Mission Viejo, Ca. (September 11, 2024): – The Sheriff’s Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On Friday, September 13, deputies will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation. 

Deputies will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers. 

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed are up nearly 25 percent over the past five years. 

People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org. 

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Mission Viejo, Ca. (August 28, 2024): – The Sheriff’s Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On Friday, August 30, deputies will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation. 

Deputies will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers. 

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed are up nearly 25 percent over the past five years. 

People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org. 

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Mission Viejo, Ca. (August 26, 2024): On Friday, August 23, 2024, Orange County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Che Lewis, 30, of Mission Viejo in connection with several bank robberies. Lewis was arrested prior to committing a bank robbery at the U.S. Bank in Anaheim.

On July 8, 2024, investigators began investigating two separate bank robberies that occurred in the cities of Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch.  On August 8, 2024, an additional bank robbery occurred in Ladera Ranch. 

Based off evidence left at the scene and using investigative techniques, Lewis was believed to be responsible for each of these bank robberies as well as an additional attempted bank robbery in Ladera Ranch that occurred on August 7, 2024.

On August 23, Lewis was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s South Directed Enforcement Team (SDET) while attempting an additional bank robbery in the city of Anaheim. Lewis was booked into the Orange County Jail for attempted robbery while pending additional charges.

Investigators believe Lewis may also be involved in additional bank robberies throughout Orange County as well as in additional counties. Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.

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San Juan Capistrano, Ca. (Aug. 23, 2024): Today, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department released a Critical Incident Video depicting the deputy-involved shooting that occurred on July 9, 2024, in San Juan Capistrano, Ca.

The Critical Incident Video is available for viewing below.

In order to foster greater public trust with the community we serve, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will publish Critical Incident Videos about incidents in which the actions of department members in the performance of their duties are likely to have a significant impact on the Department, community, citizens, or any other person, and/or incidents involving the use of deadly force or force resulting in serious physical injury.

Critical Incident Videos offer a clear and concise overview of the incident with relevant video, audio, photographs and information to give context to what occurred preceding, during and immediately after a critical incident. The videos will contain the factual circumstances as they are known at the time. No conclusions will be drawn about whether or not deputies acted in a manner consistent with our policies, and in accordance with the law, until all facts are known and the investigations are complete.

Per protocol, the investigation of the deputy-involved shooting will be handled by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

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In May 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. 

Please note that due to the size of the files, and depending on download speeds, it could take several minutes for the files to open.

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/SF-Unreasonable%20or%20Excessive%20Force/SF%20of%20Excessive%20Force.17-083.zip

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In May of 2016, 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.

Please note that due to the size of the files, and depending on download speeds, it could take several minutes for the files to open.

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/SF-Unreasonable%20or%20Excessive%20Force/SF%20of%20Excessive%20Force.16-075.zip

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Santa Ana, CA. (August 9, 2024) – As the end of summer approaches and families prepare for Labor Day celebrations, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reminds everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. Drivers are encouraged to make responsible choices behind the wheel by never driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“We want everyone to enjoy their end of Summer travels and Labor Day festivities, but it’s imperative to do so responsibly,” Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “Driving under the influence not only puts your life at risk but also endangers everyone else on the road. Our goal is to reduce preventable crashes and save lives.”

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department offers the following tips to Go Safely:

• Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be drinking, arrange for a designated driver, use a ride-sharing service, taxi or public transportation.

• Buckle Up: Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself in the event of a crash.

• Stay Alert: Avoid distractions such as texting or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.

• Follow Speed Limits: Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.

• Watch for Pedestrians and Bicyclists: With more people enjoying outdoor activities, be extra vigilant and share the road responsibly.

• Take Breaks: If you’re traveling long distances, take regular breaks to rest and avoid fatigue.

To help keep our community safe, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have additional officers on patrol Aug. 16 through Labor Day (Sept. 2) looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The additional efforts to prevent impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over.

In addition to patrols, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on August 23, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.at an undisclosed location within the city of Dana Point. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 13,524 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2022 — that’s one person every 39 minutes.

While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and cannabis products may also impair. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

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• Read more about In-Custody Death - July 30, 2024

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, an Orange County Jail inmate housed at the Intake Release Center, and was completing the booking process, died at Orange County Global Medical Center, Santa Ana.  The decedent is a 42-year-old white male who was awaiting transfer to Riverside County Sheriff’s custody.  The decedent's manner and means of death are awaiting final determination by the Orange County Coroner.

SANTA ANA, Ca. (July 31, 2024) – On Tuesday, July 30, an inmate housed at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana died at a local hospital. 

The 42-year-old inmate was booked into jail on July 29 by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for an outstanding warrant out of Riverside County for CPC 4573 - bringing a controlled substance into jail.  The inmate’s name is being withheld pending notification to next of kin.

The inmate was pronounced deceased at the hospital after being transferred there earlier yesterday for a medical issue. A final cause of death will be determined following toxicology and an independent autopsy. 

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office will investigate the in-custody death. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will conduct an in-custody death review. No additional information will be released at this time.  

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In August of 2021, deputies were involved in a use of force in Santa Ana. The Use of Force was determined to be within policy.  
 

Please note that due to the size of the files, and depending on download speeds, it could take several minutes for the files to open.
 

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/UOF/UOF.21-027803.zip
 

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