In February of 2022, deputies were involved in an officer involved shooting in the city of Lake Forest. The case was investigated by the Orange County District Attorney's Office and no criminal charges were filed. The officer involved shooting was determined to be within policy.
In January of 2018, a deputy was involved in a use of force at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana. The use of force was determined to be outside of policy with policy violations addressed and discipline issued.
In April of 2017, deputies were involved in a use of force at the Central Men's Jail in Santa Ana. The use of force was determined to be outside of policy with policy violations addressed and discipline issued.
In October of 2016, a deputy was involved in a use of force at the Central Women's Jail in Santa Ana. The use of force was determined to be outside of policy with policy violations addressed and discipline issued.
Laguna Hills, Calif. (Sept.14, 2025): – Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra officers on patrol Tuesday, September 16, in the City of Laguna Hills looking specifically for violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders.
The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common factor, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.
To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:
Drivers
Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.
Use your signal when changing lanes.
Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.
SANTA ANA, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2025) – September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By always taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.
According to projections from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,148 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2024. In California alone, pedestrian deaths make up more than 24 percent of all traffic-related fatalities.
“Every step we take towards greater pedestrian safety is a step towards saving lives," Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Ishii said. "We want to remind everyone that safety begins with you, whether you're behind the wheel or on foot. Small actions, like slowing down, putting away distractions and yielding at crosswalks can make a life-saving difference.”
Pedestrians do not have the same protections as drivers and passengers. A difference of just 15 MPH (20 MPH to 35 MPH) significantly increases the likelihood that a person walking will be killed if struck by a vehicle.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department offers safe driving and walking tips, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking.
Drivers
Do not speed and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
Never drive impaired.
Avoid distractions such as texting or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.
Pedestrians
Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic.
Look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – consider wearing bright colors, reflective material or using a flashlight.
Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busier streets with higher speed limits.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Unincorporated Silverado, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2025): Orange County Sheriff’s Department North Operations investigators have arrested a man on suspicion of making criminal threats. On Thursday, Aug. 28, Sheriff’s Department personnel were contacted regarding suspicious, threatening emails sent to St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado Canyon. They learned that the suspect (Joshua Michael Richardson, 38 years old) first sent emails that were interpreted as threatening. Joshua, an Alabama resident, then visited the church in person and made additional threats, which a priest at the Abbey reported to the Sheriff's Department.
Investigators and deputies quickly located and detained Richardson for criminal threats. After searching his vehicle, they found body armor, high-capacity magazines, brass knuckles and knives. He was arrested without further incident and booked into the Orange County Jail.
While incidents like this can feel unsettling, they also highlight the power of community. If something seems off, say something. Trust your instincts and report suspicious activity, whether it is a strange message, unusual behavior, or something that does not sit right. Your call could stop a crime before it happens.
This investigation is ongoing. If anyone knows additional details that may assist investigators, they are asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange
SANTA ANA, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department recently was awarded a $ 75,000 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to reduce alcohol-related harm in the community.
The funds will be used to help prevent alcoholic beverage sales to minors and obviously intoxicated patrons, illegal solicitations of alcohol, and other criminal activities such as the sale and possession of illegal drugs.
“This grant will help us better protect children and young adults and allow us to proactively address crime at problem locations,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “Partnering with ABC helps us make our community safer through prevention and enforcement efforts.”
The grant is one of nearly 50 awarded in California to local law enforcement agencies through ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program.
These grants strengthen local law enforcement efforts by combining theirs with ABC agents who have expertise in alcoholic beverage laws to help reduce alcohol-related harm within their community.
“Our Alcohol Policing Partnership program can improve the quality of life in neighborhoods,” said ABC Director Paul Tupy. “The communities where the grant program’s resources have been invested have seen a real difference.”
The APP program was created in 1995 to strengthen partnerships between ABC and local law enforcement agencies. The program is designed to keep alcohol away from minors and prevent harm to the community.
Mission Viejo, Calif. – (Aug. 28, 2025): On Aug. 30th, 2025, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will visit Mission Viejo to educate Fairgoers on the importance of monitoring how much they drink and to “know your limit.” The “Know Your Limit” campaign will be from 5:00pm to 11:00 p.m. Lake Mission Viejo, Concert event, specifically focusing near food and alcohol vendors.
The “Know Your Limit” program raises awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving and is an interactive way to show how much, or little, it can take to reach the legal limit to operate a vehicle. Officers will ask attendees how many drinks they have consumed and whether they believe they are still able to drive safely. Officers will then invite volunteers to take a breathalyzer test to see if they are able to guess their blood alcohol content (BAC). attendees are provided information on alcohol intake and average BAC levels.
It is illegal for anyone 21 or older to drive with a BAC of .08% or higher.
According to the California Driver Handbook, it takes two drinks consumed within one hour by a woman between 120-160 pounds and three drinks by a man between 180-220 pounds to be over the legal limit of .08%. One drink is based on 1.5 oz. of liquor (40% alcohol), 12 oz. of beer (4.5% alcohol) or a 5 oz. glass of wine (12% alcohol). The BAC lowers at a rate of .01% for every 40 minutes between drinks.
“The goal is to help people understand the effects of alcohol so they can make smart decisions about how they get home,” Orange County Sheriff Department’s Regional Traffic Bureau Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “It only takes a few drinks to impair, and that’s why it is important that people know their limits.”
The average cost of a first-time DUI offense is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties. Plan ahead and avoid the risk of a DUI by designating a sober driver.
Funding for the “Know Your Limit” program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, an inmate who was housed at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange died while in custody. The decedent, David N. Alcazar, was in custody for PC 422 Criminal Threats, PC 646.9(a) Stalking, and PC 594(b)(2)(A) Vandalism. The decedent's manner and means of death are awaiting final determination by the Orange County Coroner.
