ORANGE, Ca. (Dec. 30, 2024) – On Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, an inmate housed at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange died.
45-year-old Anthony Creston Brown of Cerritos was booked into jail on Dec. 27, 2024, by the La Palma Police Department on a warrant out of Los Angeles County for CPC 484 – Theft. Another booking charge of CPC 4573.8 – Possessing Drugs/Paraphernalia in Prison/Jail was added by La Palma PD during the booking process.
On the afternoon of Dec. 29, Brown was found unresponsive in his cell. Deputies and correctional medical staff attempted life-saving measures. Brown was pronounced deceased at the Theo Lacy Facility at approximately 4:31 p.m. Preliminarily, there are no suspicious circumstances. A final cause of death will be determined following an independent autopsy and toxicology.
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.
In August of 2017, 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.
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In March of 2017, 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.
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.
STANTON, Ca. (Dec. 21, 2024): On Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at approximately 4:19 p.m., deputies responded to the area of Orangewood Ave and Court Street in the city of Stanton on reports of a shooting that had just occurred.
When deputies arrived, they located one adult male with a gunshot wound inside a vehicle on Court Street. That victim, identified as Jonathan Alexis Jimenez, 18, of Stanton, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
A second adult male, located in the same vehicle, was treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries related to the shooting.
Last night, several subjects were detained at the scene while the Sheriff’s Homicide and Gang Enforcement Team (GET) are continuing to investigate.
The Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Sheriff’s Dispatch at 714-647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS, or online at www.ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers.
SANTA ANA, Ca. (Dec. 18, 2024): Please see the message below from Sheriff Don Barnes regarding the commencement of Proposition 36.
“Last month Californians passed Proposition 36, the Homeless, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act, with nearly 70% of the vote. The ballot measure received a strong majority of the vote in all 58 counties and takes effect today, December 18th.
“Proposition 36 focuses on rampant theft, the fentanyl epidemic, and addiction-related homelessness. This provides law enforcement with an opportunity to further protect our community against the impact of poor public policy. Key provisions eligible for enforcement include:
Theft -Offenders with two prior convictions for theft can be charged with a felony, regardless of the value of the stolen property. -Law enforcement can now combine the value of stolen property across multiple thefts to meet the $950 felony threshold. -“Smash and Grabs” are addressed with enhanced penalties for theft, damage, or destruction exceeding $50,000 and enhanced penalties for theft or damage of property when two or more are acting together.
Fentanyl Trafficking -Trafficking of fentanyl in high quantities results in state prison and enhanced penalties. -Known as “Alexandra’s Law,” convicted hard drug dealers are advised that if their trafficking leads to death, they could face murder charges. -Fentanyl is added to an existing list of hard drugs for which it is illegal to possess the drug while armed with a loaded firearm.
Mandated Treatment -Creates a "treatment-mandated felony" that provides prosecutors with the discretion to charge a felony for hard drug possession after two previous drug convictions. -Those charged with a "treatment-mandated felony" are given the option of participating in drug and mental health treatment. -Successful completion of treatment results in charges being fully expunged. -Offenders who refuse drug and mental health treatment would serve jail time.
“Many of the solutions included in Proposition 36 were attempted repeatedly over the last ten years through bipartisan legislation. However, the proposals were regularly blocked by the Assembly and Senate Public Safety Committees. This inaction on emerging problems like fentanyl has had tragic consequences. Now, where state leaders have failed, the people have acted. As Sheriff, I look forward to working with our criminal justice partners to honor the people’s choice for a balanced public safety system.
“Ultimately the decision to engage in criminal behavior is always the choice of each individual. For too long those who made the wrong choice faced minimal consequences for their actions. Now, Proposition 36 makes clear that making the decision to commit crime will be met with accountability. This proven approach uses both compassion and commonsense to a make our state safer and a more just place for all Californians.”
LAKE FOREST, Ca. (Dec. 13, 2024): On Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, Orange County Sheriff’s investigators arrested Edward Eugene Redd, 49, of Lake Forest, on suspicion of robbing a Chase Bank and discharging a firearm during the incident. The robbery occurred on Oct. 17, 2024, at the Chase Bank near Portola Parkway and Bake Parkway in the city of Lake Forest.
During the initial investigation, several items believed to be connected to the robbery were located at the scene and were collected as evidence. Using investigative techniques and DNA technology, investigators were able to link those items to Redd.
On Dec. 13, at about 4 a.m., Redd was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Southwest Investigations and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team members at his residence in Lake Forest without incident. Redd was booked into the Orange County Jail on suspicion of violating CPC 245(a)(1) – assault with a deadly weapon and CPC 211 – robbery.
At this time, Redd has not been connected to any other bank robberies, but the investigation is ongoing. 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.
Santa Ana, Ca. (Dec. 11, 2024) – The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2022 alone, 1,062 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.
From December 11 through New Year’s Day, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk.
“During the holiday season, we see families and loved ones coming together to celebrate, and our goal is to make sure everyone gets home safely,” said Sergeant Kyle Ishii. “Impaired driving isn’t just dangerous; it’s illegal. Let’s make this a joyful and safe holiday season for everyone on the road. We urge people to act responsibly and plan a sober ride home.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or have a “go safely” game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.
Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment. 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.
Yorba Linda, Ca. (January 1, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, January 3, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Yorba Linda.
DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with deputies checking drivers for proper licensing.
The Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.
In 2019, 1,066 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads.
The Sheriff’s Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:
Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who are drinking and how they are getting home.
Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Sheriff’s Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Mission Viejo, Ca. (December 11, 2024): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Friday, December 13, in the city of Mission Viejo looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.
With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, many road users are going places without the same protections as drivers. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants.
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
Motorcyclist:
• Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing
• Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you
• Keep your lights on at all times, even during the day
• Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles
• Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic, or between large vehicles like big rigs and motor homes
All motorcycle riders, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com or by calling 1-877 RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411). Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. ###
