver was taken to a local trauma center where they were being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The UCI van had a driver and three passengers. One of the passengers was also taken to a trauma center. The other three occupants did not require treatment.

The intersection was closed to traffic for several hours as police investigated and cleared the accident site.

Follow-up reports are that both injured passengers had serious injuries but are in stable condition.

Scammers pretending to be from NBPD calling homes requesting personal information

Tuesday, the Newport Beach Police were notified by some community members that they had received calls from an individual claiming to work for the Police Department who requested their addresses and personal information. 

The Caller ID on these phone calls looked like they were NBPD phone numbers. Residents who contacted the NBPD directly were able to confirm that these calls did not come from their department. 

When you get a call from an unknown number, ask yourself...is the caller who you think it is? Scammers are good at pretending to be someone they’re not. They can be convincing: sometimes manipulating Caller ID, using information from social networking sites, or hacking into email accounts, to make it seem more real. They’ll pressure you or play on your emotions to get personal information or money from you. 

Here’s what you can do: Stop. Check it out. For calls from alleged government agencies or utility companies: Do not give out any personal information until you have verified the identity of the caller. Ask the caller for their name, department and business phone number. Confirm that information by calling the organization at a phone number found on the internet or through official correspondence/billing statements. If the caller refuses to provide this information, terminate the call immediately. 

Keep your information safe. Never give out personal identifying information, such as your social security number, bank account or credit card account numbers, to anyone you do not know.

Pass this information on to a friend. You may not have received one of these calls, but chances are that you know someone who will – if they haven’t already.

Smashed windows becoming the norm in residential burglaries

Two residential burglaries recently occurred on or around Monday, February 10 on Sidra Cove.

The first occurred sometime between 2-7:30 p.m.

While the victims were out for the day, an unknown suspect walked along on a dirt pathway behind the residence and climbed over a short patio wall to get into the backyard. Once there, the suspect pried open one patio window and smashed another patio window. After gaining access to the home, the suspect ransacked the master bedroom, master bathroom and the master closet. The suspect took some of the victim’s property and fled the scene.

The loss was reported as jewelry. 

The other was reported on the same day after being discovered at 7:30 p.m.

While the victim was out, an unknown suspect again climbed over a short wall to get into the backyard. Once in the backyard, the suspect shattered a glass rear door on the first floor. The suspects entered the residence and went through cabinets and drawers throughout the home before fleeing the scene. 

Fortunately, there was no reported loss.

No suspect information is available in either incident.

Another forced entry residential burglary took place somewhere between January 31 and February 4 on Pelican Point Drive.

While the victim was gone, an unknown suspect entered the backyard of the residence and then gained access to the second story patio. The suspect then shattered the master bathroom door and went through several drawers in the bathroom before fleeing the scene.

There was no reported loss and no suspect information is available.

Illegally parked vehicle leads to alleged DUI arrest, drug charges and subsequent jail violation

On Sunday afternoon, February 9, Newport Beach Police were called for service relating to a vehicle that was stopped in the roadway. Upon arrival around 3:30 p.m., police encountered Ervin Fabian, 29, from Santa Ana. Fabian’s vehicle was stopped and parked illegally in a fire lane near Irvine Avenue and 18th Street.

Police questioned Fabian who they arrested for alleged DUI while under the influence of drugs and found that he was driving on a suspended license. Further investigation led them to discover a small amount of heroin, miscellaneous drug paraphernalia and Xanax, for which he didn’t possess a prescription.

He was booked on alleged DUI – drugs, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, driving while suspended, parking unlawfully in a fire lane and possessing a controlled substance without a prescription.

Later, while Fabian was being processed into jail, he was additionally found to be in possession of six Xanax pills that were found inside a cigarette package. An additional charge of possessing a controlled substance in prison was added.

His bail was set at $25,000.

Man accused of entering business, threatening occupants

On Sunday afternoon, February 9, around 4 p.m., Newport Beach Police were called to a serious situation in the 4500 block of Jamboree Road. Upon arrival they encountered 47-year-old David Tee Corley, of Santa Ana, who was accused of entering a business and threatening the people inside.

Corley was arrested by NBPD following their investigation for allegedly threatening a crime with the intent to terrorize.

He was booked and held on $50,000.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Former PIMCO exec sentenced to nine months in college admissions scandal

A former top executive for PIMCO has been sentenced to nine months beyond bars after being charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering in the college admissions scandal.

Doug Hodge, formerly the chief executive of PIMCO, was sentenced to nine months in prison for paying $850,000 in order to get his four children into Georgetown University and USC as fake athletic recruits.

Hodge is 62 and resides in Laguna Beach. He is the latest person to be sentenced in the William “Rick” Singer college admissions fraud scandal. Singer, of Newport Beach, worked as a college admissions consultant.

Hodge will also have to pay a fine of $750,000, serve 500 hours of community service and remain on supervised release for two years.

PIMCO is Newport Beach-based investment company headquartered in the Newport Center area.

Suspicious vehicle leads to heroin arrest and then meth found later in jail

On Monday, February 3, around 1 a.m., Newport Beach Police received a call concerning a suspicious vehicle in the area of Irvine Avenue and Holly Lane.

The suspect was contacted by officers. Police found Marianna Lorena McGeisey, 43, of Riverside, sitting in her vehicle and upon further discovery found her to be in possession of heroin.

McGeisey was placed under arrest. Upon entering the NBPD a short time later, McGeisey was also found to be in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine.

She was booked on possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance in prison.

Her bail was set at $25,000.

Early morning arrest finds guns, large capacity magazines and drugs

While on patrol in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 4, Newport Beach Police initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle with a code violation at E. Coast Highway and Morning Canyon Road.

Upon questioning, police found that the driver, Jesse Albert Gomez, 32, of Corona, was on parole. Gomez and a fellow passenger, Stephanie Rose Hernandez, 36, of Corona, were asked to exit the vehicle for further investigation.

Police found Gomez in possession of unlawful paraphernalia, a controlled substance and found him to be in possession of a firearm.

Hernandez was also carrying a loaded firearm on her person that was not registered, a large capacity magazine, and unlawful paraphernalia and a controlled substance.

The pair was arrested on a variety of charges, including parole violations and possessing a firearm while armed.

Hernandez was arrested and held on $20,000 bail, while Gomez was held on $2,500 bail.

Police arrest suspect for starting a fire while attempting to cook up a meal

A brush fire broke out in an area 300 feet east of the curb of Reef Point Drive and 45 feet north of the north curb of PCH around 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, February 2. The Newport Beach Fire Department in addition to the Newport Beach Police Department were called for service.

Once the fire was extinguished, police found that Shane Michael Sutton, 41, of Laguna Beach, had intentionally started the fire with the purpose of preparing some food.

Sutton, who had two warrants, one for unlawfully causing a fire and another for entering closed lands, was additionally charged with recklessly causing a fire that also involved a structure.

He was arrested and held on $60,000 bail.

Routine traffic stop finds wanted fugitive from justice

On Sunday, February 2, around 4:30 p.m., Newport Beach Police initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle with a code violation.

Upon further investigation and questioning, police found that the driver, Niqueau Dvaughn Johnson, 29, of North Las Vegas, was a fugitive from justice with an arrest warrant related to a bond violation out of Colorado.

Police arrested Johnson and he was being held on $100,000 bail.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Cool air brings nice waves, but quiet times to the beach

Last week Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watched over an estimated 40,000 people. Cooler temperatures brought fewer people to the beaches. Lifeguards remained busy preparing for the upcoming Lifeguard Tryouts held February 9.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

For the last week, lifeguards made one ocean rescue, 27 preventative actions, 189 public contacts, 14 medical aids, 2 boat warnings, 40 animal warnings and three code enforcements.

Lifeguards Weekly Statistics are from Monday, February 2 through Sunday, February 9, 2020.

Police Files

Spitzer announces dropped charges against Newport Beach doctor and girlfriend

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced Tuesday that all criminal charges will be dropped against 39-year-old Newport Beach orthopedic surgeon and reality television star Grant Robicheaux and his 33-year-old girlfriend Cerissa Riley who were accused of drugging and sexually assaulting seven women.

On September 11, 2018, former District Attorney Tony Rackauckas filed initial charges in People v. Robicheaux and Riley, eight months after a search warrant was executed on Robicheaux’s Newport Beach home. At the time the charges included assaults on two women.

Robicheaux was charged with nine felonies, including rape by use of drugs, oral copulation by use of anesthesia or a controlled substance, assault with intent to commit a sexual offense, four counts of possession of a controlled substance for sale, and two counts of possession of an assault weapon. He was also charged with sentencing enhancements of personal use of a firearm during a health and safety code violation.

Riley was charged with seven felonies, including rape by use of drugs, oral copulation by use of anesthesia or a controlled substance, assault with intent to commit a sexual offense, and four counts of possession of a controlled substance for sale. She was also charged with knowingly vicariously being armed with a firearm.

Robicheaux faced a maximum of 40 years in state prison if convicted of all charges. Riley faced a maximum of 30 years and eight months in state prison.

Over the next several weeks, Rackauckas held two press conferences in which he told members of the media that investigators had recovered videos depicting up to 1,000 incapacitated women being sexually assaulted by Robicheaux and Riley. He urged additional victims to come forward and explained that women who had contact with the couple may not realize they were in fact victims.

The case received international media attention based on the revelation that up to a thousand women had been victimized.

On October 17, 2018, Rackauckas filed additional charges involving five additional women who came forward in the wake of the intense media coverage on the case.

Robicheaux was charged with an additional eight felonies, including three counts of kidnapping with the intent to commit a sexual offense, three additional counts of rape by the use of drugs, one additional count of assault with the intent to commit a sexual offense, and one count of forcible rape.

Riley was charged with an additional six felonies, including three counts of kidnapping with the intent to commit a sexual offense, two additional counts of rape by the use of drugs, and one additional count of assault with the intent to commit a sexual offense.

Robicheaux and Riley both faced a maximum of life in state prison if convicted on all charges.

After Rackauackas admitted in a sworn deposition on June 19, 2019 that he had used the case to garner media attention to help his re-election campaign, Spitzer ordered a complete reevaluation of the case.

Two veteran sexual assault prosecutors were assigned to a top to bottom review of the case. Over three months, the two prosecutors reviewed every piece of evidence in the case.

The De Novo review included: thousands of photographs, videos and chats from computers; hundreds of hours of audio recordings; thousands of pages of documents; tens of thousands of text messages between the defendants over four years; thousands of text messages between defendants and others, including alleged victims; thousands of conversations on Bumble, Tinder, Facebook, and other social media services; hundreds of emails including from alleged victims, defendants, police, and potential leads; and thousands of pages of transcripts of alleged victim interviews, witness interviews and depositions.

Spitzer announced that this exhaustive review revealed there was not a single video or photograph depicting an incapacitated woman being sexually assaulted by Robicheaux or Riley. In fact, the review revealed that there was not a single independent witness who came forward to say they saw the defendants sexually assault an unconscious woman.

A team of prosecutors with a combined 175 years of experience determined there is no provable evidence that Robicheaux and Riley committed any sexual offense.

“My sworn duty as the elected district attorney is not to secure convictions,” said Spitzer. “My sworn duty is to pursue justice and ensure that the rights of victims and defendants are protected.

“The prior District Attorney and his chief of staff manufactured this case and repeatedly misstated the evidence to lead the public and vulnerable women to believe that these two individuals plied up to 1,000 women with drugs and alcohol in order to sexually assault them – and videotape the assaults.

“As a result of the complete case review I ordered beginning in July, we now know that there was not a single video or photograph depicting an unconscious or incapacitated woman being sexually assaulted.

“What the prior District Attorney and his chief of staff did to these defendants and to the women involved in this case is a travesty.

“While I cannot undo the injustice that has already been done in this case, I can – and I will – continue to fulfill my legal and ethical obligations as the elected District Attorney of Orange County and dismiss all criminal charges against Dr. Grant William Robicheaux and Cerissa Laura Riley.”

Sheriff’s Department to review 22,000 previous cases

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) is conducting an evidence case review of more than 22,000 cases. The case review, conducted collaboratively with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA), comes after two audits conducted from February 2018-February 2019 identified issues with deputies booking evidence outside of Department policy. Fifteen deputies were investigated by OCSD for evidence booking issues identified in the audits and referred to the OCDA for possible criminal prosecution. 

Following the refusal of criminal charges, the Department conducted internal affairs investigations into policy violations by the deputies involved. To date, five have been terminated from employment, nine have been issued discipline including unpaid hours off, and one investigation is ongoing.

The ongoing case review began in December 2019 with more than 1,200 active criminal cases identified by the OCDA. During the review of active cases, two additional deputies were identified for suspected issues. They have both been placed on administrative leave and are the subject of internal criminal investigations related to booking of evidence. The suspected policy violations and the cases that may be affected have been shared with the OCDA. Due to the Peace Officer Bill of Rights, no additional information can be shared at this time due to the ongoing investigation.  

“These are not merely cases that have been affected,” said Sheriff Don Barnes. “In every one of these cases, a person accused of a crime is owed their right to due process in the criminal justice system. In some cases, there is also a victim who wants to see justice served. I am not only mindful of those facts, they’re the driving force behind my desire to uncover the full scope of this issue and hold accountable those who violated policy.”

The case review has continued with approximately 22,000 adjudicated cases identified by the OCDA’s office that occurred from March 22, 2015 to March 22, 2018. The case review began with OCSD staff and, beginning the week of January 27, two staff from the OCDA’s office are working in conjunction with OCSD. The adjudicated case review is approximately six percent complete with almost 1,500 cases reviewed.

Sheriff Barnes will begin holding a monthly briefing open to the media and available to the public online in February 2020. The briefings will cover topics relevant to Orange County public safety and operations of the Sheriff’s Department. Updates on the case review will be included when information is available to share. The monthly briefing dates will be announced on OCSD’s Twitter @OCSheriff.

“The vast majority of the men and women of the Orange County Sheriffs Department are dedicated professionals who work every day to keep our community safe,” said Sheriff Barnes. “Let’s not allow misleading conjecture focused on an issue that we are actively working to correct distract from that fact.”

Police Files

Three suspects in custody after attempted heist of more than $20,000 worth of handbags

Newport Beach Police received a call for service following an observation report of a possible crime in progress on Saturday evening around 5 p.m. on January 25. Police responded to a retail location in the 3400 block of Via Lido.

Upon arrival, police were notified of the theft of handbags by multiple individuals who had since fled the location.

Shortly thereafter police arrested two of three suspects they were seeking. Arrested were Charlesa Jeshea Spellman, 28, of Los Angeles, and Jessica Lee Robinson, 31, also of Los Angeles. Both were charged with strong arm robbery, conspiracy to commit a crime, commercial burglary with no forced entry and receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950, as the handbags were valued in excess of $20,000.

Bail was set at $50,000 each for Spellman and Robinson.

Some 30 minutes later, police located and arrested the third and final suspect, Zion Isaiah Wilkerson, 19, of Inglewood, in the 1800 block of Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa. Wilkerson was charged with strong arm robbery, conspiracy, receiving stolen property, commercial burglary and on a warrant issued from the City of Torrance.

His bail was set at $225,000.

Customer decides not to pay restaurant tab, presents a “weapon” and is arrested with $50,000 bail

Newport Beach Police were called to an incident in the Mariners Mile area relating to a customer leaving a restaurant without paying his bill.

Police arrived and upon further questioning it was reported the customer allegedly left the restaurant without paying while displaying a writing pen as a potential weapon to a store employee.

Mark Christopher Romero, 52, from Pleasanton, was arrested at 2:25 p.m. in the 3300 block of W. Coast Highway on charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon, defrauding an innkeeper for a value less than $950 and petty theft.

He was being held on $50,000 bail.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Cool air brings nice waves, but quiet times to the beach

Last week Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watched more than an estimated 38,500 people.

Cool air temperature kept the beach attendance low this past week. There were plenty of surfers out enjoying good swell this week. Please stay safe if you get out enjoying our amazing beaches, and make sure you check in with the lifeguard.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Joshua Leith

Newport Beach Lifeguard Tyson Mangham patrolling the beach

For the last week, lifeguards made zero ocean rescues, 17 preventative actions, 222 public contacts and 9 medical aids.

Lifeguards Weekly Statistics are from Monday, January 20 through Sunday, January 26, 2020.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

NBPD releases video of vehicle involved in pedestrian hit-and-run injury accident, seeks community’s help

On Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at about 7:57 p.m., the Newport Beach Police Department received a 9-1-1 call regarding a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic collision at the intersection of Superior Avenue and Hospital Road. 

The investigation has revealed the involved vehicle was traveling northbound on Superior Avenue and struck a pedestrian who was walking eastbound across the intersection in the north crosswalk of Hospital Road. The victim sustained major injuries as a result of the collision and is in stable condition. After the collision, the involved vehicle fled the scene.

Courtesy of NBPD

Based on a screen shot of the video obtained from the NBPD, the vehicle appears to be a small SUV, red or maroon in color. It can be seen in the photo just to the left of the silver vehicle waiting at the stoplight.

The vehicle sustained damage to the right side. A possible make/model of the vehicle is an early 2000 Land Rover Freelander.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact Detective Troy Zeeman at 949.644.3747 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Newport Beach resident pleads guilty to hiring a stand-in to take son’s college online courses at Georgetown University

Newport Beach resident Karen Littfair, 57, pleaded guilty earlier this week in Boston for hiring a stand-in to take online classes for her son at Georgetown University. Littlefair pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

That charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. However, prosecutors are working on a plea deal where they’d recommend a four-month sentence and a $9,500 fine.

Littlefair’s son was attending Georgetown University and needed to pass those courses in order to graduate. She agreed to hire an employee of Newport Beach businessman William “Rick” Singer $9,000 to stand-in and take the courses.

That employee completed four courses for Littlefair’s son who then graduated in 2018.

Littlefair was one of 50+ defendants nationwide to participate in a bribery scandal in which parents hired Singer for thousands of dollars to assist their children primarily with college entrance assistance.

Sentencing for Littlefair is scheduled for May 13.

Police spot stolen vehicle and arrest occupant

On Sunday, January 19, around 11:20 a.m., Newport Beach Police officers observed a stolen vehicle in the area of 16th St. and Irvine Ave. and effected a traffic stop. After questioning, police arrested Kana Miyamoto, 34, of Costa Mesa, who was in possession of the auto.

The vehicle, a 2019 Audi Q6, had been reported stolen earlier from the 3000 block of W. Coast Highway from an acquaintance of Miyamoto’s.

Further investigation found that Miyamoto was also in felony violation of her probation.

She was charged with taking an auto without the owner’s consent and held on $20,000 bail.

No suspects in forced-entry commercial burglary

On Monday, January 20, Newport Beach Police were called for service in reference to a forced-entry commercial burglary in the 1100 block of Irvine Ave. 

The victim reported that an unknown suspect or suspects made entry into the business sometime between 8:25 p.m. on Sunday, January 19 and 6:25 a.m. Monday, January 20. Taken were money, a safe and various electronic equipment.

The missing property was estimated at $11,500.

There are no leads at this time.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Almost a decade later, “mummy bandit” finally sentenced to 19 years in prison 

On May 24, 2008, Jaime Reyes Torres covered his face with a white cloth and robbed the Wells Fargo bank on Newport Coast Drive. He made off with some $50,000.

Police referred to him as the “mummy bandit.”

Subsequently, Torres was arrested and convicted of felony second-degree robbery and possession of a firearm on February 1, 2010.

Shortly after his conviction, Torres’ attorney died of brain cancer.

Because of attorney changes, motions for new trials and other legal requests, Torres’ sentencing was delayed for years. That all changed last week when he was finally sentenced to 19 years in prison.

Suspect enters home through broken window while resident is home

A forced-entry residential burglary occurred around midnight on Monday, January 17 in the 1600 block of Port Stirling Place in the Harbor View area.

While the victim was in their room, an unknown suspect climbed over the back wall onto the property from an adjoining hillside. 

The suspect had shut off the power to the residence prior to tearing a window screen and shattering a back window. The suspect also removed a window screen on a side window. 

Once inside, it appears the suspect moved some items in the home but fled the scene before taking anything. The victim did not hear or see anything that night but discovered the broken window in the morning.

There is no suspect information available at this time and no loss was reported from the house.

Burglar breaks into power box, shuts off power, before breaking into and ransacking home

A residential burglary occurred between 5:30-10 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18, in Newport Ridge on Bridgeport Road.

According to the Newport Beach Police, while the victims were out for the evening, an unknown suspect entered the property through an unlocked side gate. The suspect then broke into the utility box, shut off power, and cut the phone lines. The suspect then pried open a back door to gain entry into the house. 

After ransacking numerous rooms in the home, including the master bedroom, master bathroom, living room, office, several other bedrooms, the hallway and garage, the suspect fled the scene.   

The homeowners reported the loss of jewelry and clothing.

There is no information leading to the arrest of any suspects at this time.

NBPD travels to Anaheim to get their man

Newport Beach Police went to Anaheim on Wednesday afternoon, January 15, to arrest Sean Michael Kauffman, 47, of Anaheim. 

Kauffman was wanted for allegedly committing burglary using fraud, utilizing an access card and identity theft to personate another to get money illegally.

He was arrested in the 400 block of S. Harbor Blvd. in Anaheim and returned to Newport Beach where he was booked and held on $20,000 bail.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Cool air brings nice waves, but quiet times to the beach

Last week Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watched over an estimated 38,800 people.

Cool air temperature kept the beach attendance low this past week, but Saturday and Sunday were great beach days. Please stay safe if you get out enjoying our amazing beaches, and make sure you check in with the lifeguard.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

For the last week, lifeguards made zero ocean rescues, 15 preventative actions, 376 public contacts and 17 medical aids.

Lifeguards Weekly Statistics are from Monday, January 13 through Sunday, January 19, 2020.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files 

Newport Beach woman arrested after allegedly using knife in jewelry heist from South Coast Plaza

On Saturday, January 11, at approximately 12 p.m., a female suspect entered a jewelry store located inside the South Coast Plaza shopping center at 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 

According to reports, she asked to look at and try on several pieces of high-end jewelry. After putting on the jewelry, the suspect reportedly asked if she could view the jewelry in the sunlight. She was reportedly informed the jewelry could not leave the store while she began walking toward the entrance, where she was stopped by the store security. The suspect then reportedly brandished a large knife and threatened the security officers. She reportedly fled the store and was followed to the parking lot, where store security was able to obtain the license plate of the vehicle as she drove away.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of CMPD

Karen Yvonne Floyd’s booking photo

Based on the license plate information and witness identifications, the Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) detectives identified the suspect as Karen Yvonne Floyd, 54, of Newport Beach, and obtained a search warrant for Floyd’s residence.

On Monday, January 13, detectives contacted Floyd in the lobby of her apartment building and placed her under arrest with no incident. 

According to reports, detectives searched Floyd’s residence and recovered the alleged stolen jewelry and knife allegedly used in the robbery. The jewelry, valued at more than $2 million, was subsequently returned to the store.

She was charged with second-degree robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and brandishing a weapon. 

Floyd pleaded not guilty to those charges earlier this week. She was then released from jail after posting bond. Her bail had been set at $100,000.

Newport Beach man found possessing methamphetamine while being booked at NBPD jail

A Newport Beach Police officer initiated a stop on Sunday, January 12, around 10:30 a.m., on a vehicle with several code violations.

During a further investigation, police found John Paul Yanez, 32, of Newport Beach, to be in possession of unlawful paraphernalia. He was placed under arrest.

Upon his following booking at the NBPD jail, it was discovered that Yanez also possessed a small amount of methamphetamine.

In addition to paraphernalia charges, he was also charged with possession of controlled substance and possession of controlled substance in jail.

His bail was set at $20,000.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files 

Local arrested for allegedly terrorizing, causing great bodily injury and more

In the early morning hours of Friday, January 10, Newport Beach Police responded to reports of an altercation in the 1400 block of Superior Ave.

Once there they encountered Christopher Seas Lillie, 49, of Newport Beach, who was accused of threatening others with a crime with the intent to terrorize.

Upon further investigation, police arrested Lillie on suspicion of aggravated assault and assault with deadly force causing great bodily injury with his hands and fists.

He was also arrested for alleged false imprisonment.

Police arrested Lillie and processed him into the jail without setting a bail amount.

Man stopped twice by police in one day, the second time gets confrontational

Juventino Rivera, 23, of Anaheim, was not going to go quietly. He was first stopped by Newport Beach Police for smoking in violation of the Newport Municipal Code within 100 feet of the beach.

His bail for the violation was $50.

However, some eight hours later, Rivera was again stopped for questioning by NBPD around 10 p.m. near Jamboree Road and Bison Ave.

This time he allegedly got confrontational with officers, allegedly committing assault on a peace officer, battery on a peace officer, then resisting from an executive officer.

He was arrested on multiple charges and held on $20,000 bail.

Man caught with stolen bicycles in early morning hour arrest

At 2:57 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8, Newport Beach Police investigated some suspicious activity at 33rd St. and Seashore Dr.

Police encountered Louis Anthony Montalvo III, 51, of Costa Mesa, in possession of stolen bicycles.

Further investigation found he was also in possession of burglary tools.

He was arrested on charges of receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950, possession of burglary tools and for grand theft of bicycles.

He was held on $20,000 bail.

Drug arrest leads to firearm warrant

Aaron Daniel Harbor, 21, Devore, was stopped by the Newport Beach Police Department on Friday, January 10, just after 11 p.m. in the 5900 block of W. Coast Highway.

Following questioning and upon further investigation, NBPD found Harbor to be in possession of a narcotic controlled substance. It was also discovered he had an outstanding warrant for exhibiting an imitation firearm.

He was arrested and held on $15,500 bail.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Cool air brings nice waves, but quiet times to the beach

Last week Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watched over an estimated 33,000 people! 

Cool air temperature kept the beach attendance low this past week, but surfers were treated to a good run of waist to head high west swell. 

Please stay safe if you get out enjoying our amazing beaches, and make sure you check in with the lifeguard.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Joshua Leith

For the last week, lifeguards made zero ocean rescues, 28 preventative actions, 319 public contacts and 18 medical aids.

Lifeguards Weekly Statistics are from Monday, January 6 through Sunday, January 12, 2020.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Sea lion shot and then found in distress at the Wedge, is euthanized after rescue efforts fail

Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) rescued a female California sea lion in distress from the Wedge on the morning of Monday, December 16, after being reported by Newport Beach Animal Control. 

During her check-in, she was observed to have two distinct wounds, one of which was a draining abscess on her dorsal back causing her pain and discomfort and limiting her ability to move normally. While conducting radiographs to obtain further information on the extent of the animal’s injury, her chest indicated two gunshots, most likely from a pellet rifle. 

The one-and-a-half-year old sea lion, named Mandalorian by its rescuers, was carefully monitored throughout the next week, and despite treatment, her health continued to decline. At that point, a difficult decision was made, and the animal was humanely euthanized on December 22. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of PMMC

Mandalorian, a California sea lion found shot by unknown suspects; unfortunately, she had to be euthanized due to the extent of her injuries

A necropsy revealed that one of the bullets impacted between the rib and adjacent vertebrae. This entry wound most likely became infected, leading to severe muscle necrosis around the impact site and an accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. The second gunshot was lodged in the musculature between the ribs. 

The gunshot pellets have been recovered and will be sent to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Law Enforcement (NOAA NMFS OLE) for further investigation. 

“Unfortunately, what we saw is taking place up and down the Pacific Coast. These are disgusting and intentional acts, many of which are pre-meditated. We know there are many out there that feel like they are competing with the sea lions for the same resources. However, there’s a pathway for us to cohabitate with these precious marine mammals and shooting them is not the way,” said Peter Chang, CEO at PMMC. 

The penalties for killing a sea lion can be up to a year in prison and or a fine of up to $25,000.

Car vs. truck results in chemical spill that closes Coast Highway

On Tuesday morning, January 7, at approximately 7:41 a.m., the Newport Beach Police Department responded to a traffic collision at E. Coast Highway and Newport Center. The collision involved a truck and a sedan.

The truck was carrying a cleaning chemical that spilled as a result of the accident. NBPD didn’t identify the chemical but said there was “no danger to the community.”

As a precaution, police closed traffic on westbound PCH and on southbound lanes of Newport Center Drive while the chemical was cleaned up. They remained closed until around 1:30 p.m.

One of the involved parties was transported to the hospital with a complaint of pain. 

The community received notification following the accident via social media and was advised to avoid the area.

Police Files 

“Firefighter” held on strong arm robbery and assault with a deadly weapon

Wesley Alan MacFarland, 41, of Newport Beach, who lists his occupation as “firefighter,” was arrested on Saturday, January 4, at 5:30 p.m. for assault with a deadly weapon and strong arm robbery.

The incident reportedly occurred in the 1600 block of W. Balboa Blvd.

Records show that MacFarland is not an employee of the Newport Beach Fire Department.

No other details were available.

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

Driver has car load of problems and police find them

Newport Beach Police engaged a vehicle at 22nd St. and W. Balboa Blvd. on Friday, January 3, at 1:10 p.m. and encountered a litany of issues.

The vehicle was driven by Danean Dan Christiansen, 39, of Big Bend. It was initially discovered he was driving on a suspended license.

Upon further investigation, NBPD arrested the suspect for unlawful possession of paraphernalia, possession of narcotics, possession of a controlled substance, narcotics packaged to sell, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of drugs while armed and possession of a switchblade in his vehicle. 

He was arrested and held on $20,000 bail.

Motor vehicle break-ins seem to be on the upswing

Residents are encouraged to secure their vehicles and to remove valuables. Last week, according to Newport Beach Police Crime Logs, a number of motor vehicle break-ins occurred ranging from petty theft to grand theft.

Neighbors are also encouraged to watch out for suspicious activity in their neighborhoods and to report anything out of the ordinary to the NBPD at 949.644.3681.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

The New Year kicks off in a big way at the beach

Last week Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watched over an estimated 73,500 people!.

New Year’s Day seemed to be the most crowded January 1 ever. The boardwalk looked like Fourth of July. We also think there is no better place than our beaches to spend the holidays and hope everyone has an amazing New Year, and if you are making your New Year’s resolution, make sure that getting out to the beach is one of them! 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

Please stay safe if you get out enjoying our beaches, and make sure you check in with the lifeguard.

For the last week, lifeguards made two ocean rescues, 15 preventative actions, 365 public contacts and 18 medical aids.

Lifeguards Weekly Statistics are from Monday, December 30, 2019 through Sunday, January 5, 2020.

December 2019 Statistics: 254,400 Beach Population, three Ocean Rescues, 134 Preventative Actions, 780 Public Contacts and 51 Medical Aids.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Thief gets away with second story forced entry burglary taking jewelry, watches and firearms

A forced entry residential burglary took place sometime between 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 19 and 1:30 p.m. on Friday, December 27 on Wharfside Drive in Crystal Cove. 

While the victim was out of town, an unknown suspect entered the property by hopping a rear fence. Once in the backyard, the suspect climbed up to the rear second story balcony and pried open a door window to get into the house. The suspect went through drawers and closets in various rooms and forced open the master bedroom closet.

After going through drawers in the kitchen as well, the suspect fled the home through a rear door on the first floor that led to the backyard.

The loss included jewelry, watches, handbags and firearms.

There is no suspect information available at this time.

If you see suspicious activity within your neighborhood at a home where you know your neighbors are on vacation, have gone out for the evening, or their home is for sale, please call the Newport Beach Police Department immediately at 949.644.3717.

Secure your home with these home security tips from NBPD

Below is a Home Security Checklist so that you can conduct a security assessment on your home to see what security measures you can take to “harden the target.”

Home Security Tips:

–Always lock your windows and doors when you go out, even if for only a few minutes. Second story windows & doors should be secured as if they were on the first story.

–If you return home and find your pedestrian door that leads into your home locked, and you are certain that you left it unlocked, DO NOT GO INSIDE! Call 9-1-1. Burglars often lock this door to slow down a victim, allowing the burglar extra time to get out of the home before the resident enters.

–If your home is equipped with an alarm, always activate it even if you’re only going out for a short walk. Consider adding a motion sensor in your master bedroom/bathroom, which will activate the alarm if someone comes in through a glass window or door without opening it.

–Always keep your front and rear porch lights on from dusk to dawn and use motion detector lighting along the sides of your home or areas with little foot traffic.

–Use timers on indoor lamps to give the appearance that you are home.

–Adjust window coverings for optimal privacy while maintaining good visibility outside.

–Assess whether or not a window can be easily accessed from a tree, balcony, roof, wall, or with patio furniture and adjust your security plan accordingly. Ladders should be stored inside or locked to a stationary object.

–If your garage door has a remote shutoff button on the wall-mounted control, located in the garage, consider locking the door nightly. This will prevent your garage door from being opened remotely.

–If you have a safe, make sure that it is properly bolted to concrete so that      it cannot be easily removed.

–Always close and lock your safe and never leave a key or combination out or in an easy-to-find location (i.e. office, nightstand, etc.).

–When you leave on vacation, remember to call the Police Department for a “Vacation Check” at 949.644.3681. Also, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your newspaper and mail while you are away.

Report all suspicious activity by calling the Newport Beach Police Department at 949.644.3717.

Investment scheme involving some $176,000 in losses reported to NBPD

A crime was reported to Newport Beach Police on Christmas Day, December 25. The victim reported a stolen property amount of $176,888.

The incident occurred between July 14, 2015 and October 4, 2019. According to police, a fraudulent investment scheme resulted in victims never receiving any return on investments made with the suspects.

No suspects’ names have as yet been released.

The matter has been turned over to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office who is conducting an ongoing investigation.

Woman busted for reportedly attempting clothes heist from Neiman Marcus 

A suspect reportedly attempted to take various pieces of clothing from Neiman Marcus in Fashion Island on Sunday, December 29, around 6 p.m.

After following the suspect’s actions, they were detained by loss prevention personnel. Newport Beach Police responded to the call and arrested Sara Saedian, 44, of Irvine.

She was charged with commercial burglary with an amount in excess of $950.

Bail was set at $20,000.

Fight and meth lead to time in the clink

Around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, Newport Beach Police officers responded to a call for service referencing a reported physical fight in or around the 1100 block of Back Bay Drive.

Officers came upon the suspect, Wesley Eric Goodnight, 49, a transient that calls Newport Beach his hometown. Goodnight allegedly used a metal broomstick in the fight and was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

Upon further investigation, NBPD found him to be in possession of methamphetamine leading to an additional charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Goodnight was taken into custody and was held on $25,000 bail.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every suspect is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Forced-entry burglary sounds early morning alarm on Lido Island

A forced-entry residential burglary early Friday morning on Lido Island led to the arrest of three suspects, but not before helicopter support was brought in to assist.

Around 4 a.m., Newport Beach Police were notified of suspicious activity on the Island, eventually stopping a vehicle leaving the Island at Via Lido and Via Malaga. Taken into custody was Marion Devine Moore, 21, of Los Angeles. He was eventually charged with driving while suspended or revoked, residential burglary with a forced entry and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Containment of the Island and a search began for two other suspects, including the use of a helicopter, which awoke many still sleeping residents in the area.

At 6:48 a.m. police found the second suspect, Terrell DeRobert Robinson, 22, of Los Angeles. He was arrested on charges of obstructing and resisting peace officers and attempted forced entry residential burglary. 

The last suspect, Marcellus DeWayne Moore, Jr., 20, of Los Angeles, was finally located and taken into custody in the 100 block of Via Genoa, more in the middle part of the Island, at 7:41 a.m. His charges included obstructing and resisting, conspiracy and forced entry residential burglary.

All were being held on $50,000 bail.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Things fairly quiet at the beach as the New Year approaches

Last week Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watched over an estimated 35,000 people. We hope everyone had some super epic times with family during the holidays, and Happy New Year! 

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NB Lifeguards

Please stay safe if you get out enjoying our amazing beaches, and make sure you check in with the lifeguard.

For the last week, lifeguards made one ocean rescue, 27 preventative actions, 343 public contacts and 12 medical aids.

Lifeguards Weekly Statistics are from Monday, December 23 through Sunday, December 29, 2019.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Robber hits three Newport Beach banks in two days, suspect caught on Christmas Eve at home in La Quinta

On Saturday, December 21 at 2:57 p.m., a suspect entered the US Bank inside Pavilions at 2118 Newport Coast Drive. The suspect presented a note demanding cash and threatened that he had a gun and then fled the location with cash.

Monday, December 23 at 12:45 p.m., the same suspect entered the Bank of America branch on Newport Center Drive and loitered in the lobby before handing a teller a similar demand note as before. The suspect appeared nervous and left the location with no cash in a possible black Mercedes SLK.

Again on Monday, December 23 at 4:44 p.m., the same suspect entered the City Bank at 1100 Newport Center Drive. This time the suspect was recognized by bank employees due to information shared with banks in the area by NBPD Detectives. Bank employees activated the alarm and the suspect fled the location.

A short time later, Newport Beach Police Patrol Officers located the suspect vehicle driving on Newport Center Drive. The suspect vehicle, a 2019 two-door black Mercedes, failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The suspect vehicle was last seen northbound on the 73 Freeway before the Bear Street exit in Costa Mesa.

Courtesy of NBPD

The suspect was identified by NBPD Detectives as Barry Allan Buydens, 56 years old, 5’11”, 175 lbs., with blond hair and blue eyes and a resident of La Quinta. After an overnight investigation and subsequent execution of a search warrant in La Quinta, Buydens was arrested on Tuesday, December 24 at 8:25 a.m. by NBPD Detectives. 

He was charged with 211 PC Robbery, 664/211 PC Attempt Robbery, 664/211 PC Attempt Robbery and 2800.2 (A) CVC Felony Evading.

Buydens was also arrested for an outstanding robbery warrant from another bank robbery he was identified in from May 24, 2018. This bank robbery occurred at the Bank of America at 21171 Newport Coast Road. 

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department assisted the NBPD in the investigation and arrest. 

If you have any additional information on the described crimes, please contact Newport Beach Police Department Detective Michael Fletcher at 949.644.3779.

Resident arrives home, finds strange vehicle in driveway that leads to arrest of burglar inside his home

A resident in the 4800 block of River Ave. arrived at his home shortly after 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve and found an unfamiliar vehicle parked in his driveway and called the police. The Newport Beach Police arrived and established a containment around his house.

Upon further investigation, police found Paul Thomas Bailet Stoner, 34, of Ventura, inside the residence. He had gained entry by smashing a sliding glass door.

Stoner originally refused to exit the residence under commands by the police, however, when the K-9 unit arrived on the scene he surrendered without further incident.

He was charged with residential burglary with forced entry, trespassing by occupying property without consent and resisting a peace officer. Stoner’s bail was set at $50,000.

No loss resulted in the crime other than the broken sliding glass door.

Fighting suspect also batters police and hospital emergency room personnel before being arrested, according to reports

Newport Beach Police officers were called to the 1200 block of W. Coast Highway at 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, December 22, for a reported physical fight in progress.

Upon arrival, officers found Dalton James Barge, 27, of Rolling Hills Estate, extremely agitated and intoxicated with alcohol and drugs. He allegedly resisted officers’ attempts to arrest him, battering both the officers and later Emergency Room personnel at Hoag Hospital.

He was finally arrested and taken into custody on charges of battery with serious bodily injury, being under the influence of a controlled substance, resisting a peace officer, battery against an emergency person, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and resisting an executive officer.

His bail was set at $50,000.

Expensive watch reportedly taken from locker, time will tell 

if a suspect is found

Sometime between 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, December 22 and 8:30 a.m. on Monday, December 23, a valuable watch was reportedly taken from a locker in a building located at E. Coast Highway and Clubhouse Drive.

The watch was reportedly valued at $34,691.

Newport Beach Police took a full report on Wednesday, December 24. It is too soon to know if there are any workable leads.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Vehicle pursuit leaves trail of destruction and a charge of sexual battery

Newport Beach Police pursued a vehicle shortly after midnight on Saturday morning, December 21, finally bringing it to a halt at 38th St. and the beach.

Daniel Lucius Raygosa, 23, of Los Angeles, was arrested on a litany of charges including assault with a deadly weapon (vehicle), reckless driving, hit and run with property damage, obstructing and resisting a peace officer and vandalism by defacing property.

Additionally, Raygosa allegedly imprisoned a victim and was additionally charged with sexual battery.

He was taken into custody and held without bail.

Two local burglaries lead to huge losses

Homes and vehicles are prime targets for criminal activity throughout the holidays. Residents are encouraged to take extra precautions to avoid being victims. 

Two such incidents hit the local community in the days leading up to the holidays.

The first was a major motor vehicle burglary that took place in the 300 block of Larkspur Ave. sometime between 8:30 p.m. last Wednesday and 6:50 a.m. on Thursday.

Valuable merchandise, totaling $100,330, was taken from the vehicle.

Newport Beach Police continue to investigate.

Homes are also a target and residents are encouraged to keep them secure, perhaps with lights on.

A residential burglary took place in the 200 block of W. Promontory Drive sometime last Wednesday evening between 6:50 and 8:13 p.m.

In a report filed with the NBPD, property in the amount of $68,400 was taken.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Lifeguards advise swimmers to stay out of the water for 72 hours following rainfall

Last week Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watched over an estimated 25,000 people. This past week we had cool winter temperatures in both the air and ocean. Water temperature is hovering around 58-60 degrees.

We are expecting rain this week, and it is recommended that you stay out of the water 72 hours after any significant rainfall. Please stay safe if you get out enjoying our amazing beaches, and make sure you check in with a lifeguard. Happy Holidays from the Newport Beach Fire Department.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

For the last week, lifeguards made one ocean rescues, 15 preventative actions, 152 public contacts and 11 medical aids.

Lifeguards Weekly Statistics are from Monday, December 16 through Sunday, December 22, 2019.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Death by suicide takes place in Lido Isle park

On Monday, December 16, at approximately 8:52 a.m., Newport Beach Police responded to a call for service referencing suspicious circumstances in the area of Via Lido Soud and Via Fermo. 

Upon arrival, officers discovered a 72-year-old unresponsive male who had died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on a park bench. The Orange County Coroner was also called and responded.

The incident is under investigation.

This is a reminder that loneliness and depression can be major factors affecting people around the holidays. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide and is in need of emotional support, the Lifeline Network is available 24/7 across the United States. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline telephone number is 800.273.8255.

NBPD make grand theft arrest in October incident

On October 16, 2019, $8,000 worth of automobile shock absorbers were stolen from the 700 block of Domingo Drive in Newport Beach. Newport Beach Police were called and took a report.

On Tuesday of this week, following an extensive investigation, NBPD traveled to Moreno Valley and arrested Raymund Enriquez, 29, of Moreno Valley, on charges of grand theft.

Enriquez was returned to Newport Beach and his bail was set at $20,000.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Attempted commercial burglary leads to arrest of two out-of-town suspects

A commercial burglary was reported shortly after midnight on Saturday morning, December 14 on MacArthur Blvd. Newport Beach Police responded and stopped a vehicle with two occupants at Villaggio and MacArthur Blvd.

Upon further investigation police discovered burglary tools and other items connecting them to the reported burglary.

Arrested were Dushaun James Lett, 21, of Compton, and Brandon Marcus Williams, 35, of Los Angeles. Both were charged with commercial burglary with an attempted forced entry, possession of burglary tools and conspiracy to commit a crime. Additionally, Lett had an outstanding warrant related to a previous burglary.

Lett’s bail was set at $120,000 and Williams’ bail was set at $20,000.

Police pursue stolen vehicle to San Juan Capistrano with two suspects onboard

A vehicle reported missing was seen by Newport Beach Police in the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 11. Police pursued the vehicle with two occupants, finally ending with a stop in the 33800 block of Montanas Del Mar in San Juan Capistrano.

During the pursuit the suspects attempted to evade police with excessive speeds.

Police arrested Shanna Dawn Taylor, 39, of Nashport, and Jason Michael Tucker, 41, of Zanesville, for taking an auto without the owner’s consent and obstructing a peace officer.

Taylor, who was driving the vehicle, was also charged with driving without a license, presenting false identification to a specific peace officer, evading a peace officer with wanton disregard and reckless driving on a highway.

Bail was set $50,000 for Taylor and $20,000 for Tucker.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Beach population is small as surfers enjoy good winter swell…chance of rain later this week

Last week Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watched over an estimated 17,500. This past week had a small beach population and was mostly made up of surfers enjoying some good winter swell. 

We are expecting fair surf conditions this week, with cool air temperatures and a chance of rain later in the week. Please stay safe if you get out enjoying our amazing beaches, and make sure to check in with a lifeguard!

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

For the last week, lifeguards made 0 ocean rescues, 57 preventative actions, 62 public contacts and 8 medical aids.

Lifeguards Weekly Statistics are from Monday, December 9 through Sunday, December 15, 2019.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Newport Beach man arrested twice in two days, first following a fire set at the Transportation Center

On Sunday morning at approximately 8:35 a.m., Newport Beach Police officers responded to a call for service at the Newport Beach Transportation Center in the 1500 block of Avocado Ave. A fire was reported in the area.

Police officers arrived and detained a suspect, Steve Daniel Lawton, 56, of Newport Beach, and extinguished a small fire that was active. It was determined that Lawton had started the fire.

Upon further investigation it was found that Lawton was in possession of stolen property, including the identity documents of another person.

He was booked on charges of recklessly starting a fire, receiving stolen property with a value less than $950 and identity theft.

His bail was set at $500.

The very next day at around 5:15 p.m., officers again responded to the Transportation Center and found Lawton trespassing. 

Upon making contact, officers found him in possession of a controlled substance and in possession of an animal he was not maintaining in a safe manner.

He was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance and failure to provide animal care.

Bail was set at $10,000.

Alleged “road rage” and strong arm robbery reported

On Monday, December 9, at approximately 9:35 a.m., Newport Beach Police officers responded to a call for service in the area of E. Balboa Blvd. and B St. in reference to an alleged “road rage” incident.

Police arrived on site and upon further questioning found that a 34-year-old female victim reported that a male suspect used physical force to take her cell phone.

Officers took information and the case remains under investigation.

The suspect is wanted on charges of strong arm robbery.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Another local pleads guilty in college admissions scandal

Karen Littlefair, 57, of Newport Beach, has agreed to plead guilty in the college admissions scandal. Littlefair utilized William “Rick” Singer’s services to hire someone to take three classes at Georgetown to assure her son passing.

She paid Singer $9,000 for his services.

Her son graduated from Georgetown in 2018 using class credits fraudulently obtained.

Littlefair will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. 

The government in exchange will recommend a four-month prison sentence, with one year of supervised release, a $9,500 fine and restitution.

Tesla owner activates vehicle’s video recording system that leads to arrest of student tire slasher

A Tesla car owner noticed he had incurred a flat tire on the way to work last Wednesday morning, December 4. While waiting for a new tire to be delivered for repair, the vehicle owner decided to check the vehicle’s Sentry Mode videos that stores all suspicious activities that take place around the car.

The Sentry Mode comprises four video cameras that become engaged when suspicious activity takes place near the vehicle.

The victim noticed that sometime during the previous night, someone had slashed one of his tires on the vehicle while it was parked in front of the leasing department at the Baywood Apartments.

Once his tire was repaired, he drove to the Newport Beach Police station with the video in hand showing the suspect in the act around 3 a.m.

Police began an investigation and by 4:40 p.m. that same afternoon they arrested their man. Taken into custody was Noah Michael Delgadillo, 23, of Newport Beach, a student. He was arrested in the 900 block of Baywood Drive on the charge of felony vandalism.

His bail was set at $20,000.

Local pharmacy’s controller pleads out on $305,000 embezzlement

A former employee of Horton & Converse Pharmacy was sentenced last Friday to 16 months in prison for embezzling some $305,000. Dennis Sam Medici, 58, from Fullerton, had written 361 checks to himself over a seven-year period while he served as the company’s controller.

In October, Medici pleaded guilty to 53 felony counts, including sentencing enhancements for a white-collar crime of between $100,000 and $500,000.

His scheme included voiding the checks written in an attempt to avoid detection.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Karen Robinson accepted a plea deal from Medici which gave him credit for 440 days in custody toward the sentence and an agreement to pay restitution of more than $305,000 to Horton & Converse Pharmacy.

The plea agreement allows for Medici to be released from custody in the very near future.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Wild weather expected over the next week in and around the beaches

Last week Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watched over an estimated 26,400. The beach had winter conditions with rain and good sized surf. 

We are looking at a warming trend this week, and Thursday, December 12 should be a fantastic beach day. It is advised that you avoid contact with the ocean for 72 hours after any significant rain event (especially around the Santa Ana River mouth runoff). Please stay safe if you get out enjoying our amazing beaches, and making sure, you check in with the lifeguard!

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

For the last week, lifeguards made zero ocean rescues, 35 preventative actions, 163 public contacts and 14 medical aids.

Lifeguards Weekly Statistics are from Monday, December 2 through Sunday, December 8, 2019.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Man found trespassing while sleeping in another’s car, later caught with meth in NB jail

On Sunday, December 1 at approximately 3 p.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was dispatched to the area of Scholz Plaza and Cagney Lane regarding a possible trespass in progress.

The security company at the residential complex had previously received a complaint that a man, who was not a resident, was sleeping in a vehicle and refused to leave the property.

Police encountered Benito Chavez Garcia, 55, of Newport Beach, and began questioning him. Upon further investigation police found a meth pipe, meth residue and black gloves in the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle did not belong to Garcia and was later to be determined that it was taken without permission from a friend.

Garcia was arrested and taken to Newport Beach jail. While in custody, Garcia removed his left sock and a small plastic bag fell out containing one gram of methamphetamine.

He was arrested on multiple charges including possession of unlawful paraphernalia, burglary tools, possession of a controlled substance and for bringing a controlled substance into prison.

His bail was set at $20,000.

Woman consumes bottle of wine in store with no available form of payment and illegal ID in her possession

On Monday evening shortly before 9 p.m., Newport Beach Police officers were dispatched to the area of San Joaquin Hills Road and Newport Coast Drive in reference to an alleged shoplifting in progress.

Police arrived on the scene and waited for the suspect to exit the store. Once she did, officers made contact with Alea Shanae Abdalla, 32, of Anaheim. Further investigation found that Abdalla had left an empty wine bottle that had been consumed in the store bathroom. Prior to leaving the store she also attempted to purchase other items with no type of payment on her person, including cash, check or credit card.

Police did discover that Abdalla was in possession of an ID that did not belong to her.

She was arrested on charges of commercial burglary with no forced entry and for appropriating lost property.

Her bail was set at $20,000.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Four arrested near Cameo Shores in connection with forced entry residential burglary 

A forced entry residential burglary led to the arrest of four suspects on Saturday evening, November 30, at E. Coast Highway and Morning Canyon.

Arrested were Francisco Javier Zuniga Duran, 27, of Santiago; Rodolfo Antonio Cifuentes, 36, of Puente Alto; Daniel Elias Herrera, 30, of Los Angeles; and Ricardo Lleul-Moreno, 38, of Los Angeles.

Because these arrests are part of an ongoing investigation, many details are not being released at this time.

All suspects were charged with residential burglary with a forced entry and conspiracy to commit a crime. Additionally, Herrera had an undisclosed warrant from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

Bail was set at $50,000 for Duran, Cifuentes and Lleul-Moreno. Herrera’s bail was set at $250,000.

Airstream trailer apparently hooked up and stolen

Newport Beach Police responded to a call to the area of Irvine Ave. and W. 16th in reference to a vehicle theft report. Taken was an Airstream trailer that was parked on the public street.

The victim reported that sometime between 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27 and Friday morning, November 29, at 8 a.m., the trailer disappeared.

No suspects are under consideration and police continue to investigate with potential charges of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent potentially pending.

Multiple vehicles damaged with vandalism along Bayside Drive

Newport Beach Police took a vandalism report following damage to several automobiles in the area of Bayside Drive and El Paseo.

Sometime between 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, and Thursday, November 28 at 9 a.m., someone dislodged driver side mirrors on several vehicles. Included in the damaged vehicles were a black BMW SUV and a white Audi.

Both vehicles were parked in the 1600 block of Bayside Drive.

Police took a report and continue to investigate.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Wild weather expected over the next week in and around beaches

Last week Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watched over an estimated 31,800. The beach had nice conditions for the start of Thanksgiving break, until Thanksgiving Day when the biggest rainstorm hit since the winter/spring of 2019.

We are looking at more wild weather this week, so please stay safe if you get out enjoying our amazing beaches, and making sure you check in with a lifeguard.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo By Joshua Leith

For the last week, lifeguards made four ocean rescues, 92 preventative actions, 180 public contacts and four medical aids.

Lifeguards Weekly Statistics are from Monday, November 25 through Sunday, December 1, 2019.

For the month of November, lifeguards served a beach population of 176,800, made 9 ocean rescues, 384 preventative actions, 1,613 public contacts and 99 medical aids.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Resident comes across burglary in progress in Cameo Highlands, then police arrest suspects after short pursuit

Monday night, November 25, around 7 p.m., a resident returned to his Cameo Highlands residence and noticed people moving about inside his home with flashlights. He also noticed a window ajar.

The homeowner immediately called Newport Beach Police dispatch and officers responded with a Code 3, without lights and sirens, to the area.

As police responded, the suspects attempted to run, going from yard to yard in an attempt to evade police. The HB-1 helicopter was utilized to assist officers in establishing and maintaining a perimeter.

Eventually, the adults and one minor were taken into custody in connection with the burglary. Arrested was Mya Lania Davis, 19, of Los Angeles, for conspiracy to commit a crime, residential burglary with no forced entry, false impersonation of another, cruelty to a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a juvenile female.

Also arrested were James Devon Pugh, 23, of Los Angeles, for residential burglary with a forced entry, obstruction and resisting a peace officer, receiving stolen property and presenting false identification to a peace officer; and Jaylen Davion Street, 21, of Inglewood, for residential burglary with a forced entry, obstructing and resisting a peace officer and being a felon in possession of tear gas.

All were arrested and taken into custody. 

Additionally, a 16-year-old female was also taken into juvenile hall.

Bail was set at $100,000 for Davis and $50,000 each for Pugh and Street.

Local suspected of driving drunk again and getting confrontational with police

On Sunday, November 24 at approximately 3 p.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was dispatched to the area of Jamboree Road in reference to a call of a possible drunk driver swerving and running into the curb. The witness stated that the vehicle was a white Mazda GT.

Shortly thereafter, officers observed a vehicle fitting that description stopped approximately 50 feet south of the intersection on a green light. There were several vehicles behind the Mazda that were stopped and unable to proceed through the intersection.

The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, however, the Mazda failed to yield. The officer then used his PA system and instructed the driver to pull over and then utilized a different tone on the siren to get the driver`s attention but was unsuccessful. 

The vehicle eventually came to a stop and the officer was able to make contact.

The driver, however, refused to exit his vehicle upon the officer’s commands. Multiple officers then assisted in removing Joseph Anthony Coppola, 37, of Newport Beach, from his vehicle. While taking the suspect back to one of their units, Coppola attempted to wrap his leg around an officer and came within inches of his face.

It was found that Coppola was driving with an alcohol level over .08. Additionally, he was found to have one prior DUI.

He was arrested on charges of evading a peace officer, obstructing and resisting a peace officer, battery on a peace officer, DUI with a prior and DUI with an alcohol level exceeding .08.

His bail was set at $10,000.

Falsified vehicle tags lead to charges against all four occupants for a variety of charges

On Sunday, November 24, just before 8 p.m., a Newport Beach Police officer observed a vehicle driving with an expired registration from 2018 but displaying false 2020 registration tags. The officer initiated a traffic stop.

Further investigation revealed that the driver, Katelyn Virginia Thomas, 35, of Midway City, knowingly put the 2020 tags on her vehicle.

The officer questioned three other occupants of the vehicle and found that everyone was on probation, parole or supervised release.

During a search of the vehicle, a collapsible baton was located and within reach of each of the four occupants.

All were arrested and charged with possession of a leaded cane.

Thomas’ bail was set at $5,000, while the three occupants, Anthony Michael George, 41, Newport Beach; Isabel Ruth Marcos, 18, Huntington Beach; and Brendan Taylor Filice, 22, of Irvine, were all assigned a $500 bail.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Coroner’s office IDs 20-year-old killed in Newport Beach car crash

The Orange County Coroner’s office has identified Brandon Vergara, 20, of Stanton, as the driver killed in the vehicle crash on Pacific Coast Highway in the late evening hours of November 17. Vergara, heading westbound, left the roadway at 61st St. crashing into South Coast Army and Navy Surplus store just before 11 p.m.

Upon impact, the Infiniti G35 burst into flames. Vergara’s body was found by Newport Beach firefighters once the flames were doused.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident and Newport Beach Police continue to investigate the cause.

Victims return to rental home only to discover burglary in progress

On Thursday, November 21, Newport Beach Police officers received a report of a possible residential burglary in progress in the area of W. Balboa Blvd. and 9th St.

The victims had returned to their rental home only to discover their front door open and items which did not belong to them on the kitchen counter. Upon further checking, the suspects also noticed that their personal belongings had been put in someone else’s bag.

When police officers arrived they began checking the interior of the residence and found a suspect, Mike Anthony Banuelos, 50, from Nuevo, Calif.

Banuelos stated to officers that an unknown male had given him access to the home.

Banuelos was arrested for residential burglary with no forced entry and held on $50,000 bail.

The arrest also called for a parole hold to be placed on Banuelos.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Sunny skies bring a beach crowd out for weekend, rain in the forecast this week

Last week, Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watched over an estimated 46,000. What a wild week in weather we had. Last week started off with hot, classic beach conditions, and by Wednesday we had rain and strong winds. Wednesday morning can be described as dangerous “Victory at Sea” conditions with strong currents, big choppy seas and big waves. By Wednesday afternoon, the wind shifted offshore and some very lucky surfers were treated to 6-foot perfect waves down in the “Blackie’s” area.

More wild weather is on the way this week, so please stay safe if you get out enjoying our amazing beaches, and making sure you check in with the lifeguard. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

For the last week, lifeguards made two ocean rescues, 101 preventative actions, 278 public contacts and 16 medical aids.

Lifeguards Weekly Statistics are from Monday, November 18 through Sunday, November 24, 2019.

We also wish everyone a super epic Thanksgiving.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

DeCinces charged again, this time with attempting to bribe and dissuade a witness

Tim DeCinces, 45, Newport Beach, has apparently found trouble again with law enforcement, following a previous arrest on multiple charges and an accompanying $500,000 bail.

His latest charges include multiple efforts to allegedly dissuade a witness from reporting a crime.

DeCinces was charged in September following a reported alleged assault on a female with force likely to produce great bodily injury, battery with serious bodily injury, inflicting great bodily injury, soliciting/engaging or agreeing to engage in prostitution, child abuse and endangerment, possession of a controlled substance (two counts) and possession of unlawful paraphernalia.

Latest charges that came in the days following the initial arrest include two counts of bribery of a witness, two counts of dissuading a witness from reporting a crime and two counts of a secondary offense committed while released from custody.

DeCinces has pleaded not guilty to all charges, while denying the charges of inflicting great bodily injury and both secondary offenses committed while released from custody.

Sarah Rae Carpenter, 30, of Garden Grove, and Amanda Lynn Schauerte, 32, of Huntington Beach, were both previously arrested with DeCinces in his initial charges.

DeCinces is the son of former baseball star Doug DeCinces, who played 15 years in the Major Leagues, starring with both the Baltimore Orioles and the California Angels.

Tim also played baseball as a catcher and first baseman in college for UCLA and then eight seasons in the minor leagues.

Most recently he has worked in the residential real estate industry with several large Newport Beach companies, following an ownership stint with a Costa Mesa restaurant named Beach Pit BBQ.

DeCinces remains out on bail.

Housekeeper interrupts residential burglary and police capture five

On Monday, November 18, around 3:40 p.m., a Newport Beach Police Officer was flagged down in the area of G St. and E. Balboa Blvd. A housekeeper told police that she had just arrived at a residence to begin work when she came across a burglary in progress.

Upon seeing the housekeeper, the alleged suspects departed the house taking with them a backpack and leaving the area in a black Honda Accord with no rear plate.

Police broadcasted a description of the vehicle and the occupants, which led to another officer locating the vehicle. A traffic stop was then initiated, and five occupants were taken into custody without incident.

Upon further investigation, police found the backpack, which contained a Bose stereo, 35-lb. weight, two bottles of Champagne, tennis shoes and a television.

Arrested were Christian Ruiz Gonzalez, 27, Westminster; Crystal Lee Gurrola, 42, Westminster; Osvaldo Viveros, 23, Santa Ana; William Andrew Cubias Jr., 31, Anaheim; and Maria De Jesus Navarros, 23, Corona.

All were charged with residential burglary with no forced entry and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Additionally, Viveros gave officers a fake name and had two outstanding warrants, while Gonzalez had warrants for criminal contempt, vandalism and possession of dangerous drugs.

Viveros was held on $100,000 bail, Gonzalez $82,500, Navarros and Gurrola both at $50,000, and Cubias had no bail set.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

20-year-old male killed in Sunday night vehicle vs. building crash

A 20-year-old male was killed late Sunday night in a single-car collision on West Coast Highway. The vehicle, a black 2004 Infiniti G35, was traveling westbound and crashed into the South Coast Army & Navy surplus store at 61st Street, according to Newport Beach Police.

The driver, whose identification is pending, suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:55 p.m.

The impact of the vehicle caused a fire to breakout and spread to the building before being extinguished by Newport Beach Fire.

No other passengers were in the vehicle. 

The cause of the collision is still under investigation. NBPD is seeking witnesses and anyone who can assist is encouraged to contact Investigator Troy Zeeman at 949.644.3742 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Surveillance footage leads to arrest of man who allegedly took a number of Mac products from local retailer

On Thursday morning, November 13, just after 11 a.m., Newport Beach Police were dispatched to the Newport Center area in reference to a burglary that had just occurred. According to an employee at the reporting business, a suspect entered the store requesting two laptops, two iPhones and two iPads. He then took them and exited the store without paying.

Officers opened an investigation and reviewed surveillance footage enabling them to identity Dylan Hai Huu Duong, 25, of Santa Ana.

Several hours later that same day, police took Duong into custody in the 2300 block of S. Haster in Anaheim, on charges of burglary and receiving stolen property.

He was booked into custody for commercial burglary by shoplifting an amount greater than $950 and receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950.

He was held on $20,000 bail.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Sunny skies bring a beach crowd out for weekend, rain in the forecast his week

Last week, Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watched over an estimated 70,000. Not too much to report this week, however, Sunday was an incredible beach day with an estimated 22,000 beach population. We hope everyone got out to enjoy our amazing beaches as the weather forecast calls for rain this week. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

For the last weekend, lifeguards made two ocean rescues, 112 preventative actions, 496 public contacts and 26 medical aids.

Lifeguards Weekly Statistics are from Monday, November 11 through Sunday, November 17, 2019.

Stay safe and make sure, you check in with the lifeguard.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Stolen vehicle is stopped with bounty on board

On Sunday, November 10, just before 10 p.m., Newport Beach Police were alerted to a stolen vehicle entering Newport Beach city limits after leaving Laguna Beach. The vehicle was described as a red KIA Forte with CA plates. An NBPD officer observed the vehicle traveling westbound on E. Coast Highway at Goldenrod Avenue. The officer verified the plate and that it was recently reported stolen out of the City of Redlands.

The officer initiated a traffic stop, and two subjects, Nicole Antinoa Hernandez, 27, of Redlands, and Armando Frankie Contreras, 18, of San Bernardino, exited the vehicle without incident.

Further investigation led to the finding that Hernandez had an outstanding warrant out of Riverside County and Hernandez was driving the stolen vehicle. Hernandez was in possession of pepper spray, which was a parole violation, and a meth pipe. Contreras was in possession of a Taser, which also was a parole violation due to his prior felony conviction, and a meth pipe.

Also located in the vehicle was another meth pipe, shaved keys, which are used to steal vehicles, multiple tools, bolt cutters, gloves and a pick tool.

Additionally, Contreras’ wallet contained multiple credit cards with different names on them.

Both were arrested and taken into custody.

Contreras was charged with possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a stolen vehicle, being a felon in possession of a stun gun, appropriating lost property and later with possession of a narcotic controlled substance in prison.

His bail was set at $25,000.

Hernandez was charged with possession of unlawful paraphernalia, being a felon in possession of tear gas, possession of burglary tools and on a warrant from Riverside Superior Court. 

Her bail was set at $30,000.

Man caught by police cold-handed with packages in his hand on resident’s porch

A suspicious male was reported to Newport Beach Police at 9:47 a.m. in the area of Galaxy Drive and Mariners Drive. Upon arrival, the officer observed a male matching the description and it was confirmed by a witness.

The officer stopped Jacob Manuel Romo, 20, of Commerce, who was standing on a resident’s porch holding a package. Romo stated he worked for Amazon, however, the package in his possession had been delivered by UPS.

Upon further investigation, the vehicle in Romo’s possession was reported stolen out of L.A. County by the Sheriff’s Department. Romo also initially provided police with a fake name.

He was arrested and charged with petty theft of mail packages, taking an auto without the owner’s consent and false personation of another. 

Bail was set at $20,000.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Woman found with stolen mail, false IDs, credit cards and more, once arrested methamphetamine shows up in jail

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 3:16 a.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was dispatched to the area of Bay View Avenue and Zenith Avenue in reference to a suspicious circumstances incident. The reporting party had just returned home and discovered that all of the mailboxes near his residence had been opened.

Further investigation by police led them to the suspect, Victoria Louise Schnitger, 34, of Santa Fe Springs, who was found in the area with mail overflowing from her open purse and in her jacket. A check showed the mail did indeed belong to the local residents. She additionally had numerous IDs from other individuals, charge cards and numerous individuals’ personal information written in notebooks.

She was arrested and provided a fake name to officers. She was taken to jail and while detained was found with methamphetamine on her person. 

She was charged with petty theft of mail/packages, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, false personation of another, receiving stolen property with a value less than $950, possession of a controlled substance and identity theft for using another’s ID for financial gain. 

Her bail was set at $20,000.

Local resident punched in business deal gone wrong

On October 25, at approximately 9:44 p.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was dispatched to the area of San Miguel Drive and Ford Road in reference to an alleged robbery that had just occurred.

The reporting party, a 19-year-old Newport Beach male resident, reported that he had been waiting in a parking lot to meet someone for a business deal. The buyer joined him in the car.

Suddenly, another man allegedly pulled into the area, approached the vehicle and opened the door. He then allegedly punched the victim with keys in between his fingers, inflicting injury.

The “buyer” allegedly took the items in the vehicle, exited the car and put them in the suspect’s truck. Both then left the area together.

Then, on Wednesday, November 6, police followed up on leads and made an arrest of the suspect, Peyton Wyatt Burtt, 19, at a residence on Via Gatillo in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Burtt was charged with strong arm robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime.

His bail was set at $50,000.

Fugitive from justice located and arrested in Newport Beach

Newport Beach Police stopped and questioned a female at 1:11 a.m. on the morning of the Friday, Nov. 8, in the 2100 block of W. Ocean Front. Upon further investigation police found that Meredith Lane Marks, 22, of Rhoadesville, VA, was wanted on a fugitive from justice arrest warrant from that jurisdiction.

Marks had been arrested on June 18 in Virginia on charges of possession of schedule I and II controlled substances (two counts), possession of controlled substances, possession of marijuana, giving false identity to law enforcement officers and possessing and/or distributing controlled paraphernalia.

After failing to appear, Stafford Circuit Court in Virginia issued a probation violation on Marks.

Following that, Marks, along with an accomplice, was arrested by the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office following an alert of a possible stolen vehicle entering Arizona. Authorities there initiated a high risk traffic stop on the vehicle, with weapons drawn. Marks, who was driving, and her passenger exited the vehicle without incident and were arrested.

Marks was charged with felony theft of a means of transportation. She once again failed to appear and had another warrant issued by the Mohave County Superior Court.

Newport Beach Police were holding her locally on a bail of $100,000.

Suspect enters store and walks out undetected with 18 bottles of wine

On Friday, Nov. 8, at approximately 8:30 p.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was dispatched to the area of Newport Coast Drive and San Joaquin Hills Road. Upon arrival, the officer took a report of grand theft.

An employee at the location noticed around 5 p.m. that a wine display near the front entrance of the store was fully stocked.

Later, around 6:30 p.m., the same employee noticed that 18 wine bottles were now missing from the same display.

Upon review of surveillance footage, a Hispanic male, 30-40 years old, had entered the store, taking the bottles and exiting without paying.

Police continue to investigate with grand theft charges from a building pending.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Surf expected to pick up this week, otherwise fairly quiet on the beachfront

Last week Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watched over an estimated 77,000. There was still a good amount of people enjoying the beaches this week and Saturday looked like a summer day with an estimated beach attendance of 27,000. 

The surf has been small but expected to pick up this week.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Joshua Leith

For the last weekend, lifeguards made zero ocean rescues, 68 preventative actions, 248 public contacts and 27 medical aids.

Lifeguards Weekly Statistics are from Monday, Nov. 4 through Sunday, Nov. 10.

Stay safe and we hope everyone gets out enjoying our amazing beaches and making sure, you check in with the lifeguard.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Man arrested for discharging firearm near Newport Harbor High School leading to $250,000 bail

On Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 8:32 a.m., the Newport Beach Police Department’s (NBPD) Dispatch Center received a report of a possible domestic disturbance inside a residence in the 800 block of Irvine Avenue. Officers responded to the residence and made contact with Jesse Taylor Sweeny. Officers determined that he was the suspect who had discharged a firearm inside his apartment. 

Sweeny was taken into custody without incident and arrested. There were no associated injuries.

During the initial response, an NBPD School Resource Officer at Newport Harbor High School initiated a “Lockout” on the campus through school administrators due to the proximity and nature of the call. A “Lockout” limits campus ingress and egress while still allowing students and faculty to continue with normal school activities inside the classrooms. Once the investigation revealed there was no ongoing threat to the school, the school resumed normal activities.

According to NBPD, Sweeney, a white male, is a 24-year-old resident of Newport Beach. A search of Sweeny’s premises turned up marijuana, narcotics and a controlled substance. 

His arrest charges included possession of a narcotic controlled substance for sale, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, discharging a firearm in a school zone, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana for sale, possession of a controlled substance while armed and possession of a designated controlled substance for sale.

His bail was set at $250,000.

Suspect allegedly steals from business then gets in physical altercation with employees

Newport Beach Police were dispatched on Sunday, Nov. 3, just after 3 p.m., to the area of Superior Avenue and Halyard Road in reference to the alleged theft of a cell phone. Upon arrival, the officer observed the suspect involved in a verbal and physical altercation with staff members. The staff members were attempting to secure the suspect until police arrived.

Police approached the suspect and were able to handcuff him without incident. Further investigation of the suspect led police to finding a cell phone, speaker and an amount of cash hidden in his underwear, all of which was allegedly taken from a nearby employee’s workspace in an adjoining business.

Police arrested Ramiro Lopezayala, 27, from Santa Ana, on charges of strong arm robbery and commercial burglary with no forced entry.

He was taken into custody and held on $50,000 bail.

Local man allegedly attempts to steal another’s belongings and draws a knife in confrontation

On Sunday, Nov. 3 at 12:56 p.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was dispatched to the area of Avocado Avenue and San Miguel Drive regarding a disturbance. The reporting party indicated to police that an individual that referred to himself as “TJ” was threatening him and taking some of his belongings.

Further investigation led to police finding that the suspect was in a verbal altercation with two males and a female threatening to harm them with his pocketknife.

Police arrested Steve Daniel Lawton, 56, of Newport Beach, for threatening a crime with the intent to terrorize.

He was taken into custody and held on $50,000 bail.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

87-year-old Newport Beach pedestrian killed Saturday night

Stu News Newport questioned Newport Beach Police regarding an apparent auto collision resulting in the death of a pedestrian on Saturday, October 26, shortly after 6 p.m. near MacArthur Blvd. and San Joaquin Hills Road.

A police spokesperson responded, “The only information that I have at this time is that it was a fatal vehicle/pedestrian incident.”

Stu News Newport located an Orange County Coroner’s release identifying a male deceased, 87-year-old George Stryker, of Newport Beach, with his death listed as “pedestrian vs. auto.”

No other information was available.

Police identify suspicious vehicle and find loot from previously unreported burglary

At approximately 11:42 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, a Newport Beach Police officer, while on patrol in the area of Goldenrod Ave. and Fifth Ave., noticed a silver Nissan Maxima with a cloth rag covering the rear license plate. A traffic stop was conducted.

A records check showed that one of the vehicle’s occupants was on active probation.

Upon further investigation, the officer found an open alcohol bottle, a large jewelry cabinet, a wrench and a tire iron in the vehicle.

The following morning at 6:49 a.m., another Newport Beach Police officer responded to the area of Geranium and Daffodil for a report of residential burglary. Missing were jewelry and a jewelry cabinet.

The two suspects from the previous night remained in custody.

Xavier Ariassalas, 22, of Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of burglary tools, drinking in public and residential burglary with no forced entry. 

Ivan Jesus Miranda, 20, of Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of an open container while driving, possession of burglary tools, drinking in public, residential burglary with no forced entry and receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950.

Both suspects were held on $50,000 bail.

Suspected thief, with great taste, is caught following alleged wine heist

At 10:50 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, Newport Beach Police were dispatched on a call for alleged felony theft of liquor in the area of Bayside Drive and Jamboree.

The reporting party stated that the subject was leaving the area in a silver Honda Civic.

Officers observed a vehicle matching that description in the parking lot and conducted a traffic stop.

Upon further investigation, police located 17 bottles of Duckhorn wine, two bottles of Chimney, one bottle of Caymus, one bottle of Round Pond and one bottle of Joseph Phelps.

Surveillance footage of the business impacted showed the subject entering the store, placing the alcohol in a cart and exiting the business without attempting to pay.

Arrested was Derick La, 31, of Santa Ana. Police also found a meth pipe in his possession.

He was arrested and charged with commercial burglary with shoplifting an amount over $950, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for violating a felony probation.

Bail was set at $20,000.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Fire Files

NBFD on the move from Tick Fire to northern California to battle blaze in Sonoma

At the end of last week, the City of Newport Beach had sent two engines to the Tick Fire in Los Angeles County that included four personnel on each engine, as part of two separate Strike Teams (a Strike Team is a group of five engines, plus command vehicle).

Newport Beach also sent a Battalion Chief as a Strike Team leader.

Since then, fires have continued to rage throughout the state.

According to Brian McDonough, Acting Assistant Fire Chief, as of yesterday, “our two crews and Strike Team leader have been redeployed to the Kincade Fire in Sonoma. We have also sent an additional member up as a Safety Officer.”

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBFD

NBFD base camp before the morning briefing when deployed firefighting crews receive their assignments

On Sunday, Newport Beach crews were on a structure protection assignment and according to McDonough, “were able to prevent three homes from burning.”

Both teams were back out working on the line yesterday on a 24-hour assignment.

Newport Beach has recalled personnel in to cover stations due to any potential shortages.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Hot air temps good for a day at the beach

Extremely hot air temperature had Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watching over an estimated 63,000 people enjoying Newport Beach last week (October 21 through October 27). Surfing conditions were good with small surf, but kept ocean lifeguard rescue activity low.

Sunday had completely different conditions with strong onshore winds and overcast sky that kept the beach population low. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

Look for our lifeguards patrolling in trucks and hit them up for the safest places to swim and for other beach conditions. 

For the weekend, 9 ocean rescues, 241 preventative actions, 372 public contacts and 69 medical aids were made.

We hope everyone gets out to enjoy our amazing beaches and make sure you check in with the lifeguard.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Boat catches fire 10 miles off coast on way home from Catalina Island

Friday morning, October 18, at 9:21 a.m., a mayday call was received by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department regarding a boat fire about 10 miles off the Newport Beach coast.

Two male occupants onboard were on their way back from Catalina Island when the fire broke out. They were able to board a dinghy attached to the boat and escape. A Good Samaritan assisted both men onto a nearby boat that was offering assistance.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of OCSD

No significant injuries were suffered by either passenger.

OCSD Harbor Patrol deputies responded to the mayday call and extinguished the fire.

The boat suffered extensive damage.

Suspicious circumstances call leads to drug arrests and series of outstanding warrants

In the early morning hours of Thursday, October 17, Newport Beach Police responded to a suspicious circumstances call to the area of Newport Ridge Drive East and San Joaquin Hills Road.

Upon arrival around 4:30 a.m., police observed the suspect standing alone next to the only vehicle parked in the parking lot. Upon questioning, the suspect provided police with a fake name and DOB.

Further investigation led to his actual identity, Lucas Paul Hudson, 34, of Newport Beach. Police discovered that Hudson had multiple warrants, including a felony warrant for miscellaneous property crimes that included second degree burglary, resisting an executive officer, a felony warrant for grand theft and a misdemeanor warrant for a number of health and safety charges. 

Additionally, police found in Hudson’s possession a syringe loaded with heroin, an additional .9 grams of heroin and 5.4 grams of methamphetamine.

Hudson was charged with possession of controlled substances, presenting false identification to a specific peace officer, possession of narcotics and for the outstanding warrants.

His bail was set for $70,000.

Vehicle stolen, found within minutes using iPhone Find My Phone app, suspect arrested

An Audi Q3 was stolen from a local citizen near the area of Morning Canyon Road and Seaward Road at 6:10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16.

However, the case took an interesting turn just 23 minutes later when the suspect and vehicle were found and recovered in Huntington Beach with the aid of an iPhone Find My Phone application.

Arrested was 29-year-old David Jr. Gonzalez, of Santa Ana. He was charged with taking an auto without the owner’s consent.

His bail was set at $20,000.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Santa Ana winds bring beautiful fall weather

Newport Beach has been experiencing fantastic weather over the past week with average daily high temperatures in the low 80s. Mild Santa Ana winds made the conditions for surfing excellent and the addition of a northwest wind swell mixed with a building southwest swell created an atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Water temperatures have dropped slightly over the past few days with a daily average of 65 degrees. Some 74,800 people came down to enjoy the beach creating heavy beach activity over the weekend. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

Stingray calls were down, but in the areas where water recreation is consistent, we still had several stings. 

Look for our lifeguards patrolling in trucks and hit them up for the safest places to swim and for other beach conditions. 

For the weekend, four ocean rescues, 147 preventative actions, 363 public contacts and 28 medical aids were made.

We hope everyone gets out to enjoy our amazing beaches, remember your beach safety tips and make sure you always swim near an open tower and check in with the lifeguard.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Bookkeeper charged with allegedly stealing $1.5 million while working for local physician group

Tina Marie Reyes, 45, of Lake Forest, was arrested by Newport Beach Police on Tuesday, October 15, on a warrant for grand theft.

Reyes previously worked for California Orthopaedic Specialists Inc. of Newport Beach where she is accused of stealing $1.5 million as their bookkeeper.

A doctor in the practice, while on vacation to Europe in 2017, noticed some irregularities in contractor pay, company credit card balances and other miscellaneous accounts. Upon returning from that vacation, Reyes was fired.

Her charges include 36 counts of grand theft with sentencing enhancement allegations of aggravated white collar crime exceeding $500,000.

Reyes was hired in 2014 to replace a longtime previous bookkeeper who retired after 21 years of employment.

She is being held on $1,500,000 bail.

Vehicle stuck on beach turns up as carjacked from San Diego, multiple people arrested

On Monday, October 14, at approximately 8:21 p.m., Newport Beach Police officers were dispatched to the area of 51st Street and Seashore Drive in response to a report of a BMW vehicle in the sand on the beach. Upon arrival, police found the car some 10 feet out and stuck in the sand, with no one inside.

A check of the vehicle’s plate found that it had been stolen. A subsequent VIN check revealed that the vehicle was suspected of being part of an armed carjacking out of San Diego.

Further investigation led officers to find Tyquan Maurice Rawlins, 29, of Compton, and Channing Robert Tarrell Douglas, 31, of Anaheim, in the area in possession of keys to the vehicle and a stolen plate removed from the vehicle.

Both were arrested – Rawlins on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, false personation of another for deceiving officers and for a warrant for previously attempting to commit fraud. His bail was set at $30,000.

Douglas was arrested for being in possession of a stolen vehicle. His bail was set at $20,000.

Two others were also arrested. Violeta Arzeta, 37, of Newport Beach, was arrested for warrants relating to transporting a controlled substance for sale and possession of drugs for sale. No bail was set against her charges.

Also, Jose Noe Valerio, 26, Santa Ana, was arrested on a warrant for unlawfully taking a vehicle.

Tinted windows and inoperable brake light turn up drugs and numerous identity theft-related items

On Monday, October 14, a Newport Beach Police officer was driving southbound on MacArthur Blvd. at Bonita Canyon Drive when he noticed a suspicious stopped Saturn in the left turn lane. The vehicle had an inoperable driver side brake lamp and the front door windows were heavily tinted limiting visibility inside the auto.

The officer conducted a traffic stop of Matt James Gauvin, 45, of Rancho Cucamonga. Further investigation revealed that Gauvin was on probation through Los Angeles County.

A subsequent search of the vehicle turned up 5.4 grams of methamphetamine, Xanax pills, syringes, a spoon and bottle cap of meth residue.

Additionally, the officer found numerous personal identifying items which belonged to other people, including checks, California driver’s licenses, debit cards, personal information for other people, 18 blank magnetic strip cards and an additional two magnetic cards found in the center console. 

Gauvin also possessed a re-encoder that could be used to turn the blank cards into active ones.

He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, identity theft for possessing 10 or more IDs, receiving stolen property with a value less than $950, possession of a controlled substance, identity theft by using another’s ID with intent to defraud, fraudulent possession of a re-encoder, possession of an incomplete access card and being an addict driving a vehicle. Bail was set at $20,000.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Bicyclist busted with burglary tools, paraphernalia and a knife

While on patrol around 1:42 p.m., on Friday, October 11, a Newport Beach police officer observed a male subject picking through trash in the area of 52nd St. and Seashore Drive. Picking through trash is in violation of Newport Beach Municipal Code 6.04.070(b).

The officers stopped to contact the subject and observed black and red bolt cutters in the front basket of his bicycle. He was also wearing black gloves.

Further investigation led to the subject, James Vance Hoover, 49, of Riverside, admitting that he was in possession of a methamphetamine pipe with burn marks and a five-inch knife. 

Police also found additional miscellaneous tools often used in the commission of burglaries and thefts.

Hoover was arrested on charges of being in possession of burglary tools, carrying a concealed dirk or dagger and for possession of unlawful paraphernalia.

He was held on $20,000 bail.

Another construction site hit with after-hours theft

On Friday, October 11, at about 8:11 a.m., a Newport Beach Police Department officer was sent to the area of San Joaquin Hills Road and Crown Drive N for a call referencing a burglary from a construction site. 

Upon arrival, the victim told the officer that the construction site was locked for the night at 6:30 p.m. the day prior. When employees arrived that morning, at around 7:30 a.m., and began opening the construction site, it was observed that the lock on the exterior of the fence had been cut off. 

It was then discovered that power tools were stolen, including a Honda generator, two Rollair air compressors and three Stehl blowers. The estimated loss of property was valued at $4,660.

Police continue to investigate.

The NBPD also sent out a community message last week asking for the public’s help with observing closed construction sites. If the public notices any strange activity at these sites after hours, they are urged to contact the Newport Beach Police Department.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every suspect is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Warm weather nice, but be on the lookout for stingrays

The month of October at the beach continues to deliver classic California fall conditions, and Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards watched more than an estimated 69,400 people enjoying Newport Beach. Warm summer-like conditions are still attracting people to enjoy our amazing beaches. Small surf did not make conditions great for surfers and kept lifeguard rescue activity low (always use caution in the ocean even when you think conditions are safe). 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

Stingrays have been a nuisance this week, so make sure you shuffle your feet (stingray shuffle) while entering into the water. 

Look for our lifeguards patrolling in trucks and hit them up for the safest places to swim and for other beach conditions. 

For the weekend, three ocean rescues, 444 preventative actions, 683 public contacts and 83 medical aids were made.

We hope everyone gets out to enjoy our amazing beaches and make sure you always swim near an open tower and check in with the lifeguard.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

DUI chase starts in Laguna Beach, ends in Newport, cars damaged in between

On Wednesday, October 9, at approximately 6:39 p.m., Laguna Beach Police officers became engaged in a vehicle pursuit of a reported DUI driver. 

The driver initially yielded in the area of Glenneyre Street and Cleo Street, but then fled when an officer approached his vehicle on foot. The suspect then evaded officers traveling through Laguna Beach and outbound on Laguna Canyon Road, before heading onto northbound SR-73 toward Newport Beach. 

Orange County Sheriff’s Department helicopter “Duke” arrived at that time and began broadcasting the pursuit. The suspect soon exited the toll road and continued into the city of Irvine, colliding with a motorist causing a non-injury collision.

Courtesy of LBPD

Kevin Laurence Favreau

 The suspect failed to stop and continued into the city of Newport Beach. Officers pursued the vehicle, but eventually lost visual observation. 

Shortly thereafter, the Newport Beach Police Department received a report of a second collision involving the suspect’s vehicle. However, when the vehicle was found shortly thereafter, it was unoccupied. 

A search of the surrounding area was conducted, and Newport Beach Police located and took into custody Kevin Laurence Favreau, 40, but not before he physically resisted officers. 

Newport Beach Police were familiar with the suspect because they arrested him the previous week for DUI (drugs), when he also allegedly assaulted one of their officers. 

Favreau was taken into custody for felony evading of a peace officer, DUI (drugs), hit & run and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription (Xanax).   

Man fills grocery bag with electronic products, attempts to leave and is arrested for grand theft

Newport Beach Police were called to Newport Center on Monday, October 7, at approximately 4:16 p.m. on a report of a suspect in custody for possible grand theft. 

Around 4:10 p.m. the detained suspect had reportedly entered a retail store carrying an empty grocery bag. Prior to leaving, he was observed putting multiple Apple products inside of it and then leaving the store without paying.

A loss prevention officer subsequently stopped the suspect, Milan Amador Mansfield, 22, of Los Angeles, and held him until police arrived.

Upon questioning, the suspect initially provided police with a fake name and date of birth.

He was arrested and held on charges of presenting false identification to a specific peace officer and grand theft.

His bail was set at $20,000.

Man arrives home, finds unwanted woman in garage

On Sunday, October 6, Newport Beach Police were summoned to the area of 12th St. and W. Balboa Blvd. 

A resident at the location had returned home around 3:40 p.m. and found a woman inside of his garage. He instructed her to leave and she did so with multiple confidential papers.

Police located Karen Leanne Lewis, 50, of Irvine, and took her into custody on charges of residential burglary with a forced entry.

She was held on $50,000 bail.

Community asked to report any construction site suspicious after-hours activity

Newport Beach Police are asking the community for help in preventing construction site burglaries. The public is asked that if they see suspicious activity at a site in their neighborhood after hours, to please contact police.

Be prepared to give the location, possible suspect description and, if a vehicle is involved, the make, model and color.

Construction hours should be weekdays, 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Saturdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and no activity on Sundays or Federal Holidays.

Report all suspicious activity to 949.644.3717.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every suspect is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Home broken into in Mariners community; police advise residents to follow security tips

Last Tuesday, October 1, an unknown suspect entered a property in the 1600 block of Lincoln Lane through a side gate sometime between 7:10 a.m. and 9:20 p.m. The victim was gone for the day.

Once in the backyard, the suspect shattered a French door and entered the home. All the rooms in the residence were ransacked before the suspect fled the scene.

Based on video footage, at approximately 6 p.m., an unknown male rang the front doorbell. Then, at approximately 8 p.m., another unknown male rang the doorbell. 

The suspects’ information is as follows: Suspect 1 – male, white, wearing a grey and neon yellow short-sleeve polo shirt, black belt, blue jeans, watch and black backpack. Suspect 2 – male, wearing a baseball hat, hooded sweatshirt and pants.

The loss to the victims was unknown at the time the police report was filed.

Home security tips

Police advise the following: If you see suspicious activity within your neighborhood at a home where you know your neighbors are on vacation, have gone out for the evening, or their home is for sale, please call the Newport Beach Police Department immediately at 949.644.3717.

Residents are also urged to follow the following security tips: Always lock your windows and doors when you go out, even if for only a few minutes. Second story windows and doors should be secured as if they were on the first story. If you return home and find your pedestrian door that leads into your home locked, and you are certain that you left it unlocked, DO NOT GO INSIDE! Call 9-1-1. Burglars often lock this door to slow down a victim, allowing the burglar extra time to get out of the home before the resident enters. If your home is equipped with an alarm, always activate it even if you’re only going out for a short walk.

Consider adding a motion sensor in your master bedroom/bathroom, which will activate the alarm if someone comes in through a glass window or door without opening it. Always keep your front and rear porch lights on from dusk to dawn and use motion detector lighting along the sides of your home or areas with little foot traffic. Use timers on indoor lamps to give the appearance that you are home. Adjust window coverings for optimal privacy while maintaining good visibility outside. Assess whether or not a window can be easily accessed from a tree, balcony, roof, wall, or with patio furniture and adjust your security plan accordingly.

Ladders should be stored inside or locked to a stationary object. If your garage door has a remote shutoff button on the wall-mounted control, located in the garage, consider locking the door nightly. This will prevent your garage door from being opened remotely. If you have a safe, make sure that it is properly bolted to concrete so that it cannot be easily removed. Always close and lock your safe and never leave a key or combination out or in an easy to find location (i.e. office, nightstand, etc.). When you leave on vacation, remember to call the Police Department for a “Vacation Check” at 949.644.3681. Also, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your newspaper and mail while you are away.

Suspect decides not to pay for parking, breaks off parking control gate arm

Last Wednesday, October 2, at approximately 5:20 p.m., a Newport Beach Police officer responded to a parking garage in the area of Via Lido and Newport Blvd. regarding a vandalism incident that occurred. 

Security detail at the parking structure informed police that a video showed that on Saturday, September 28, a male patron of the structure apparently broke off the parking control gate arm, with his hands, on purpose. The patron was attempting to leave the structure without paying.

Further discovery showed that the patron made no attempt to use the automated, electronic payment station, to which the gate was affixed, at any point.

The vehicle in question was a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche.

Police are investigating, with potential charges of vandalism for damaging property pending.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Warm weather and the air show increase beach traffic

Last week, Newport Beach Lifeguards watched over an estimated 112,500 people enjoying Newport Beach. Warm summer-like conditions and the Great Pacific Airshow kept the beaches full of people and lifeguards on their toes. There was an estimated beach attendance of 55,000 this past weekend. The number of boaters out on the water for the air show was in the hundreds. The harbor entrance looked like a 4th of July weekend. 

Surf conditions were small and not that great for surfing, but great for swimmers. However, the water temperature is starting to drop, and hovering around a refreshing 66-67 degrees.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

If you’re out there, look for lifeguards patrolling in trucks and hit them up for the safest places to swim and for other beach conditions. 

For the weekend, three ocean rescues, 397 preventative actions, 258 public contacts and 20 medical aids were made.

We hope everyone gets out to enjoy our amazing beaches and make sure you always swim near an open tower and check in with the lifeguard.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

After leaving Newport Beach bar, woman found guilty of murdering three teens in DUI

A jury on Tuesday found Bani Marclea Duarte, 29, of San Clemente, guilty of murdering three Las Vegas teenagers and injuring a fourth while driving under the influence.

In the early morning hours of March 29, 2018, Duarte was driving under the influence on Pacific Coast Highway toward Huntington Beach, after leaving a Newport Beach bar.

At approximately 1 a.m., four Las Vegas high school students, who were celebrating their spring break in Orange County, were stopped in a vehicle at a red light on Pacific Coast Highway and Magnolia. Duarte failed to stop at the red light and rear-ended the victims’ vehicle at a high rate of speed, causing an impact that pushed the car through the intersection and forced it into a pole, where it stopped and burst into flames.

17-year-old Brooke Hawley, 18-year-old Dylan Mack and 17-year-old Albert Rossi were pronounced dead at the scene. John Doe survived the collision, suffering great bodily injury, including burns and a concussion.

Duarte was arrested at the scene by the Huntington Beach Police Department. 

She was convicted of three felony counts of murder, one felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury and a sentencing enhancement of great bodily injury. She faces 51 years to life in state prison.

Duarte had previously been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in 2016 and had lost her license for a year.

“There was no reason for these three young people to have lost their lives to a repeat drunk driver,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “The unnecessary loss of life is why I, as a member of the State Assembly, authored the Steve Ambriz Act to require every Californian who wants a driver’s license to sign a form that states he or she has been advised that being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or both, impairs the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, and if they do so anyway and someone is killed, they can be charged with murder. This was not an accident. It was a choice – and it was a deadly one.”

Unknown man discovered in woman’s bedroom closet in early morning hours allegedly attempting to steal

On Monday, September 30, at approximately 6:44 a.m., Newport Beach Police officers were dispatched to the 20400 block of Santa Ana Ave. on a report of an unknown male inside a residence.

The victim, a female, stated that she found the suspect in her bedroom closet in the act of stealing her property.

Police arrested Nicholas Amarante Romero, 23, of Newport Beach, on charges of residential burglary with no forced entry and receiving stolen property valued at less than $950. The suspect did not know Romero. 

Further investigation found that the victim’s bedroom was ransacked, her shoes were placed in bags and items were missing, including a gold necklace and sunglasses.

Romero was held on $50,000 bail.

Woman reportedly attacked near Shake Shack with metal rod

On Sunday, September 29, at approximately 6:37 p.m., Newport Beach Police Department officers were sent to the area of Los Trancos and E. Coast Highway regarding a possible assault that had just occurred.

The victim, near the Shake Shack, reported being attacked with a metal camping rod and a metallic water bottle. The victim, a Caucasian 40-year-old female was in need of medical treatment and transported to a local hospital for treatment. There, she signed a private person’s arrest form.

Police arrested John Andrew Wilson, a 59-year-old painter, on charges of assault with a deadly weapon.

He was held on $25,000 bail.

NMUSD school vandalized for second time in week

On Monday, September 30, at approximately 8:09 a.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was dispatched to the 3100 block of Pacific View Drive regarding a vandalism report.

This was the second report of vandalism within the week at the same address.

A custodian at the school observed an upper classroom window that was broken, an air vent in the door to an electrical room damaged and the boy’s bathroom damaged.

The campus was reportedly intact as of Friday, September 27 at 3 p.m., and upon the custodian’s return on Monday at 6 a.m.

Police are investigating.

Wallet taken from purse hanging on chair back, fortunately immediate usage was denied

On Sunday, September 29, the Newport Beach Police Department’s front desk received a call regarding a theft report.

Between 1:45 and 2:45 p.m., the female victim was sitting at a commercial establishment near E. Coast Highway and Orchid Ave., with her purse hanging behind her on the chair. 

Roughly 10 minutes later around 2:55 p.m., the victim received an alert from a store referencing that one of her credit cards had been declined. At 2:59 p.m., 3:01 p.m. and 3:02 p.m., the victim received fraud alerts on her phone about three other declined attempts on her other credit cards.

The victim, consequently, discovered that her blue wallet had been removed from her purse earlier.

No on as of yet has been arrested or charged.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Altercation between two CdM students leaves one hospitalized

An altercation between a 14-year-old Corona del Mar High School student and a 12-year-old CdM Middle School student turned ugly last Thursday. The result was a seventh grader heading off to a hospital with multiple head fractures and a 14-year-old in handcuffs heading out to juvenile jail.

The high school student was taken into custody on suspicion of battery with the intent to cause great bodily injury.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the older boy grabbed the younger one, then threw him down, causing him to land on his head.

Neither boy’s name was disclosed due to their ages.

School officials did not immediately know the cause and said they would explore disciplinary action against the 14-year-old. The school district and the Newport Beach Police Department will not comment further also due to the fact that both students are juveniles.

Vandal suspected of defacing multiple signs in beach area 

On Saturday, September 28, at approximately 9:07 p.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was dispatched to the area of Miramar Drive and I Street regarding a suspicious male who was reportedly looking into unoccupied residences.

Once the officer had arrived on scene he was able to locate the suspect as described by witnesses in the area. 

Further investigation led to finding the suspect, Andres Berruete, 20, of Santa Ana. Police discovered a black marker in his possession and noticed a trashcan on the beach and approximately seven signs in the area that had been defaced by a marker.

Police arrested Buerette on three counts of vandalism.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Cloudy skies and light rain equal quieter beaches

Last week Newport Beach Lifeguards watched over an estimated 45,517 people enjoying Newport Beach. Lifeguards saw a decline in the activity this week due to cloudy sky, light rain Thursday and Saturday, and cooler temperatures. 

The overall beach conditions were still nice, and surfers saw great south swell conditions Friday, and a good run of west swell on Sunday. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NB Lifeguards

Newport Beach is scaling back operations and lifeguard towers as we normally do in the fall season. Look for our lifeguards patrolling in trucks and hit them up for the safest places to swim and for other beach conditions. We hope everyone gets out to enjoy our amazing beaches and make sure you always swim near an open tower and check in with the lifeguard!

For the weekend, 8 ocean rescues, 206 preventative actions, 278 public contacts and 31 medical aids were made.

For the month of September, 235 ocean rescues, 4,698 preventative actions, 2,135 public contacts and 202 medical aids were made on a monthly beach population of 586,017.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Son of baseball star arrested on a number of charges including attempted homicide

Tim DeCinces, 45, a real estate advisor and Newport Beach resident, has been charged with nine counts by the Orange County Superior Court following an alleged assault on a female with force likely to produce great bodily injury.

Additional charges against DeCinces include making criminal threats, child abuse and endangerment, possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia for controlled substance use, soliciting and/or agreeing to engage in prostitution and battery with serious bodily injury.

Courtesy of OCDA

Tim DeCinces

Newport Beach Police arrest records show that DeCinces was arrested at 9:33 p.m. on Pauma Lane the evening of Sunday, September 22. According to a Newport Beach Police spokesperson, the original charges against DeCinces included an attempt to commit a felony crime, attempted homicide, cruelty to a child with a possible injury, possession of a narcotic controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

His initial bail was listed at $1,000,000, but according to court documents that amount has subsequently been reduced to $500,000.

At the time of his arrest, two female suspects were also taken into custody at the same location.

Sarah Rae Carpenter, 30, of Garden Grove, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a narcotic controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Her bail was set at $10,000.

Amanda Lynn Schauerte, 32, of Huntington Beach, was also taken into custody. Her charges included false personation of another, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and four outstanding warrants for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Her bail was set at $32,500.

DeCinces is the son of former baseball star Doug DeCinces, who played 15 years in the Major Leagues, starring with both the Baltimore Orioles and the California Angels.

Tim also played baseball as a catcher and first baseman in college for UCLA and then eight seasons in the minor leagues.

Most recently he has worked in the residential real estate industry with several large Newport Beach companies, following an ownership stint with a Costa Mesa restaurant named Beach Pit BBQ.

DeCinces was scheduled to appear twice in court on September 24, but both hearings were canceled according to the Orange County Superior Court records. He is currently out on bail.

Vandals hit Lincoln Elementary

Newport Beach Police responded Sunday morning, September 22, at 8:30 a.m. to a felony vandalism that occurred at Lincoln Elementary School in the 3100 block of Pacific View Drive in Corona del Mar.

According to reports, the vandals destroyed the campus garden, took some parts and broke classroom windows. 

The incident occurred sometime between 10 a.m. on Saturday and early Sunday morning.

Police are investigating.

Four establishments busted for selling liquor to minors in sting operation

Detectives from the Newport Beach Police Department, in cooperation with Investigators of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), have issued citations to four people for selling alcohol to a minor. The action was the result of a “Minor Decoy Operation” on September 20, in which minors under the direct supervision of the investigators, attempted to purchase alcohol from 15 separate retail licensees in the city of Newport Beach.

Citations were issued at four establishments: Sancho’s Tacos, Gina’s Pizza (Balboa Peninsula), Tide Poole’s, and Minute King (Irvine Avenue). The remaining eleven businesses did not sell alcohol to the underage decoys: Circle K, Sportsman’s Liquor Store, The Alley Restaurant and Bar, Bal-Port Liquors, Pavilion’s (Balboa Peninsula), Dory Deli, Henry’s Groceries, Bal Harbor Liquor, Azar’s Pizza, Cassidy’s Bar and Grill, and Outpost Liquor.

Those who sell alcoholic beverages to minors may face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 24-32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license belonging to the businesses where the sales to minors occurred. Possible repercussions include fines, suspension of the establishment’s liquor license, or the permanent revocation of the license.

Minor Decoy Operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980s. In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that use of underage decoys is a valid tool for law enforcement to ensure that licensed premises are complying with the law.

Funding for this program was provided by a $25,000 grant awarded to the Newport Beach Police Department from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) 2018/2019 Alcohol Policing Partnership Program (APP). The AAP grant award will allow the Police Department to work with retail alcohol establishments on issues such as over-service, underage drinking, and ABC condition violations.

The City of Newport Beach has 360 licensed establishments.

Man allegedly terrorizes and batters landscaper

On Monday, September 13, at 7:14 a.m., a Newport Beach Police officer received a report of a battery that had allegedly just occurred in the area of Avocado Ave. and San Miguel Rd.

Upon investigating, the officer found that a landscaper was attempting to clean up an area with a leaf blower when he was approached by the suspect. The suspect allegedly yelled at the victim and then shoved him to the ground by placing his hands on the victim’s chest and pushing him violently backwards.

The victim then attempted to leave the area, however, the suspect allegedly followed him and continued yelling.

Witnesses confirmed the suspects ‘account.

Gregory Allan Scafferty, 59, of Santa Ana, was arrested on charges of threatening a crime with the intent to terrorize and battery.

He was held on $50,000 bail.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Missing check leads to $100,000 fraud filing

On Wednesday, September 19, a victim came into the Newport Beach Police Department front desk to file a fraud report. 

The victim had previously dropped off a check into the blue mailbox in front of a post office at 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 15. The victim later received a telephone call from the bank asking if the check had been issued to the name on the front of the check. The victim advised the bank that he did not know a person by that name.

A report of grand theft fraud for $100,000 was subsequently filed against the suspect listed on the check that was cashed. 

Police are investigating.

Stolen vehicles become the crime of the day

On Wednesday, September 19, a Newport Beach Police officer was dispatched to the area of MacArthur Blvd. & Corinthian Way relating to a missing vehicle. 

The reporting party told police that the vehicle was parked in a parking lot at approximately 7 p.m. When he returned two hours later, the vehicle, a Lexus sedan, was missing.

Police took a report and are investigating. The value of the vehicle was placed at $15,000.

Earlier the same day, at approximately 1:15 p.m., police investigated another stolen vehicle in the Irvine Avenue and Mariners Drive area. 

The victim had parked his black and chrome Harley Davidson Dina Wide Glide motorcycle at the location at 8:30 a.m. Upon returning around 1 p.m., the motorcycle was missing.

Police are investigating.

The vehicle thefts are not related.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Beaches quieter, but water is warm

Last week Newport Beach Lifeguards watched over an estimated 94,000 people enjoying Newport Beach! The beach was still full of beach goers as we enter into the fall season (last day of summer was Monday, September 23).

Lifeguards saw a dramatic decrease in activity due to extremely flat surf conditions. Although conditions were poor for surfing, they were epic to for beach goers with water temperature hovering around a warm 72 degrees, and air temperature in the upper 70s. Cooler conditions are expected this week, with a chance of a shower at the end of the week. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NB Lifeguards

For the weekend, 13 ocean rescues, 136 preventative actions, 298 public contacts and 28 medical aids were made.

We hope everyone gets out to enjoy our amazing beaches and make sure you always swim near an open tower and check in with the lifeguard!

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Newport Beach trucker found with a sizeable cargo of marijuana in Wyoming

A Newport Beach man, Boby James Ferregno, 44, was driving his freightliner truck and trailer earlier this month through Wyoming. A fellow driver reportedly noticed some erratic driving by Ferregno and called into Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately (REDDI).

The Wyoming Highway Patrol located his vehicle shortly thereafter traveling southbound on the I-25. The trooper witnessed Ferregno’s vehicle crossing a white fog line several times and made a traffic stop.

Ferregno’s bill of lading showed he was supposedly transporting children’s toys. However, a required shipping seal was missing from the back door of the van and replaced with heavy duty locks.

The trooper called in a K9 unit that then turned up 15 large duffle bags of raw marijuana, THC oil and THC candies. The estimated amounts found were 241 pounds of raw marijuana, 496 grams of wax THC, 344 packages of THC gummies and 2,450 THC vape cartridges.

Ferregno was arrested and bound over to Wyoming’s Eighth Judicial District Court for trial.

Woman allegedly flees upscale store with clothing in hand and is arrested a short time later

On Monday, September 16, at approximately 2:21 p.m., a Newport Beach Police Department officer responded to the Crystal Cove Shopping Center area in response to a grand theft report.

According to NBPD, an employee at a store in the center reported that a female suspect had just stolen clothes and then fled westbound on E. Coast Highway in a silver Acura.

Another NBPD officer observed the reported vehicle and the suspect matching the description. The officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of San Joaquin Hills Road and MacArthur Blvd.

Further investigation led to the suspect stating that she had stolen four blouses from the store.

Police arrested Jinn Hee Hong, 60, of Santa Ana, at 3:54 p.m., charging her with commercial burglary by shoplifting an amount greater than $950, receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950 and driving a vehicle without a license.

She was held on $20,000 bail.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Local man arrested five times in a week for disorderly conduct related to alcohol

Disorderly conduct is a crime in most jurisdictions in the United States that makes it a crime to be drunk in public, to “disturb the peace,” or to loiter in certain areas. 

Nathaniel Monks Hutchinson, 54, Costa Mesa, appears to be a habitual violator locally of this crime. This past week alone, Hutchinson was arrested and charged on five separate occasions for violating Penal Code 647(F), disorderly conduct: alcohol.

Hutchinson was arrested on Sunday, September 8, then again twice on Wednesday, September 11, again on Thursday, September 12, and then, once more on September 13.

This pattern has continued over the past year with many violations.

Each time on the arrest record, Hutchinson lists his occupation as “drinker.”

Although the arrest only carries a $500 bail, it requires NBPD personnel each time an arrest occurs.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Warm weather, but crowds down as we move towards fall 

Last week Newport Beach Lifeguards watched over an estimated 101,500 people enjoying Newport Beach. The beach population is down as we move towards fall. Warm water and air temperature made the weekend beach conditions pretty epic. Cooler conditions are expected this week. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NB Lifeguards

For the weekend, 29 ocean rescues, 772 preventative actions, 419 public contacts and 42 medical aids were made.

We hope everyone gets out to enjoy our amazing beaches and make sure you always swim near an open tower and check in with the lifeguard!

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Car chase ends in four captured for Newport Beach residential burglary, each held on $1,000,000 

On Monday, September 9 at approximately 10:37 p.m., a Newport Beach police officer observed a black Toyota Camry driving in the area of San Joaquin Hills Road and Spyglass Hill Road. The vehicle had the front windows tinted, a violation of 26708(a)(2) CVC, and was moving at a high rate of speed. 

Upon activating the emergency lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop, the Camry continued to drive and not yield for the officer. The vehicle continued to be in violation of many vehicle codes and was not yielding as it traveled through Newport Beach and onto the 73 Freeway. 

After a period of time, the California Highway Patrol assisted the NBPD and was able to use spike strips and stop the vehicle at the intersection of the 71 and 91 Freeways. 

The four occupants exited the vehicle without incident. A safe was located in the vehicle upon their arrest.

Further investigation of documents in the safe led officers to the area of Half Moon Bay Drive and Point Loma Drive. Officers arrived on scene of that location and noticed a garage door open and a shattered glass door. 

Officers entered the home and found mud throughout the house, ransacked rooms and the location the safe was taken from. The owner of the residence was not home at the time.

Police arrested Elante Lamar Gilliam, 28, of Altadena, Lindsay Claudine Lacy, 25, of Rancho Cordova, Martrell Eric Robinson, 18, of Pasadena, and Brittany Victoria Chatman, 27, of Pasadena.

The four were booked on a variety of charges ranging from conspiracy to commit a crime, residential burglary with a forced entry, possession of burglary tools and receiving stolen property.

Gilliam was also charged with a parole violation, while Chatman added charges of evading a peace officer and driving while her license was suspended.

All four had their bails set at $1,000,000.

NBPD joins in Child Passenger Safety Week

The Newport Beach Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies, public health departments and other community organizations to raise awareness about the importance of keeping children in the correct car seat for their age and size.

The effort to promote car seat safety coincides with Child Passenger Safety Week, which is from September 15-21.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 46 percent of car seats are not used properly.

“Children mean the world to parents and caregivers, but unfortunately many are putting them in harm’s way without knowing it,” Lieutenant Cartwright said. “Our goal is to educate parents and caregivers on how they can keep children riding in the car as safe as possible.”

Child Passenger Safety Week wraps up with National Seat Check at Safety Belt Safe U.S.A., which will a host a car seat check event on Saturday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Safety Belt U.S.A is located at 22481 Aspan Street, Lake Forest.

“Even if you think you have the right car seat and installed it correctly, it doesn’t hurt to get it checked,” Lieutenant Cartwright.

Under California law, children under two weighing less than 40 pounds and less than 40 inches tall are required to be in a rear-facing car seat. Children under the age of eight or less than 4’ 9” tall must be secured in a car or booster seat. The fine for not securing a child in the correct child safety seat is $490.

To find the right seat for your child, visit the NHTSA website here. To find a car seat fitting station near you, contact your local California Highway Patrol area office or go to the California Office of Traffic Safety website for a listing of car seat programs statewide.

Funding for this child passenger safety program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests

Police Files

NBPD nabs alleged burglar after forced-entry residential crime reported

A Nixle alert was disseminated Saturday evening by Newport Beach Police following a reported forced-entry residential burglary in the area of Jamboree Road and University Avenue.

Upon locating the suspect, a short chase ensued with Michel Andres Quijada eventually being taken into custody at 10:11 p.m. in the 2300 block of Aralia Street. Police reportedly found burglary tools and suspected stolen items in his vehicle.

Quiljada was charged with receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950, residential burglary with a forced entry, evading a peace officer with wanton disregard, possession of burglary tools, reckless driving on the highway and conspiracy to commit a crime. 

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

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Great weather, bigger surf makes for fun but somewhat dangerous beach conditions

Last week Newport Beach Lifeguards watched over an estimated 247,000 people enjoying Newport Beach. Lifeguards were busy with “awesome” beach conditions. Solid 4-6 foot surf provided by Hurricane Juliette made for great surfing conditions but was dangerous for some beachgoers.

The very warm air temperature pushed the water temperature to almost 75 degrees by Saturday afternoon. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

Lifeguards watching the beach activity from Tower A

For the weekend, 175 ocean rescues, 3,234 preventative actions, 914 public contacts and 76 medical aids were made.

Enjoy our amazing beaches and make sure you always swim near an open tower and check in with the lifeguard.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

“Fighter” on parole arrested for allegedly attempting to burn down homeless encampment

In the early morning hours of Monday, September 2, shortly after midnight, a male suspect allegedly attempted to set fire to the brush area surrounding the homeless encampment in the area of Avocado Avenue and San Joaquin Hills Road. Located just northeast of the OCTA bus terminal, the area is home to 6-10 tents.

Upon investigating the incident, Newport Beach Police arrested Thomas Ladd McGregor, 46, of Mission Viejo. Police charged McGregor with arson of inhabited structures and for a parole violation.

While being booked into the jail, McGregor listed his occupation as a “fighter.”

His bail was set at $250,000. 

Newport Beach woman part of group charged with kidnapping, extortion and ransom

Four people, including one from Newport Beach, were charged Wednesday with multiple felonies in connection with the kidnapping of an Irvine woman and holding her for ransom.

Reha Soylular, 54, of Newport Beach, Ezra Schley, 71, and Yang “Rose” Wang, 37, both of Huntington Beach, and George Armando Medrano, 34, of Norco, were each charged with one felony count of aggravated kidnapping for ransom and extortion, one felony count of residential burglary, and one felony count of attempted extortion.

Medrano was also charged with one felony count of a felon in possession of ammunition and one misdemeanor count of possession of marijuana for sale. Schley was charged with one misdemeanor count of carrying a loaded firearm in public.

All four defendants face a minimum of seven years and a maximum sentence of life if convicted on all charges. They are currently being held at the Orange County Jail on $1 million bail.

The four defendants are accused of kidnaping Jane Doe from her Irvine apartment on August 28, 2019 in an attempt to extort a large sum of money from Jane Doe’s husband and mother-in-law. They are also accused of sending pictures of Jane Doe being held captive to Jane Doe’s husband through a phone web chatting app.

Jane Doe was previously acquainted with at least one of the defendants. Authorities believe this is an isolated incident.

Jane Doe was rescued by the Irvine Police Department after her mother-in-law called police and requested a welfare check.

“Diligent police work by the Irvine Police Department helped locate this victim before further trauma could be inflicted on her and her loved ones,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. 

“I want to express my support for the victim and family as they recover from this traumatic event,” said Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel. “I also want to thank the men and women of the Irvine Police Department who worked tirelessly to protect the victim and arrest those responsible for committing a heinous crime in our community.”

This case is being prosecuted by Laila Nikaien of the Special Prosecutions Unit.

Vehicle blocking alley turns up meth and assault weapon

On Sunday, September 1, around noon, Newport Beach Police Officers were dispatched to the area of 18th Street and W. Bay Street on a citizen complaint of a vehicle blocking an alley.

Upon arrival, officers met with three occupants found in a Toyota Camry in the vehicle still blocking the alley as the report said. Further investigation led police to finding methamphetamine, a loaded sawed-off shotgun and black handgun. A follow-up records check of the three individuals revealed prior felony convictions.

Police arrested Diana Reynozo, 37, of Fullerton, Rudy Allen Gomez, 53, of Garden Grove and Johnny Jose Perez, 37, of Santa Ana.

Charges included identity theft, felons in possession of firearms, prohibited people in possession of ammo, possession of a controlled substance, transporting a controlled substance, possession of an assault weapon and numerous parole violations.

Gomez and Perez were both held on no bail releases, while Reynozo had her bail set at $20,000.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Three vehicles reported stolen from Sterling BMW dealership shortly after midnight, one soon crashes

Three vehicles were reported stolen from the Sterling BMW dealership shortly after midnight yesterday morning.

Newport Beach Police responded to a call for a burglary in progress at the dealership located at 3000 W. Coast Highway and  witnessed a blue BMW fleeing the scene. NBPD attempted to stop the vehicle, however, the driver continued on at a high rate of speed.

The vehicle crashed shortly thereafter into the fire-damaged former Pine Knot Motel and the driver attempted to escape by running. However, he was arrested a short time later with the assistance of a police helicopter and a police K9.

It was later determined that the stolen vehicle was visiting the dealership to have service performed.

The Pine Knot Motel, where the vehicle crashed, is one of the proposed sites to be discussed tomorrow as a potential temporary location for a city proposed homeless shelter.

There was no report on the other two vehicles reported stolen.

Police go to Garden Grove to arrest burglary suspect

Newport Beach Police, following up on a lead, ventured to the 6900 block of Chapman Ave. in Garden Grove, to arrest Michael Joseph Saenz, 47, of Garden Grove.

Saenz is suspected of a previous commercial burglary with no forced entry.

While investigating Saenz further, police discovered he also possessed stolen property valued at greater than $950, a controlled substance and additionally had ammo.

Because of prior issues with Saenz, he was not allowed by law to possess the ammo.

He was arrested and charged with all the above crimes and was held on $20,000 bail.

NBPD arrest two on drug possession

Newport Beach Police stopped to question two suspicious people in the 4600 block of W. Coast Highway at around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28.

Through their further investigation, police discovered drugs and paraphernalia on both suspects.

Kristen Nicole Martinez, 37, of Huntington Beach, was then arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a narcotic controlled substance.

Jason Timothy Bennett, 43, of Anaheim, was also taken into custody for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

Both were held on $10,000 bail.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Quarter-million people visit Newport Beaches for Labor Day

Last week Newport Beach Lifeguards watched an estimated 256,000+ people enjoying Newport Beach. Lifeguard activity was up a bit this week as Labor Day Weekend drew huge crowds to the beach. 

The weather was warm, and the surf was small and refreshing (water temp. 72 degrees), providing relief for those who live inland. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Joshua Leith

Lifeguards on the Rescue boat patrolling our waters

Beach conditions are best this time of year. 

Local schools start Tuesday, Sept. 3, and the middle of the week will be an epic time to get out and enjoy amazing Newport Beach. 

For the weekend, 108 ocean rescues, 2,424 preventative actions, 939 public contacts and 108 medical aids were made.

Lifeguard staffing will be scaled back starting Tuesday as summer ends, so make sure you always swim near an open tower and check in with the lifeguard.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

“Oxygod” sentenced for phony online drug sales and more

A Santa Ana man who manufactured phony oxycodone pills in a Newport Beach lab has been sentenced to 17 1/2 years in federal prison.

The man, who went by the online name of “Oxygod,” Wyatt Pasek, 22, was sentenced earlier this week.

Pasek, along with two co-defendants, sold drugs online to buyers throughout the United States. He was arrested last year with some 100,000 counterfeit pills, a dozen pounds of fentanyl and cash.

Pasek then pleaded guilty. His two co-defendents, Duc Cao, 20, of Orange, and Isaiah Suarez, 22, of Newport Beach, were also sentenced.

Newport Beach woman among two arrested in drug and gun stop

Fountain Valley Police arrested Tyler Conklin, 30, of Huntington Beach, and Lauren Billing, 39, Newport Beach, when a loaded handgun and drugs were found in a vehicle they were in.

After a stop in Costa Mesa, a search by FVPD turned up methamphetamine, fentanyl and a date-rape drug, in addition to the gun.

An additional search of Conklin’s residence turned up an additional six guns, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and more drugs, including more methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Conklin was arrested on a no-bail warrant, while Billing was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell. She was held on $26,000 bail.

Woman arrested for alleged burglary, found in residents’ hot tub

On Monday, August 26, at approximately 9:45 a.m., a Newport Beach Police Department officer was dispatched to the area of Bayside Drive and Jamboree Road regarding a possible trespass that had just occurred. 

A landscaper for the community observed an unknown female, later identified as Heidi Marie Schultz, 40, of Santa Ana, enter an open garage that was not her residence. Upon the officers arriving, the witness pointed to the open garage and advised that Schultz entered that garage and was now sitting in the hot tub at the residence.

The homeowner was contacted and returned home. She admitted accidentally leaving the garage open, however, did not know Schultz.

Schultz was arrested and taken into custody for garage burglary with no forced entry.

Her bail was set at $50,000.

Gun in plain view leads to drug stashes

On Sunday, August 25, Newport Beach Police stopped a vehicle near Hospital Road and Newport Blvd. around 8:30 p.m. for code violations. During the stop, a firearm was seen in plain view and a search of the vehicle was conducted. 

The ensuing search of Brandon Alexander Hicks, 30, of Huntington Beach, discovered approximately 6.3 grams of heroin, an electronic scale and cash on his person. A subsequent search of the vehicle located approximately 2.5 grams of methamphetamine and the previously mentioned firearm that was loaded with 12 rounds of live ammunition. The firearm also turned up unregistered.

Hicks was arrested for possession of narcotics for sale, transporting narcotics for sale, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, possession of a controlled substance while armed and possession of a controlled substance. 

Bail was set at $30,000.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court

Police Files

Caretaker accused of stealing and using checkbook and debit cards

Newport Beach Police received a complaint that sometime between July 8 and July 16 a caretaker had allegedly stolen a victim’s checkbook and debit cards, and then allegedly used them for monetary gain.

Arrested were Rachel Louise Fedden, 32, of Anaheim and Veronica Rachael Perez, 27, Santa Ana. Both suspects were both taken into custody Wednesday, August 21, in the 3700 block of S. Ross St. in Santa Ana, just after 11 a.m.

Fedden was charged with passing fictious checks, grand theft through fraud and additionally with possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia.

Perez was charged with passing fictious checks, identity theft by personating someone else to get money, grand theft through fraud and caretaker theft through embezzling.

Fedden was held on $20,000 bail, while Perez was held on $50,000.

Man, arrested twice in one day, allegedly makes threatening call to NBPD

39-year-old Antonio Jr. Alvarez of Lake Elsinore is suspected of making threatening crimes with the intent to terrorize following a telephone call to the front desk clerk of the Newport Beach Police Department on Friday, August 23.

Following the call, police then arrested Alvarez at the Newport Blvd. onramp at W. Coast Highway shortly after 10:56 a.m.

He was taken into custody with a $20,000 bail.

Earlier that morning, shortly after midnight, Alvarez was initially arrested for using the beach after closing, possession of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia.

His earlier bail was $10,000.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

One long week left before school starts

As summer draws to a close, last week Newport Beach Lifeguards watched over an estimated 227,000 people enjoying Newport Beach. Saturday was crowded, and Sunday was very busy as Newport Beach enjoyed warm weather and saw waves in the 4-6’ range from tTopical Storm Ivo. 

The lifeguard at tower 20 made more than 400 preventative actions (preventative actions are when a lifeguard warns people about potentially dangerous situations, especially when there are big waves and strong currents). 

Beach conditions are really looking good as we move into the end of summer and towards the fall. One last week of summer for the kids as school starts next Tuesday, September 3, so get out and enjoy amazing Newport Beach. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

Newport Beach Lifeguard Tower 1

For the weekend, 135 ocean rescues, 3,644 preventative actions, 983 public contacts and 74 medical aids were made.

Lifeguards weekly statistics are from Monday, August 19 through Sunday, August 25.

Your Newport Beach Lifeguards remind beachgoers to always swim near an open tower and not to be afraid to check in with the lifeguards on duty.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Sex offender arrested for not registering

Ronald Joseph Fleischer, 48, of Newport Beach, who lists his occupation as an artist, was arrested Sunday, August 18, at 11:34 p.m. in the 1600 block of Placentia Ave. in Costa Mesa.

The charge against Fleisher was failure to register as a sex offender following his conviction of a felony sex offense. “Failure to register as a sex offender after being ordered to do so as part of a conviction for a qualifying sex offense is a crime in California.”

Fleisher’s most recent arrest records show a revocation of probation in June of this year, possession of a controlled substance last February and possession of unlawful paraphernalia in 2018. 

A search of the Department of Justice National Sex Offender website also listed one record in his name in the national database without offering specific details.

Following the arrest, Fleischer’s bail was set at $20,000.

Artwork and sculptures missing following residential burglary

On Monday, August 19, a Newport Beach Police officer responded to a call in the area of Carnation Ave. and Second Ave. regarding a burglary.

The victim reported that she arrived home and opened her garage door on Wednesday, August 14, at 7:30 p.m. and discovered the connected door into her home ajar. Several days later she realized multiple items were missing, including artwork from the walls, glass and crystal items, and sculptures. She also noticed that items in her garage had also been moved and were out of place.

There were no signs of a forced entry. A value of $4,500 was put on the missing items.

Police took a report and are investigating.

Another car mirror becomes a casualty, this time on an Audi

Last issue it was reported that 10+ vehicles and their mirrors were kicked off or severely damaged. Well, it looks like it happened again.

On Tuesday, August 20, at around 9:25 p.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was dispatched to the area of River Ave. and 49th St. regarding a possible vehicle burglary or vandalism. 

Upon investigation, a witness stated to the officer that he’d heard a loud noise that sounded like a window shattering. When he went outside, he observed a passenger side mirror had been shattered on a grey Audi.

Police took a vandalism report for damaged property and are investigating.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Police Files

Alleged vandal arrested for allegedly damaging 10+ vehicles, cocaine possession

On Friday, August 16, at approximately 1:25 a.m., a Newport Beach Police officer responded to the area of 40th St. and W. Balboa Blvd. to respond to a vandalism report. A witness advised the officer that two male subjects were seen hitting vehicles and vehicle mirrors as they were walking.

Police located the two suspects. Upon further investigation, they found that over 10 vehicles had had their mirrors struck or removed and that the damage was consistent with being hit or kicked recently.

Cannon Clint Carroll, 25, of Haysville, was arrested for disorderly conduct related to alcohol. Police also found him in possession of cocaine and charged him with possession of a narcotic controlled substance and vandalism. 

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

Missing license plate leads to stolen vehicle

On Friday, August 16, at approximately 2:20 p.m., a Newport Beach Police officer observed a 2006 blue Nissan Altima traveling westbound on Coast Highway, then east to Pelican Point Drive. The vehicle was missing a front license plate in violation of Vehicle Code 5200(a). 

Prior to stopping the car, the officer conducted a check through dispatch and discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen. The officer conducted a traffic stop and took Otoniel Toledo, 47, of Adelanto, into custody. Reports showed that the vehicle was reported missing from Victorville.

Toledo was booked on a charge of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and his bail was set at $20,000.

Vandal(s) disrupt boats and steal Hydrobike from dock

On Wednesday, August 14, at approximately 11:28 a.m., a Newport Beach Police officer responded to Newport Blvd and 26th Street in reference to a grand theft. 

The victim reported securing the business entrance gate on Tuesday, August 13, at approximately 7:20 p.m. and then returning the next morning at approximately 10:45 a.m. 

The victim checked the dock of the business and observed that one Hydrobike was flipped over in the water. One boat had the electrical outlet unplugged and another had bags of chips left inside. A second boat was partially untied and floating away from the dock. A second Hydrobike was missing.

NBPD opened a report and are investigating. No value of missing and destroyed items was provided.

Generator and ladders missing in residential burglary

On Wednesday, August 14, at about 9:30 a.m., a Newport Beach Police officer responded to E. Balboa Blvd. and L St. regarding a residential burglary report. The victim stated that a generator and ladders were inside the address behind the fence the previous Saturday, August 10,  at about 4 p.m. when the last workers were at the location. 

On Monday, August 12, at about 7 a.m., workers returned to the location to continue work and discovered that a generator and two ladders were missing. 

Police took a report that estimated the value of the missing items at roughly $3,600. 

The case is under investigation.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Beach traffic is slowing…good time to enjoy

Last week, Newport Beach Lifeguards watched more than an estimated 275,000 people enjoying Newport Beach. Activity continued to drop off this week. Saturday was very busy and crowded, but the beach population is noticeably thinner through the middle of the week. 

Beach conditions are really looking good as we move into the end of summer and towards the fall. Get out and enjoy amazing Newport Beach (locals might agree that we are getting into the best time of year to enjoy the beach), and make sure to always swim near an open tower and check in with the lifeguard.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Joshua Leith

Newport Beach Lifeguard Tyson Mangham patrolling the beach

Lifeguards weekly statistics for Monday, August 12 through Sunday, August 18 include 100 ocean rescues, 2,836 preventative actions, 1,398 public contacts and 107 medical aids.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Former baseball player DeCinces “safe at home” following insider trading sentence

Newport Beach resident and former Major League Baseball player Doug DeCinces was charged several years ago with insider trading that came about following a tip he received regarding a buyout to be performed by Abbott Labs. The subsequent transaction yielded him some $1 million.

He was eventually tried in court and convicted of 13 counts. Each count called for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

This week, however, DeCinces finally received his sentence. One would have to assume the judge in the case is a baseball fan. In what could have been a very severe sentence, DeCinces received one day in prison, but credit for time served and eight months of home detention and a $10,000 fine.

DeCinces played and starred for the Baltimore Orioles and Anaheim Angels during his playing days. He later led the development of Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine. 

Man arrested for possession, a parole violation and then attempts to take more into jail facility

On Sunday, August 11, at approximately 1:39 p.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was sent on a call concerning a suspicious person in the area of E. Coast highway and Hazel Drive. The reporting caller told dispatchers a male subject was walking onto the road and yelling, disturbing the peace. 

While the officer was driving to the location, he observed John Ortiz, 53, of Placentia, who matched the description of the subject as provided earlier. Further investigation led to Ortiz identifying himself as a different person and stating that he was not on active parole or probation. 

Ortiz was arrested for false identification to a police officer and put on a parole hold by his parole officer. 

While in jail, further investigation led to the finding of .36 grams of methamphetamine being found inside Ortiz’s jean pocket. 

 His arrest charges included possession of a controlled substance, presenting false identification to a specific peace officer and for a parole violation.

Then later he was charged additionally with taking controlled substances into the jail facility, which added a charge of possession of a controlled substance in prison.

Ortiz had his bail set at $25,000.

Suspicious vehicle leads to two transporting suspected drugs for sale

On Monday, August 12, at approximately 4:19 a.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was patrolling the area of Jamboree Road and Coast Highway when he observed a gray Nissan Sentra that failed to proceed through the intersection on two separate green lights. The officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop of the vehicle at E. Coast Highway and Bayside Drive.

Further investigation led to the finding of plastic baggies containing 0.5 grams of a white crystalline substance resembling methamphetamine, 1.8 grams of various pills resembling ecstasy and 0.3 grams of a white solid substance resembling fentanyl.

The officer also found a plastic baggie containing approximately 24 grams of a white crystalline substance resembling methamphetamine; three plastic baggies containing 42.9 total grams of a white solid substance resembling fentanyl; a baggie containing approximately 7.8 grams of pills resembling Xanax; 249 individual small plastic baggies; a narcotics grinder coated with a white powdery substance; a scale coated with a white powdery substance; various plastic containers; a fake driver’s license; fake $20 bills; and a pipe with burnt residue (meth pipe).

Police arrested Ryan O’Rourke Murphy, 29, of Costa Mesa, and Sasha Rose Reed, 29, of San Diego, for possession of narcotics for sale, transporting a controlled substance for sale and possession of unlawful paraphernalia.

Each had their bail set at $25,000.

Wallet stolen from purse at private event

On Tuesday, August 13, a female, in her 30s, reported to Newport Beach Police that she left a private event at a hotel in the 4500 block of MacArthur Blvd. and realized her wallet was missing from her purse.

She filed a report for petty theft by pick pocketing with $900 in losses.

Quick thinking man finds bag and all contents taken earlier from beach site

On Monday, August 12 at approximately 1 p.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was sent to the area of 27th Street and W. Ocean Front in reference to a theft report. 

Earlier that morning, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the victim arrived at the beach. He placed his bag under his towel at 27th St. approximately 50 feet from the waterline. 

When he returned at approximately 12 p.m., the victim found the bag was missing. The victim used the Find my iPhone app and was able to locate his phone, the bag and all of the contents in the area of 26th Street.

Police, however, did take a full report of grand theft.

NBPD readies end-of-summer driving sober campaign

As summer comes to a close, the Newport Beach Police Department is asking drivers to not get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs that impact your ability to drive safely.

NBPD is joining law enforcement agencies across the country in the national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. During this period, which runs from August 16 to September 2 (Labor Day), NBPD will have additional officers on the road looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In addition to patrols, the NBPD will hold a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Friday, August 23 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city. 

“There are so many ways to get home safely without driving,” Lieutenant Cartwright said. “Driving while drunk or high is dangerous, irresponsible and causes too many senseless tragedies. We hope that drivers get the message that driving impaired will never be tolerated.”

Driving while impaired is illegal, whether it is alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications or marijuana.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your driving ability, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service. If you see someone driving impaired, call 911. 

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

FBI warns of scammers spoofing FBI phone numbers in SoCal to trick victims

The FBI Los Angeles Division is warning the public about a phone scam that spoofs, or fraudulently displays, the FBI’s real telephone number on the victim’s caller ID. The scammer impersonates a government official and uses intimidation tactics to demand payment of money purportedly owed to the government, according to the scheme.

Scammers have spoofed the phone numbers of FBI offices in California, Montana, Colorado, Texas, Wisconsin, Oklahoma and Kentucky.

The FBI has seen its main number (310.477.6565) spoofed in this manner, as well as the numbers of the division’s Resident Agencies, most recently, Santa Maria (805.346.2728) and West Covina (626.919.3434).

Residents nationwide have been targeted. Recent cases include a number of victims in California. The intended target may be told there is a federal warrant for their arrest, which would be dismissed by the court in exchange for immediate payment.

The caller often knows the name, background, and personal cell phone number of the intended victim.

Unsuspecting victims may also be told the following:

–That their social security number has been compromised and linked to money laundering.

–That their social security number has been used to open bank accounts and that the government would seize those accounts.

–To protect their money, funds should be transferred to accounts specifically set up by the government which would be protected until the situation is resolved, at which point the money would then be returned.

–Failure to transfer money could lead to loss of funds and possible arrest.

–To meet with a Social Security Administration Agent to verify identity; once complete, a new SSN would be issued so that a new bank account could be opened.

The public is reminded that the FBI does not call private citizens to request money or threaten arrest. There are a number of ways individuals with criminal intentions can obtain a victim’s name, phone number, or email address. The FBI reminds the public to limit the amount of personal information provided online, including on social media sites.

To avoid becoming the victim of a scam:

–Always be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls.

–Never give money or personal information to someone with whom you don’t have ties and did not initiate contact.

–Before signing up for a contest or -mail distribution list, make sure the business has a policy not to share your information or sell it to a third party.

–Scammers count on your lack of knowledge, so take the time to educate yourself about any offer you receive.

–Trust your instincts: If an unknown caller makes you uncomfortable or says things that don’t sound right, hang up.

The FBI strongly encourages anyone contacted by a caller who says they are with the FBI to verify the information with their local FBI Field Office. Contact information for all 56 FBI field offices can be found at www.fbi.gov.

Individuals who have been victimized by this type of scam are encouraged to file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center by visiting www.ic3.gov. 

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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Police Files

DUI with serious bodily injury arrest leads to $100,000 bail

Newport Beach Police were sent to the area of S. Bristol St. and Irvine Ave. at 3:33 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8 in response to a collision involving injuries. Upon arrival, police contacted the driver of the vehicle, Praneil Ashwin Chandra, 25, of Corona, and noticed a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his breath and person.

Further investigation led to the finding that Chandra was driving with a blood alcohol level exceeding .08.

A passenger in Chandra’s vehicle was also hurt in the accident requiring attention.

Chandra was arrested on suspicion of DUI alcohol causing bodily injury and also for driving with a BAC of .08 or higher and causing bodily injury. 

His bail was set at $100,000

Grand theft on the high seas?

On Wednesday, Aug. 7, the front desk of the Newport Beach Police Department received a report online regarding a purported theft. The report said that on Friday, Aug. 2, the victim placed jewelry in a case, inside a drawer in his bathroom vanity.

When the victim returned to open the drawer, the jewelry was missing.

The value of the missing jewelry was reported at $26,500, making the crime grand theft.

The reported address of the incident was “offshore.”

Police are investigating.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

School…is still…out for summer

Last week Newport Beach Lifeguards watched over an estimated 455,000 people enjoying Newport Beach. Activity was down a bit due to cooler weather and overcast conditions. The surf was up a bit in the beginning of the week and dropped to 1-3 feet over the weekend. 

Some schools have started this week possibly dropping the beach attendance. Junior Guards ended on Thursday, Aug. 8, and NMUSD does not start until September 3. There is a lot of summer to go, so get out and enjoy our amazing Newport Beach. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

For the weekend, 126 ocean rescues, 3,294 preventative actions, 1,572 public contacts and 120 medical aids were made.

Your Newport Beach Lifeguards remind beachgoers to always swim near an open tower and not to be afraid to check in with the lifeguards on duty.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

No bail for Chadwick

Peter Chadwick, who is accused of murdering his wife Q.C. Chadwick in their Newport Beach home back in 2012, is behind bars and will be for the foreseeable future. Chadwick was denied bail on Wednesday, Aug. 7.

On Sunday, Aug. 4, Chadwick was taken into custody just outside of Puebla, Mexico and returned to Newport Beach Police on Monday.

He is accused of strangling his wife back in 2012 and dumping her body into a dumpster in north San Diego County shortly thereafter. While out on $1 million bail, Chadwick became a fugitive when he disappeared four years ago.

When Chadwick appeared in court Wednesday, he made no statements and attempted to avoid media cameras. Judge Nancy Zeltzer scheduled a pretrial hearing at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana on September 16.

Chadwick, a millionaire real estate investor, was on the lam for four years. At first, he attempted to throw police off the trail by leaving behind brochures on Canada. However, police said he is suspected of spending all of his time in Mexico.

Immediately after disappearing he stayed in high-end hotels and resorts in Mexico. However, laws changed requiring proof of a passport which Chadwick could not provide. He was then forced to stay in lower-end motels.

When he was arrested he was in possession of several false alias IDs.

Alcohol leads to multiple arrests on consecutive days

It was a bad week for one Samuel Lomeli, 55, of Anaheim, in Newport Beach earlier this week.

Tuesday afternoon, Lomeli was picked up by the Newport Beach Police at 4 p.m. in the 3200 block of E. Coast Highway on charges of shoplifting, disorderly conduct related to alcohol consumption and an attempt to commit a misdemeanor crime.

Fast forward to Wednesday. At 7:12 p.m. the NBPD again encountered Lomeli, this time at San Miguel Drive & Avocado Ave. He was arrested for drinking in public, disorderly conduct related to alcohol consumption, appropriating lost property and possession of burglary tools.

Both arrests fortunately only amounted to bails of $500 each.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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Police Files

Stolen vehicle leads to arrest of two occupants

Two suspects were taken into custody shortly after 8 a.m. last Wednesday near the Back Bay Science Center at 600 Shellmaker Road for occupying a stolen vehicle.

Reynaldo Soto, 26, and David Jr. Quintana, 20, both of Santa Ana, were arrested without incident and charged with taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

Soto had an additional rap sheet that included warrants for carrying a concealed dirk or dagger and another one undisclosed. He had his bail set at $40,000.

Quintana has his bail set at $20,000.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Another nice week sees half-million visitors to our beaches

And so, what did your Newport Beach Lifeguards do this weekend?

A fairly strong heat wave inland kept Newport Beach Lifeguards busy last week with an estimated 478,000 people enjoying Newport Beach! Warm weather in the high 70s, light wind with 2-4 ft. south and west combination swell created some dangerous conditions for swimmers. 

 So, for the week ending Sunday, Aug. 4, 177 ocean rescues were made, 4,514 preventative actions, 2,181 public contacts and 166 medical aids.

Your Newport Beach Lifeguards remind beachgoers to always swim near an open tower and not to be afraid to check in with the lifeguards on duty.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Pedestrian killed on PCH by State Parks officer

Newport Beach Police received a call Tuesday morning at 9:57 a.m. reporting a pedestrian casualty on Pacific Coast Highway near Crystal Cove State Park.

Police investigated to find that an on-duty California State Parks Officer had hit a pedestrian in a state-owned truck.

Brad Infanger, 41, and believed homeless, was identified by the Orange County Coroner’s office and pronounced deceased at the scene.

PCH remained closed in both directions throughout the day, from Reef Point to Los Trancos, as an investigation was conducted.

The investigation still continues and no arrests have been made.

Police spot stolen vehicle, arrest driver without incident

Tuesday evening, July 30, Newport Beach Police located a stolen vehicle near Irvine Ave. and Sherington Place. Police engaged the vehicle’s driver and stopped it one block away in the vicinity of the Chase/Ralphs parking lot at Irvine Ave. and Westcliff Drive.

Upon investigation, police arrested the driver, Domingo Lamarr Rodriguez, 40, of Santa Ana, on charges of grand theft and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

Rodriguez was taken into custody and bail was set at $20,000.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

American flag found burnt on Balboa Island bridge

Newport Beach Police were called Sunday, July 28, to the Balboa Island bridge for a report of a burnt American flag. The flag was apparently set afire some time Saturday night or Sunday morning and found by residents crossing the bridge who notified police.

The crime is being investigated as arson of property. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the NBPD at 949.644.3681.

The United States Supreme Court ruled in 1989 and reaffirmed in 1990 that burning the flag is protected by the First Amendment. However, U.S. Code 700 says that anyone who “knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.”

Additional penalties would include damaging private property.

Computer taken from vehicle parked in resident’s driveway

The owner of a Toyota Tundra called the front desk of the Newport Beach Police Department to report a burglary from the driveway of his residence in the 300 block of La Jolla Drive.

The victim parked his vehicle at approximately 8 p.m. on Monday, July 29, and returned the next morning at 8 a.m. He immediately discovered that the doors of the vehicle were unlocked and a laptop and battery pack were missing.

The value of the property was estimated at $2,700.

Burglaries and thefts on the upswing down the Peninsula

Newport Beach Police are noticing an uptick in burglaries and thefts from vehicles on the Balboa Peninsula compared to last year. In many of these crimes, cars are simply left unlocked, making them easy targets. NBPD is also seeing forced entries when valuables are left out in plain sight. It just takes a matter of seconds for a thief to shatter a window, grab your property and disappear.

NBPD encourages residents to not let this happen. As they say, you can help prevent vehicle crime with a little T.L.C.

–Take valuables out: Remove all valuables from plain sight or hide them prior to arriving at your destination.

–Lock your vehicle: Verify your vehicle is securely locked before leaving the area.

–Close your windows: An open window or sunroof allows for quick entry into your vehicle by a thief. Always check that they are completely shut before leaving your vehicle.

And finally, if you see suspicious activity, vehicles or people, call the Newport Beach Police Department immediately at 949.644.3717.

The Newport Beach Police Department is your partner in helping to keep our community safe.

Fire Files

Vehicle jumps median in morning CdM accident

It was around 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31, when Shannon Leigh, working at the House of Fitness in Corona del Mar, heard the crash.

“You could tell it wasn’t two cars impacting each other,” she said. “You could hear that a car hit something.” 

Leigh, a physical therapist, ran outside with other gym employees and called 911, and at the same time tried to help three people inside a blue Volkswagen. The car had crashed into an orchid tree, uprooting it, and before coming to rest on top of the roots in the middle of the East Coast Highway median. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBFD

Firefighters work to free car lodged in trees in CdM accident

“There were quite a few people, everyone ran from every direction and started gathering around to help. The front of the vehicle was smashed in, and there was smoke.”

As music from inside the car continued to blare, several people helped assist a man and two women out of the car. 

“The person in the back seat was pinned in, and we had to pry open the door,” Leigh added.

The Newport Beach Fire Department also responded to the intersection of East Coast Highway and Narcissus, finding the vehicle lodged in the center median. 

Firefighters were effective in stabilizing the vehicle involved by creating a safety zone for everyone on scene. The collision also created heavy traffic for commuters on Coast Highway.

Police Files

Victim sustains head injuries in alleged mason jar assault

On Wednesday, July 24, at 6:07 p.m., Newport Beach Police were sent to the area of Tustin Ave. and W. Coast Highway for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. When the police arrived, they found a male in his 40s with a head injury.

Upon further investigation, police found that the suspect, Derek Swayne Logan, 50, of Clovis, had allegedly thrown a mason jar at the victim striking him in the head.

Logan was arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon. He was subsequently arrested and held on $25,000 bail.

Police observe scuffle, make strong arm robbery arrest

Shortly before 8 p.m. on Friday, July 26, a Newport Beach Police officer came upon two men in the 1500 block of Superior Ave. in Costa Mesa who appeared to be in a fight. The officer intervened.

Upon further investigation, it was revealed that one of the men was allegedly attempting to commit a theft of a Samsung tablet from the other. Police arrested Sami Jamal Daw, 31, of Costa Mesa, for alleged strong arm robbery. Then, while processing Daw, police discovered multiple credit and debit cards in his possession also from the victim.

He was also booked on receiving stolen property.

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

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Lifeguards: On the Waterfront

Outstanding weather brings crowds to the beach

And so, what did your Newport Beach Lifeguards do this weekend?

Well, with the weather outstanding, things were busy. An estimated crowd of some 220,000 people enjoyed the warm weather in the high 70s, light wind and a good 3-5 foot south and west combination swell, which created some dangerous conditions for swimmers.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBFD/Lifeguard Operations Division

Crowds gather at Corona del Mar State Beach

For the weekend, 272 ocean rescues, 4,750 preventative actions, 1,035 public contacts and 30 medical aids were made.

The July monthly stats ended with 1,204 ocean rescues, 28,195 preventative actions, 10,888 public contacts and 628 medical aids.

Your Newport Beach Lifeguards remind beachgoers to always swim near an open tower and not to be afraid to check in with the lifeguards on duty.

Statistics courtesy of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Operations Division.

Police Files

Dr. Drew, say it ain’t so, Tawny Kitaen arrested on suspicion of DUI, again

Tawny Kitaen Finley, 57, of Newport Beach, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs at 3:40 p.m. on Monday, July 22, on Southampton Ct. It was her second arrest for allegedly driving under the influence.

Kitaen is an actress with previous roles in Seinfeld, where she played Jerry’s girlfriend in the 1991 episode of “The Nose Job”; she also co-starred with Tom Hanks in Bachelor Party; was cast in the sixth edition of the VH1 reality TV show The Surreal Life; and was in the second season of the VH1 reality show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew (Pinsky).

Kitaen was previously married to former Los Angeles Angels pitcher Chuck Finley and Whitesnake singer David Cloverdale.

Her previous run-ins with the law include a 2002 domestic violence charge for allegedly repeatedly kicking Finley in the face with a high-heeled shoe; in 2006 for allegedly possessing 15 grams of cocaine; and in 2009 for an alleged DUI in Newport Beach.

She was arrested Monday by Newport Beach Police and had her bail set at $10,000.

Boat hit twice by grand theft

A victim came into the Newport Beach Police Department this week to file a grand theft report concerning his boat docked on Via Lido Island.

Sometime between the period of July 5 and July 17, an unknown person entered the boat and took the boat’s radar, a dive boat, a portable radio and a tool kit.

The value of the stolen property was estimated at $2,805.

The case remains open.

Another report of grand theft concerning his boat was also filed this week. This one dates back to the period of July 1 through July 11 in 2018. The reason for the delay was related to insurance needs.

The victim reported that merchandise including clothing, kitchen items, jewelry and miscellaneous boat items were taken with a value of $89,978.

This case also remains open.

Drugs lead to arrest of two…meth and heroin involved

A traffic stop was conducted by Newport Beach Police on Sunday, July 21, at 5:33 p.m., in the neighborhood of River Ave. and 46th St. The vehicle, a grey Dodge Charger, was stopped for a vehicle code violation.

However, upon further investigation, police discovered 13 grams of methamphetamine, heroin and an electronic scale.

Sara Jordan McGuire, 33, of Cypress, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of narcotics for sale.

Her bail was set at $25,000.

Additionally, a passenger with McGuire was also questioned. Police found Shawn Steven Coday, 28, city of residence unknown, with a number of warrants for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, DUI and narcotics possession.

He was also arrested and held on $45,000 bail. 

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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Police Files

Littering charge leads to arrest of fugitive from justice

In the early morning hours of Friday, July 19, Newport Beach Police were drawn to a suspect who was allegedly littering in the area of River Ave. and Balboa Blvd.

Initially the individual was confrontational with police, resisting and obstructing questioning and not being forthcoming with his name and identification.

 He was eventually identified by police as Leoel Hernandez Gonzalez, 36, of Riverside. His rap sheet showed he was a fugitive from justice.

Gonzalez was arrested for alleged littering, obstructing/resisting arrest, presenting false identification to a peace officer and for being a fugitive from justice with an arrest warrant.

His bail was set at $100,500.

Confrontation leads to alleged battery arrest

In a place that physical encounters often become commonplace, in the earlier morning hours of Saturday, July 20, words were exchanged, and an altercation ensued.

Newport Beach Police responded to a call at 12:38 a.m. in the 100 block of McFadden Place, arresting Vladislav Bondarenko, 22, of Vista, for alleged battery.

Bondarenko was held on $25,000 bail.

Drugs highlight Santa Ana River area arrest

Police patrolling the Summit St. area encountered two individuals loitering near the mouth of the Santa Ana River on Friday evening, July 19.

Following questioning of the individuals, police discovered them in possession of narcotics, controlled substances, paraphernalia and sharps waste. 

Arrested were Michael Richard Chafitz, 55, of Laguna Hills, and Jessica Leann Ramirez, 30, of Garden Grove.

Bother were charged with illegally transporting sharps waste (biomedical waste composed of used “sharps,” which includes any device or object used to puncture or lacerate the skin, such as needles, etc.), possession of narcotic controlled substances, possession of controlled substances and possession of unlawful paraphernalia.

Chafitz was also charged with an additional crime of committing a felony probation violation.

Both were arrested and held on $10,000 bail.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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Police Files

Alleged car break-in leads to grand theft charge and $20,000 bail 

At 3:45 a.m. early Tuesday morning, July 16, Newport Beach Police, patrolling the area of Clay St. and San Bernardino Ave., noticed a suspicious suspect in the area.

Upon questioning and investigation, police discovered the suspect with stolen property from a nearby vehicle. They arrested Dustin Joseph Robinson, 28, of Anaheim, who was in possession of a GPS system, gift cards and paperwork, allegedly taken from a nearby Volvo XC60.

Initially, Robinson identified himself to officers as a different person adding an additional charge of falsely impersonating another. Officers also discovered burglary tools in his possession.

Robinson was arrested for grand theft from a motor vehicle, possession of burglary tools, false personation of another and receiving stolen property with a value in excess of $950.

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

Suspect allegedly commits strong arm robbery in attempt to take cell phone

Monday afternoon, July 15, shortly before 1:30 p.m., a victim was confronted by a suspect at 18th Street and the beach. The suspect, a student from Anaheim, allegedly attempted to physically remove the victim’s cell phone from their possession.

Newport Beach Police were called and shortly thereafter they arrested Imam Khalifa Imam, 24, on charges of strong arm robbery and attempting to commit a felony crime.

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

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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Police Files

Local arrested on alleged drug possession and sales charges 

Leah Natalie Zarian, 29, of Newport Beach, was arrested at an apartment complex in the 800 block of Irvine Ave. on a variety of drug related charges, including warrants.

Newport Beach Police encountered Zarian at 8:06 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, and arrested her for alleged possession of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substances without a prescription, possession of narcotics for sale and transporting narcotics for sale.

She also had outstanding warrants for possession of a controlled substance and for driving a vehicle while suspended or revoked for a DUI.

She was held by police on $57,500 bail.

Resident reports $49,000 theft

A crime of grand theft was reported to Newport Beach Police on Friday, July 12, by a local resident who noticed $49,000 in jewelry had been stolen from their home in the 200 block of Goldenrod Ave. in Corona del Mar, 

The theft reportedly occurred sometime between 12 noon of Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2018 and May 31, 2019.

Police are investigating.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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Police Files

Routine stop turns up drugs and metal knuckles 

Newport Beach Police were on routine patrol near Olive Street and Seashore Drive on Monday, July 8 around 3:30 p.m. They observed a suspicious male suspect and made contact. 

Upon questioning Carl Gordon Elmquist, 33, of Apple Valley, police found him to be in possession of heroin, methamphetamine and a prescription medication. Officers also found one set of metal knuckles.

Elmquist was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of paraphernalia, possession of metal knuckles, possession for purchase of a narcotic controlled substance and possession of a narcotic controlled substance.

Bail was set at $25,000.

This resident lucky following forced entry burglary

Newport Beach Police were called regarding a forced entry residential burglary on Tuesday, July 9, in the 600 block of Marguerite Ave.

The victim left their residence around 4:30 p.m. and upon returning home at 6:30 p.m. discovered a broken door. Nothing was apparently stolen and only the door was damaged.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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