SANTA ANA, Ca. (Date, 2021): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department – OC Crime Lab has been awarded a $117,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for training and enhanced drug-impaired driving testing. 

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will use the funding to facilitate the testing of all blood samples collected in DUI investigations for the presence of drugs, regardless of the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and research related to oral fluid toxicology testing.

“Drug-impaired driving poses a substantial threat to our community and we are committed to holding accountable those who choose to put others at risk,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “This funding plays an important role in helping us deliver on that mission.” 

The prevalence of drug-impaired driving is increasing on our roadways.  Based on case derived data collected by the Orange County Crime Laboratory over 50% of drivers arrested for DUI in Orange County have at least one impairing drug in their system other than alcohol.

Illicit drugs and certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause impairment in an individual. These substances in combination with even a small amount of alcohol can cause a person to become unable to operate a motor vehicle safely.

“Drug-impaired driving is a significant problem in California,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Effective drug testing is needed to combat the rise in cases and assist in the prosecution of those who put lives at risk.”

 While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, The Orange County Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”  Prescription medications and marijuana can also be impairing by themselves, or in combination with alcohol, and can result in a DUI arrest. 

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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SANTA ANA, Ca. (December 23, 2021) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Unit, in partnership with the DNA Doe Project, have released a newly updated image in hopes of identifying a John Doe found in Trabuco Canyon nearly 25 years ago.

On Dec. 13, 1996, Coroner Division and OCSD Homicide Investigators responded to reports of human remains found in a wilderness area east of Trabuco Creek Road in the unincorporated area of Trabuco Canyon. At the time, it was estimated the remains had been there up to two years, with environmental factors affecting their condition. Investigators believe the decedent went missing sometime in 1995 or 1996.

Based on initial anthropological estimates from 1996, it was believed this unknown male subject was around 15-19 years old, approximately 5’2” to 5’8” with a medium build. An odontologist’s report, which showed the decedent’s teeth were in poor condition, was submitted to a Department of Justice database. He was given the name John Doe as investigators worked to learn his identity.

In 2020, the Coroner Division partnered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in an attempt to generate leads that might deliver an identification. In 2020, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the skull was created and submitted to NCMEC, which used the latest reconstruction techniques to develop renderings of what John Doe may have looked like. With the new information, NCMEC modified their initial sketch from 2019 to produce a new likeness that reflects the suspected Latin American decent of John Doe.

In 2020, the Sheriff’s Department partnered with the DNA Doe Project in an attempt to identify the subject. Based on further genetic testing, it is believed the subject is likely from a remote/rural area in Latin America due to the very low threshold of genetic matches.

In September 2021, a new team of volunteers was brought onto the case by DNA Doe Project Case Managers that are specialists in Spanish Language databases. In conjunction with this renewed effort, a forensic artist affiliated with the DNA Doe Project has provided an additional rendering of the unidentified subject. Anyone who has any information about John Doe can contact the Orange County Coroner Division at 714-647-7400 or coroner@OCSheriff.gov, reference case number 96-07901-MU.

STANTON, Ca (January 11, 2022) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, January 14, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Stanton.

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 2018, 1,235 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.

­­FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                  

YORBA LINDA, Ca. (December 15, 2021): The city of Yorba Linda on Tuesday, December 14, selected Captain Joses Walehwa as their new Chief of Police Services.

“I am honored to have been selected the next Chief of Police Services for the city of Yorba Linda and look forward to serving the residents as a member of an exceptional team,” Captain Walehwa said.

Captain Walehwa was born in Kampala, Uganda and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1976. He joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in 2005 when he transferred from the Scott County Sheriff’s Office in Iowa.  

In his time with the Sheriff’s Department, he has worked in Custody Operations, Court Operations, Patrol Operations, the Professional Standards Division and the Training Division. He also has served on the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and as the department’s Public Information Officer.

Most recently, Captain Walehwa served as Academy Commander for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Regional Training Academy overseeing the training and mentorship of future peace officers from agencies across Southern California.

Captain Walehwa holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Ambrose University.

Captain Walehwa will begin serving as Chief of Police Services on January 14. Yorba Linda’s current Chief of Police Services, Cory Martino, will be promoted to Commander of Southwest Operations on January 14.

­­FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                  

Public Information Officer, Sergeant Todd Hylton                            

THylton@OCSheriff.gov | C: 714-904-7042

Don’t Let Drunk, or “High,” Drive: Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly

National “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Enforcement Campaign Begins Dec. 15

SANTA ANA, CA. (December 15, 2021): This holiday season, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reminds the public to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is committed to keeping our community safe and encourages everyone to stay in for the night or use a designated sober driver if you have alcohol, marijuana, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs that may impair.

From Dec. 15 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 extra 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 on the road at risk.

“When it comes to consuming drugs and/or alcohol and driving, there is a right and wrong choice,” Sergeant Ryan Dierckman said. “Make the right choice by not driving impaired so everyone is able to enjoy the holidays.”

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.

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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SILVERADO CANYON, Ca. (December 14, 2021): Effective Tuesday December 14, 2021, at 5 p.m. Evacuation Orders (Mandatory) are lifted for Williams Canyon and Modjeska Canyon. Evacuation Orders (Mandatory) remain in place for Silverado Canyon while crews clear debris from roadways. The Silverado Canyon Evacuation Order will be lifted once roads are passable, expected to be later this evening.

Road closures are lifted for Santiago Canyon Road, Williams Canyon, and Modjeska Canyon at the Grade.  Hard road closures remain in place for Modjeska Canyon Road at Santiago Canyon Road and Silverado Canyon Road while crews from OC Public Works and the Orange County Fire Authority are working to clear debris from the roadways. 

To report storm-related issues with a County road or flood control channel, call the Orange County Public Works Storm Center 714-955-0200 during standard business hours and 714-955-0333 during flash flood events and emergencies when OC Public Works’ Department Operations Center is activated.

A map with detailed depictions of the areas under evacuation can be found at www.ocsheriff.gov/bondfire

Evacuation Areas

• Silverado Canyon - Evacuation Order (MANDATORY)

• Williams Canyon - Evacuation Lifted

• Modjeska Canyon - Evacuation Lifted

Hard Road Closures

• Modjeska Canyon Road at Santiago Canyon Road

• Silverado Canyon Road

Sheltering

A Care and Reception Center remains available at the Lake Forest Sport Park located at 28000 Rancho Parkway, Lake Forest CA 92630. Directions are available here:https://www.lakeforestca.gov/722/Address-Directions

Orange County Public Works, the Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department are working in Unified Command.

Residents are encouraged to check regularly for updates through local media and on Facebook and Twitter following #OCCanyonFlood at:

@OCSheriff
@ocfireauthority (Twitter) @OrangeCountyFireAuthority (Facebook)

@OCPublicWorks

SILVERADO CANYON, Ca. (December 14, 2021): Effective Tuesday December 14, 2021, at 11:01 a.m. an Evacuation Order (Mandatory) is issued for Silverado Canyon, Williams Canyon and Modjeska Canyon in the Bond Fire burn area due to imminent debris flows along or near the burn scar.

The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for the burn scar area at 11:01 a.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2021. The Evacuation Order (Mandatory) is expected to be in place through the Flash Flood Warning.

Canyon residents are strongly encouraged to evacuate now, especially those with disabilities, access and/or functional needs, and canyon residents with large animals.

Any person with disabilities and those with access and/or functional needs requiring evacuation assistance should call Orange County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch at 714-647-7000.

Any person needing assistance with animal or large animal evacuations should call Orange County Animal Care 714-935-6848.

To report storm-related issues with a County road or flood control channel, call the Orange County Public Works Storm Center 714-955-0200 during standard business hours and 714-955-0333 during flash flood events and emergencies when OC Public Works’ Department Operations Center is activated.

A map with detailed depictions of the areas under evacuation can be found at  www.ocsheriff.gov/bondfire

Evacuation Areas

• Silverado Canyon - Evacuation Order (MANDATORY)
• Williams Canyon - Evacuation Order (MANDATORY)
• Modjeska Canyon - Evacuation Order (MANDATORY)

Road Closures

• Hard road closures will be in place at canyon entrances

Sheltering

A Care and Reception Center will be available after 4:00 PM at the Lake Forest Sport Park located at 28000 Rancho Parkway, Lake Forest CA 92630. 

Meeting Room A will be available for residents to wait out the storm and county reception center staff will be on-site to offer assistance.

Orange County Public Works, the Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department are working in Unified Command.

Residents are encouraged to check regularly for updates through local media and on Facebook and Twitter following #OCCanyonFlood at:

            @OCSheriff

            @ocfireauthority (Twitter) @OrangeCountyFireAuthority (Facebook)

            @OCPublicWorks

SILVERADO CANYON, Ca. (December 13, 2021): Effective Monday December 13, 2021, at 2 p.m. an Evacuation Warning (Voluntary) is issued for Silverado Canyon, Williams Canyon and Modjeska Canyon in the Bond Fire burn area due to possible debris flows along or near the burn scar.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the burn scar area in effect from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2021, for the expected rain event. The Evacuation Warning (Voluntary) is expected to be in place through the Flash Flood Watch.
If the National Weather Service issues a Flash Flood Warning, meaning a flash flood is imminent, an Evacuation Order (Mandatory) will be issued for Silverado Canyon, Williams Canyon and Modjeska Canyon.

Canyon residents are strongly encouraged to prepare and evacuate now, especially those with disabilities, access and/or functional needs, and canyon residents with large animals.

Any person with disabilities and those with access and/or functional needs requiring evacuation assistance should call Orange County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch at 714-647-7000.

Any person needing assistance with animal or large animal evacuations should call Orange County Animal Care 714-935-6848.

To report storm-related issues with a County road or flood control channel, call the Orange County Public Works Storm Center 714-955-0200 during standard business hours and 714-955-0333 during flash flood events and emergencies when OC Public Works’ Department Operations Center is activated.

A map with detailed depictions of the areas under voluntary evacuation warning can be found at www.ocsheriff.gov/bondfire 

Evacuation Areas
• Silverado Canyon - Evacuation Warning (VOLUNTARY)
• Williams Canyon - Evacuation Warning (VOLUNTARY)
• Modjeska Canyon - Evacuation Warning (VOLUNTARY)

Soft Road Closures
• Soft road closures will be in place at canyon entrances beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2021, open to local traffic only

Sheltering
Residents are encouraged to leave early and plan for alternate shelter with friends, family or at a local hotel outside of the evacuation area.
The Orange County Social Services Agency and the American Red Cross are working to establish a Care and Reception Center to provide information and shelter to evacuated residents. The Care and Reception Center location will be shared via @OCSheriff social media as soon as it is available.

Orange County Public Works, the Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department are working in Unified Command.
Residents are encouraged to check regularly for updates through local media and on Facebook and Twitter following #OCCanyonFlood at:
@OCSheriff
@OCFA_PIO (Twitter) @OCFireAuthority (Facebook)
@OCPublicWorks
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SANTA ANA, Ca. (Dec. 10, 2021): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Coroner Division is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating next-of-kin for a male who died on December 1, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Hospital. The decedent was transported to the hospital on November 27, 2021, after being discovered unresponsive on the sidewalk near Chapman Ave. and Main St. in the city of Orange.

On November 27, the decedent was last seen on security camera at the Metrolink Station on Chapman Ave. The decedent paid cash for a train ticket to San Bernardino but missed his train. The decedent is described as a male Hispanic, medium build, approximately 15 to 20 years of age, 6’0’’, 215 pounds, with short curly dark hair with bleached tips and brown eyes. He was wearing a grey short sleeve LA Kings t-shirt and blue jeans. The decedent did not have any tattoos but had a single piercing in each ear.

The Orange Police Department and Coroner investigators have been working tirelessly to identify the decedent, including a review of missing persons’ reports from the local area and attempts to utilize existing fingerprint databases, none of which revealed the identity of the decedent.

If you have any information regarding the decedent or his whereabouts prior to November 27, please contact the Orange County Coroner’s Division at (714) 647-7400 reference Coroner’s Case #21-07093-BG. Anyone who wishes to provide information and remain anonymous may contact Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS (1-855-847-6227) or online at occrimestoppers.org.

SANTA ANA, Ca. (December 3, 2021) – On Thursday, December 2, 2021, an inmate housed at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange died of a suspected suicide.

The inmate was booked into jail on November 30, 2021 on a domestic violence related charge.

Yesterday afternoon, he was found unresponsive in his cell. Deputies and corrections medical staff attempted life-saving measures. The inmate was pronounced deceased by paramedics at the Theo Lacy Facility at approximately 4:15 p.m. Preliminarily, there are no suspicious circumstances.

The decedent was identified as Roddy Giacomini Jr., 44, of San Juan Capistrano.

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.