Police Files

Mariners’ Mile businesses have windows shot out by BB or pellet gun in early morning hours

In the early morning hours of Monday, May 16, four businesses in the 2700 block of W. Coast Highway reported vandalism. Each business reported damage to windows that appeared to have been shot out with a BB or pellet gun. 

The incidents were reported to Newport Beach Police.

No arrests have been made.

Dover Shores home burglarized, safe and firearms taken

A residential burglary occurred in the Dover Shores community in the 400 block of Evening Star Lane sometime between 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 13 and 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 17.

While the victim was away, an unknown suspect accessed the property and shattered a glass patio door leading to the master bedroom. Inside the residence, the suspect ransacked the master bedroom, master bathroom and master closet. He also located a safe in the home and forcibly removed it and then fled in an unknown direction.

Reported losses included the safe and firearms. No suspect information was available.

Holiday weekend reminder to wear seat belts and utilize children’s safety seats

The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) reminds everyone traveling over the Memorial Day Weekend to buckle up and to keep children safe in safety seats.

This year’s Click it or Ticket campaign is from May 23 through June 5. During this time, the NBPD will have additional officers on patrol actively looking for drivers and passengers who are not wearing a seat belt. This includes vehicles where children are not secured in child safety seats.

“Wearing a seat belt should be an automatic for all drivers and passengers,” NBPD Lieutenant Eric Little said. “It’s the safe thing to do, especially when it comes to securing children in child safety seats.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10,893 people killed in crashes throughout the country in 2020 were not wearing seat belts. In California, 756 people killed in crashes in 2020 were not wearing seat belts or nearly 20 percent of all traffic deaths in the state.

California law requires a child to be secured in a safety or booster seat until they are at least 8 years old or at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall. Children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. 

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the NHTSA.

Police Files

Three killed in midnight collision involving vehicle and construction equipment on Coast Highway

Early yesterday morning, at approximately 12:45 a.m., the Newport Beach Police Department dispatch received 911 calls regarding a single vehicle traffic collision in the 3000 block of W. Coast Highway. A vehicle, traveling eastbound on Pacific Coast Highway, struck a curb and ultimately collided with construction equipment on the south side of the road and caught fire. 

Upon arrival, officers located three deceased passengers inside the vehicle. Their names have not yet been released by the Orange County Coroner’s office.

Three construction workers suffered minor non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital. 

An investigation continued well into the morning hours with the NBPD Major Accident Investigation Team on scene. Both eastbound and westbound Pacific Coast Highway remained closed during this time from Superior Avenue to Riverside Avenue. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Traffic Investigator Austin Laverty at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Police Files

Police & Fire host fun activities and station tours for Public Safety Day this Sunday

The Newport Beach Police Department and Fire Department will host Public Safety Day this Sunday, May 15 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the parking lot at 870 Santa Barbara Drive. The day will feature live police and fire demonstrations, along with station tours.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBPD

A youngster enjoying a ride on the simulated NBPD motorcycle

The day’s activities include presentations by the lifeguards, SWAT, the paramedics, CSI, CERT, the K9 unit, dispatch, the mounted unit, animal control and fire & crime prevention. There will also be food and much more.

It should be great entertainment for the kids with a number of activities.

Check twice for motorcycles: May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

During May’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) reminds drivers to always look twice for motorcycles.

“Motorcycles may be difficult to spot, so being extra careful before changing lanes is always good practice,” said Lieutenant Eric Little. “Motorcycle riders are out in the elements and do not have the same protections drivers and passengers do. Please share the road with motorcycles and drive safe.”

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

–Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.

–Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.

–If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Be sure that the rider is turning before moving ahead.

Motorcyclists

–Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection.

–Wear leather or other sturdy clothing such as a jacket, pants, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Add reflective strips or decals to your clothing and motorcycle to make it easier for other drivers to see you. 

–Ride defensively. Don’t assume a driver can see you. Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.

–Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

Lastly, both drivers and riders should never drive/ride distracted under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

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

Police Files

May is National Bicycle Safety Month

May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) reminds drivers to follow the speed limit and look out for people on bike rides.

“The days are longer, and the weather is pleasant, making for ideal conditions to go on a bike ride,” said Lieutenant Eric Little. “Drivers, please share the road so we may all get to places safely.”

To help keep people biking or walking safe, the NBPD will conduct traffic safety operations throughout the month, focusing on the most dangerous driver behaviors such as speeding, making illegal turns, failure to yield to bicyclists or pedestrians, and stop sign/red-light running.

The Newport Beach Police Department suggests the following safety tips for bicyclists and drivers:

Drivers

–Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.

–Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.

–Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist. Maintain at minimum three feet of space when passing or overtaking a bicyclist.

–Never drive distracted or impaired.

Bike Riders

–Use lights at night (at minimum, a front white light and a rear red reflector).

–Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.

–Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

–Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections. 

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

Police Files

Man arrested for allegedly stealing tools from local construction site, held on $250,000 bail

Last Saturday, April 23, at approximately 12:11 p.m., Newport Beach Police officers responded to 900 block of Newport Center Drive to investigate a grand theft. A construction worker had reported that between the time of his arrival and lunch, multiple power tools, including drills, saws, batteries and clamps, were stolen from the bed of his truck. 

Through an NBPD investigation, officers were able to identify a vehicle and suspect. 

On Monday, April 25, NBPD officers traveled to the area of Beach Blvd. and Chapman Ave. in Stanton and arrested Richard Moya, 41, of Santa Ana, charging him with possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for grand theft.

Moya listed his occupation on the arrest report as “construction.”

His bail was set at $250,000.

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

Group of suspects in SUV burglarize Spyglass Hill home

A residential burglary recently occurred in the Spyglass Hill community on Friday, April 15 around 8 p.m., on Morro Bay Drive.

The victims were out when unknown suspects accessed the backyard of the property and located a ladder in the side yard. The suspects used the ladder to climb to a second story window. 

They then shattered the window that led into the master bathroom. Once inside the residence, the suspects rummaged through drawers in the master bedroom, master bathroom and master closet before fleeing the scene.

Reported losses included jewelry.

Information pertaining to the suspects say they numbered three to four individuals and were driving an SUV. No other information was available.

Police Files

Suspect ransacks every room in West Newport Beach burglary

A residential burglary was reported to Newport Beach Police as occurring in the West Newport Beach community in the 300 block of 36th St. The incident took place sometime between 4-9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13.

While the victims were away, an unknown suspect accessed the property through a side gate and then entered the house through an unlocked side door. Once inside the house, the suspect ransacked every room before fleeing the scene through the front door.

The reported losses included U.S. currency, checks and jewelry.

No suspect information was available at this time.

Suspects break into Harbor View home and leave with safe

A residential burglary occurred in the Harbor View community on Friday, April 15 at approximately 8:30 p.m. In the 1900 block of Port Albans Place, unknown suspects accessed the backyard while the victims were away.

The suspects then stacked patio furniture on a storage container to reach a second story window, where they shattered a window to enter the house.

Once inside, they rummaged through drawers in all of the bedrooms and bathrooms. The suspects also found a safe on the second story and managed to get it down the stairs, eventually carrying it through the front door and loading it into their vehicle and before fleeing the scene.

The victim received a phone notification from the front door security camera that alerted him to the suspects’ activity. The victim called the Newport Beach Police, who responded, but the suspects had already fled the area.

Taken were the safe, jewelry, credit cards and personal documents.

The suspects were described as three Hispanic males wearing light colored hats, sweatshirts, pants, shoes and facemasks. They were driving a white SUV.

Police Files

Suspect shatters sliding glass door in Upper Newport Beach burglary and makes off with a safe

A residential burglary took place in the Upper Newport Bay Community between 5 a.m. on April 2 and 2:30 p.m. on April 9. While the victims were away from their residence in the 2400 block of Santiago Drive, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard of the property from a neighboring home that was under construction by removing planks from the fence between the properties. 

The suspect also brought a ladder onto the victims’ property and used it to climb to the roof. From the roof, the suspect accessed the second story balcony leading to the master bedroom. Then, the suspect shattered the sliding glass door leading to the master bedroom to enter the house. 

Once inside, the suspect located a safe mounted to a wall and tore the safe out. The suspect then fled the scene in an unknown direction.   

Reported losses included a safe, U.S. currency, handbags, jewelry and belts. There is no suspect info available at this time.

Police Files

Missing “at-risk” youth has been located 

A missing “at risk” 10-year-old white male, who was last seen on April 7 at 6:55 p.m. at the Newport Bluffs apartment complex pool area wearing no shirt and blue swim trunks, has been located, according to the Newport Beach Police Department.

The NBPD issued the advisory that he had been located on Thursday, April 7 at 8:40 p.m.

Police Files

Alert police on burglary call arrest suspects in getaway car while attempting to flee

Saturday afternoon (April 2) at approximately 1:35 p.m., Newport Beach Police were dispatched to Ocean Blvd. and Heliotrope Ave. regarding a vehicle burglary that had just taken place. The suspect’s vehicle that was seen leaving the scene was reported to police to be a white Nissan Maxima.

As officers were responding, they observed a vehicle matching the description on PCH at MacArthur Blvd. Officers conducted a traffic stop and detained two suspects, Joshua Connors and Taylor Manahan. 

Further investigation revealed that the two suspects were in possession of burglary tools, drug paraphernalia, a purse, a wallet and identification that belonged to the victim.

 Connors, 33, from Costa Mesa, was arrested for burglary from a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit a crime, possessing a switchblade in the vehicle and two counts of identity theft.

Manahan, 31, of Tustin, was arrested for burglary from a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of burglary tools, receiving stolen property and for a post release community supervision revocation.

Both had their 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.

Driving and using your phone is under the watchful eye of local police during Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Newport Beach Police Department will be actively looking for drivers who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

“Holding your phone and using it while driving is not only dangerous but also illegal,” said Newport Beach Police Department Lieutenant Eric Little. “For the safety of your family and others on the road, put the phone away and focus on driving.”

According to the 2021 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly three out of every four drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern. In 2019, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued nearly 20,000 citations during the month of April to drivers for hands-free cell phone law violations.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call, text, email, or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before starting the car, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Police Files

NBPD detectives investigate theft of $1M+ of medical equipment leading to the arrest of six and complete recovery

Newport Beach Police were working an ongoing burglary case involving multiple storage lockers, which escalated when a suspect retrieved medical equipment left outside the storage unit facility gate.

On Tuesday, March 15, at approximately 7:45 p.m., NBPD patrol officers were dispatched to the area of Campus Drive and Bristol Street North for a possible in-progress burglary at a storage facility located there. Previously, there had been a burglary involving the theft of $1.5 million-worth of medical equipment and the security company on site was on the lookout for suspicious activity. 

When officers arrived, they were able to take two suspects into custody without incident. The suspects had burglary tools on their person and in their vehicle. A further investigation revealed that both were, in fact, two of the suspects who had previously stolen the medical equipment. 

The arrest also led detectives to a storage unit in Lake Forest where the suspects were keeping the recently stolen property. Detectives were able to recover all of the stolen property.

Detectives continued to work on the investigation, which led to a search warrant and the eventual arrest of four additional suspects, where detectives recovered additional stolen property and narcotics.

Arrested were Erlan Aligato Manosa Jr., 29, of Laguna Hills, for possession of a controlled substance; Sean Cornelius Santos Cabalquinto, 38 of Newport Beach, arrested on two counts for receiving stolen property with a value over $950; Fayeann Vergara Dimailig, 31, of Los Angeles, arrested for grand theft; Samer Aziz Doumit, 21, of Missouri, arrested for unlawful possession of paraphernalia and for identity theft; Alexander Bryce Posa, 21, of Vista, arrested for unlawful possession of paraphernalia and Christian Joseph Catibog Coro, 30, of Newport Beach, arrested for grand theft from buildings.

Catibog Coro had bail set at $1,000,000.

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

NBPD detains suspect for social media threats

On Saturday, March 18, the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) was made aware of inappropriate posts on social media through the Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD). The posts did not rise to the level of a crime; however, later in the day, the posts rose to a criminal level, threatening physical harm.

After numerous interviews and the assistance of the Costa Mesa Police Department and NMUSD, investigators were able to determine the circumstances and person involved in the case. The individual who posted the information had no means to carry out the threat. Upon completion of the investigation, the juvenile was transferred to the custody of the Orange County Juvenile Hall. The detained suspect’s age prevents additional disclosures relating to this case.

Please know that NBPD’s number one priority is the safety and well-being of the students and staff. Despite the recent increase in inappropriate social media activity across the country, the NBPD takes each threat seriously. There are no credible threats, and according to the NMUSD, classes continued as usual on Monday. Officers assigned to school areas will continue to provide extra patrols throughout the week.

Police Files

NBPD to make friendly visits to bars to discuss “knowing your limit”

Guess who you might run into in your favorite watering hole? If you said the Newport Beach Police, you’re right.

Next Thursday, March 24, the NBPD will visit local bars and restaurants to educate customers on the importance of monitoring how much they drink and to “know your limit.” The “Know Your Limit” campaign will be from 6-10 p.m. “throughout the city.”

So, if you see them come in, no need to run out the back door.

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 customers 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). Customers 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,” Newport Beach Police Department Lieutenant Ryan Peters said. “It only takes a few drinks to impair and that’s why it is important that people know their limit.”

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.

Police Files

Suspect accesses home through second-story balcony

On Thursday, March 10, while the victim was away, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard of a residence in the Pelican Crest community. Once in the backyard of the home on Avalon Vista, the suspect made their way to a second-story balcony and shattered a bedroom window.

The suspect then made access through the window into the master bedroom. No other rooms were disturbed. The loss was unknown at the time of the victim’s report to the Newport Beach Police.

There was no suspect information available.

While residents sleep, home burglarized in Santa Ana Heights

A residential burglary occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, March 6 in the Santa Ana Heights community. 

Sometime between 2-7:50 a.m., an unknown suspect accessed the side of a home in the 1500 block of Orchard Drive. The victims were sleeping upstairs, while the suspect cut the screen on a first-floor window and then shattered it to gain access.

Once inside, the suspect rummaged through the desk in an office and the drawers of an entry room table, before leaving the scene through the front door. Taken were credit cards and checks.

Police reported no suspect information available.

Police Files

San Diego man allegedly steals boat and collides with other vessels attempting to run, held on $3 million bail

The Newport Beach Police dispatch center received a call yesterday (March 10) at 9:21 a.m. reporting a vandalism in the 1200 block of W. Coast Highway. Shortly after, a second call came in for a boat theft in the 2500 block of W. Coast Highway. It was quickly determined that the suspect was the same person for each incident.

The suspect, while on the water, allegedly stole the boat and proceeded to leave the area when he collided with multiple other vehicles in the bay. The suspect was apprehended and taken into custody by the Harbor Patrol and then later booked into custody by the NBPD.

One Joel Siam, 38, of San Diego, was arrested and booked for grand theft of a boat and possession of a stolen boat. His bail was set at $3,000,000.

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

Two residential burglaries hit Harbor View; one leads to the arrest of eight suspects

Two residential burglaries occurred in the Harbor View community last week, one leading to the arrest of eight suspects.

First, last Wednesday, Feb. 16, a burglary gang, under continual surveillance of Los Angeles Sheriffs, entered a home around 2:30 a.m. in the 1800 block of Port Manleigh Place. The residence had been tented for fumigation.

The suspects accessed the backyard, sliced the fumigation tarp and shattered a glass door to gain access to the house.

Inside, they ransacked the master bedroom. They then loaded stolen property into their vehicles and fled the scene.

Unbeknownst to the suspects, LA Sheriffs had the home under surveillance from 7,000’ in the air, had ground support in the area and notified Newport Beach Police of the crime in progress.

A pursuit followed with the suspects in two vehicles. 

The suspects were all located and taken into custody. Arrested were Brenden Deshone Clayton, 26, Long Beach; Marlon Duran Piphus Jr., 21, Los Angeles; Correme Ezmier Monroe, 19, Los Angeles; Daja Rochelle Monroe, 22, Carson; Janasiah Latai Delarge, 22, Visalia; Treyvon Ford, 20, Los Angeles; Nathaniel Lee Gutierrez Jr., 20, Los Angeles and Shawn Devin McKinney, 18, Rialto.

All were charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and for residential burglary with a forced entry. Each had bail set at $50,000.

Suspect shatters window to gain access for breakfast time burglary

On Tuesday, Feb. 15, between the hours of 8:30-10:45 a.m., while the victims were away, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard of a residence in the 1900 block of Port Locksleigh Place. The suspect then shattered a window in order to enter the house.

Once inside, the suspect ransacked the master bedroom, pried open a filing cabinet in the home office and rummaged through drawers and cabinets throughout the entire house.

The loss is unknown at the time of the crime filing and there is no suspect information available.

Be advised, dating scam flourishing that takes jilted lovers’ money

Newport Beach Police are advising the community of an “online dating scam” taking place. 

The scam works like this – you meet someone special on a dating website. Soon they want you to move off the dating site to email or phone calls. They tell you they “love you,” but live far away, maybe for business or because they’re in the military.

They ask you for money, sometimes saying that “it’s for a plane ticket to visit you.” Other reasons are emergency surgery or something else urgent.

The scammers, both male and female, make fake dating profiles, sometimes using photos of other people – even stolen pictures of real military personnel. They build relationships – some even fake wedding plans – before they disappear with your money.

You should NEVER wire money on a prepaid debit card or send cash to an online love interest. You will NOT get it back.

If you believe you’ve been the victim of a scam, please file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/complaint.

Police investigating distribution of anti-Semitic flyers

Newport Beach Police are investigating the distribution of anti-Semitic flyers that have been distributed in an eastern Newport Beach neighborhood. Police are currently working with residents.

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

Police, dogs and helicopter lead to capture of four burglary suspects fleeing Newport Coast home

On Saturday, Feb. 12, at approximately 8:21 p.m., Newport Beach Police were dispatched to the area of Canyon Rim and Pelican Hill Circle in reference to suspicious circumstances. 

The victim reporting said he received notification of movement in his residence while he was away. Officers immediately responded and established a perimeter around the home. 

HB1, the Huntington Beach PD helicopter, came to the scene and began broadcasting as four male suspects were exiting from the second story of the home and attempting to flee the scene. The perimeter, set by NBPD officers, held containment until K9 Officers arrived from Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa to assist.

Officers were then able to locate all four of the suspects and take them into custody. Officers found the home ransacked and were able to recover and return all of the victim’s stolen property.

Arrested were Carlos Aruizumartinez, 42, Newport Beach; John Steven Munozdiaz, 26, Los Angeles; Gabriel Guillermo Melosanchez, 32, city of residence unknown; and Wilson Arturo Munozdiaz, 39, Bogota.

The group was charged with residential burglary, obstructing and resisting peace officers, conspiracy to commit a crime, presenting false identification to officers, receiving stolen property, possessing burglary tools, possessing narcotics and entering a structure with the intent to commit theft.

Each had bail set in the amount of $50,000.

Vehicle theft and burglary leads to $1M bail

Back in December, a grand theft report was taken at the front desk of the Newport Beach Police Department for grand theft and burglary.

The report stated that the day prior, at approximately 2 p.m., the victim parked their car in the driveway of his residence, only to come back early the next morning to find property missing from the unsecured vehicle.

Subsequently, the victim’s credit cards were fraudulently used at various locations providing Newport Beach Detectives with information to identify a potential suspect.

Last Thursday, Feb. 9, Newport Beach Police arrested Riley Blue Coull, 31, of San Marcos, in San Diego at 12 p.m. and arrested him on charges of vehicle theft and residential burglary with no forced entry.

His bail was set at $1,000,000.

Suspect breaks into Dover Shores home, but exits with nothing

A residential burglary occurred in the Dover Shores Community on Sunday evening, Feb. 13. Around 6:45 p.m., while the victims were away, an unknown suspect accessed the side of the house located in the 1000 block of Polaris Drive.

Before gaining access, the suspect broke two motion sensor lights on the side of the home and then removed a window screen, before shattering a window. 

Once inside, the suspect ransacked the master bedroom and closet before fleeing the scene. During the burglary, an interior motion alarm was activated which notified the homeowner and the police. 

No suspect was at the scene when police arrived. 

There was no reported loss.

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

Pedestrian struck and killed by vehicle on PCH

Newport Beach Police reported a fatal traffic collision involving a pedestrian and vehicle at approximately 10:32 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 9, in the 3400 block of Pacific Coast Highway. According to police, the driver remained on scene following the incident to cooperate with officers.

Police closed westbound PCH, diverting traffic up Riverside Ave. One lane of eastbound traffic was closed on PCH at Newport Blvd.

The Orange County Coroner’s office later identified the decedent as 86-year-old Robert Di Tomaso, of Irvine.

No charges were brought against the driver of the vehicle.

Chadwick pleads guilty to wife’s 2012 killing

Peter Gregory Chadwick, 57, Newport Beach, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Orange County Superior Court for the killing of Quee Choo “Q.C.” Lim Chadwick in their Newport Coast home back in 2012.

Chadwick was alleged to have strangled his wife and then dumped her in a trash bin in San Diego.

Following the murder, he disappeared for four years and was found in 2019 in Mexico following an international hunt.

He showed remorse at the court hearing, apologizing for her death.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Menninger sentenced Chadwick to 15 years to life in a state prison as part of his plea agreement.

Chadwick also abandoned two children the day of the murder and they were subsequently raised by other family members.

NBPD to have additional forces on patrol for Super Bowl weekend…don’t drive impaired

The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) reminds football fans to stick to a safe game plan and designate a sober driver if you plan on drinking at a Super Bowl LVI watch party.

During Super Bowl LVI weekend (Feb. 12 & 13), the NBPD will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“If you plan to have a drink or two, choose a sober way to get to and from wherever you are watching the game,” said Lieutenant Ryan Peters. “Have a ride-hailing service or a family member who hasn’t been drinking take you home.”

The Newport Beach Police Department reminds the public that alcohol is not the only substance that impairs. Marijuana, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications can all affect your ability to drive safely. Do your research and understand the potential side effects of certain drugs.

“When it comes to getting to and from places safely, we’re all on the same team,” Sergeant Corey Wolik said. “The choice is simple: Don’t drive impaired.”

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

Police Files

“Romantic interest” arrested following police standoff on Peninsula in alleged attempt to extort money for nude photos

On Tuesday, Feb. 1, Newport Beach Police confirmed the arrest of one suspect involved in an incident at the reported Balboa Peninsula residence of Elizabeth Lyn Vargas, a season 15 star on the television program The Real Housewives of Orange County. 

According to Newport Beach Police spokesperson Heather Rangel, at around 1:50 p.m., officers were called to the 100 block of Medina Way (at E. Balboa Blvd.) following a request for a welfare check.

When officers arrived on the scene, they observed an emergency situation that warranted the immediate evacuation of the victim, who was reportedly being held and threatened at gunpoint by the suspect.

Based on information the officers then received after rescuing the victim, the evolving incident warranted the evacuation of surrounding residences. The NBPD Crisis Response Team was also requested to secure the residence and ensure the safety of the community. 

The suspect reportedly then barricaded himself inside.

With SWAT members visible along the boardwalk adjoining the residence, police later closed down all vehicle traffic between Island and Coronado on E. Balboa Blvd. just before 7 p.m., forcing those seeking access to or from the Peninsula area to utilize the Balboa Ferry.

Shortly before 9 p.m., the suspect finally surrendered, allowing police to enter the home and arrest Ryan Matthew Geraghty, a 33-year-old white male from Los Angeles.

He was initially charged with assault with a deadly weapon, residential burglary, being a felon in possession of a firearm and extortion.

Follow-up arrest reports from the Orange County District Attorney’s office confirmed that Geraghty was allegedly extorting tens of thousands of dollars from the victim in exchange for not selling nude photographs of the woman to the media.

Geraghty’s charges have been adjusted to one felony count of extortion by force or threat, one felony count of assault with a firearm, one felony count of criminal threats, one felony count of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, one felony count of grossly negligent discharge of a firearm, one felony count of possession of a firearm by a felon and two misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance. He has also been charged with two felony enhancements of personally using a firearm and an enhancement under Penal code section 1203e4 that prohibits a judge from offering him probation as a result of his violent record.

He faces a maximum sentence of 75 years and four months to life if convicted on all charges.

Geraghty already has two prior strikes under California’s Three Strikes Law. He was scheduled to be arraigned yesterday. 

Geraghty, who reportedly had a romantic relationship with the victim, allegedly pointed a gun at the victim after arriving at her home and threatened to kill her for refusing to give him any more money.

Beginning on Christmas Eve 2021, Geraghty is accused of beginning to extort money from the woman in exchange for not selling nude photos of her to the media. After the woman told Geraghty she would no longer be providing him any more money, Geraghty is accused of punching the woman in the face. When she attempted to cut him off again, he pointed a gun at her and threatened to kill her.

Geraghty is accused of forcing the woman to buy him a BMW, which she did.

On Monday, Jan. 31, Geraghty is accused of shooting a gun into the ceiling of the home during an argument while the victim hid in a closet.

The next day, he is accused of calling the woman to tell her he is coming for her because she stole his car. He then came to her house with a gun, which he pointed in her face, threatening to kill her.

Newport Beach police heard a struggle over the phone while attempting to contact the victim.

“There are some members of our society who are so violent that they cannot live among the rest of us,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “California’s Three Strikes Law was designed to protect law-abiding residents from being subjected to a never-ending campaign of violence by individuals who have no respect for the law and no respect for human life. Thankfully the Newport Beach Police Department prevented serious harm from coming to this woman and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office will do everything it can to prevent this violent criminal from being able to harm anyone else.”

Deputy District Attorney Diana King of the Family Protection Unit is prosecuting this case.

RHOC is a reality show broadcast on Bravo, that focuses on the personal and professional lives of a group of women residing in OC. The show first premiered in 2006.

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

Suspects smash cases and make off with local jeweler’s goods in brazen afternoon robbery

A smash and grab robbery occurred yesterday afternoon (Jan. 24) around 3 p.m. at JB Diamonds & Fine Jewelry, Inc., in San Miguel Plaza, 369 San Miguel Drive. The store is just one block north of City Hall, between Avocado and Newport Center Drive.

According to a Newport Beach Police spokesperson, four suspects in hoodies, masks and gloves entered the store and smashed jewelry cases using hammers. No other weapons appeared to be involved.

The suspects then fled the location with multiple jewelry cases. 

The loss is unknown at this time.

Newport Beach Police Detectives are currently investigating.

JB Diamonds & Fine Jewelry is a family-owned and operated fine jewelry manufacturer and wholesaler that’s been serving Newport Beach since 1983.

Police Files

Residential burglaries continue to hit Newport Beach

A number of residential burglaries continue to be reported in Newport Beach.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 10, a burglary occurred in the 1500 block of Baypointe Drive. A suspect took the screen off the kitchen window and slid the unlocked kitchen window open, while the victim was in another part of the residence.

The victim heard a noise coming from the kitchen area and went to check. When the suspect realized the victim was home, the suspect fled the scene, having never made entry into the residence.

No items were taken. 

A description of the suspect was reported to Newport Beach Police as a male Hispanic, 30-35 years of age, thin build, short black hair, brown eyes with a beard, wearing a blue shirt.

Next were two residential burglaries that occurred in the Pelican Crest and Crystal Cove communities. 

The first report occurred on Sailcrest at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 14, while the victims were away, two unknown suspects approached the front door and knocked on it. 

Once it was confirmed that no one was home, the suspects accessed the interior of the house through an unknown means. Once inside, they rummaged through two bedrooms before fleeing the scene. 

The loss is still unknown. 

Descriptions were reported as two suspects wearing dark-colored hoodies, face masks, dark backpacks, latex gloves and carrying flashlights.

Next was a burglary on Sidra Cove, that occurred between 4:10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 14 and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15.

Again, with the victims away, an unknown suspect accessed the house by tampering with the locks on the exterior back doors. Inside, the suspect rummaged through drawers, boxes and cabinets in the living room, bedrooms, bathrooms and closets.

The loss is still unknown and no suspect information was available.   

Finally, an attempted burglary occurred in the Back Bay Bayview Heights community in the 2100 block of Mesa Drive. At approximately 6:25 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15, while one of the victims was home, unknown suspects accessed the backyard of the residence. The victim heard activity on the second story (possibly the balcony area) and looked outside to observe multiple suspects in the backyard. 

Upon realizing the home was occupied, the suspects fled in the direction of the Back Bay trail. The victim called the NBPD shortly thereafter.   

It did not appear that the suspects ever made entry into the residence.

There was no reported loss.

The suspect information obtained by the NBPD was three to six individuals wearing dark clothing and carrying backpacks

Newport Beach Police remind residents that if you see suspicious activity within your neighborhood (especially 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 NBPD immediately at 949.644.3717.

• • •

Who let the dogs out? Woof, woof!

The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) introduced the community to their K9 units on social media to start off the new year.

First up is Officer Rosenberg and K9 Ryder.

Officer Rosenberg started at the NBPD as a community services officer in 2007 and returned to the Department as a police officer in 2015 after serving with the City of Santa Barbara. In July 2020 he joined the Canine Unit.

K9 Ryder is a male Belgian Malinois, born in Germany.

Courtesy of NBPD

Officer Rosenberg with K9 Ryder

Next up, meet Officer De Julio and K9 Goose.

Officer De Julio started at the NBPD as a cadet in 2007 and graduated from the Police Academy in 2011. He joined the Canine Unit in August 2021.

K9 Goose is a Slovak Malinois and the first female K9 at the NBPD.

Courtesy of NBPD

Officer De Julio with K9 Goose

Police Files

Three burglaries hit Mariners/Dover Shores area over week-long period

The Mariners/Dover Shores communities have been hit with three reported burglaries in the initial days of 2022.

The first occurred in the 1700 block of Antigua Way, sometime between 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 4 and 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 5.

While the victim was away, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard and used patio furniture to climb up to the second story balcony. The suspect then shattered the glass door leading to the master suite. 

Once inside, the suspect ransacked the master bedroom, master bathroom and master closet before fleeing the scene. 

The victim reported a missing safe and firearm.   

No suspect information was available.

Then, on Thursday, Jan. 6 sometime between 3:45 p.m. and 6:10 p.m., another one occurred in the 1200 block of Polaris Drive.

Again, while the victims were away, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard and shattered a window leading to the master bedroom. 

The suspect ransacked the master bedroom and fled the scene. 

Losses reported here were jewelry, watches and foreign currencies.   

No suspect information was available.

The following week a third burglary occurred in the 1700 block of Highland Drive on Wednesday, Jan. 12 between 6:10-6:30 p.m.

An unknown suspect climbed over a wall to access the backyard of the residence. The suspect shattered a sliding glass door leading to the master bedroom. 

Once inside, the suspect ransacked the master closet. 

Upon arriving home around 6:30 p.m., the victim heard glass shattering and found the master bedroom disturbed but did not observe the suspects.    

Taken were handbags, jewelry, watches, U.S. currency, a safe and personal documents.   

No suspect info was available.

Police Files

Robbery occurs at Neiman Marcus, one arrested

A robbery occurred yesterday at Neiman Marcus in Fashion Island. Newport Beach Police were alerted to the situation through an incoming call at 12:33 p.m.

Initial reports are few, but a suspect or suspects reportedly took six handbags from the Chanel boutique area of Neiman Marcus. No weapons reportedly were used.

Police did arrest one person, Josiah Jeremiah Smith, 18, from Westmont. He was charged with robbery (211 PC) and false personation (529(a)(3) and booked into Orange County Jail.

No further details are being released at this time as an active investigation is underway.

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

NBPD assesses almost 1,600 vehicles through DUI checkpoint

There’s a lot more to DUI Checkpoints than just arresting drunk drivers.

Case in point, the Newport Beach Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on Monday, Dec. 20. During the course of the evening, 1,593 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, 342 were contacted and assessed. The NBPD provided literature educating them on the hazards and danger of driving under the influence.

Just two people were arrested for DUI and eight other citations were issued.

Burglar breaks in through second-story window in Harbor View Hills

A residential burglary occurred in the Harbor View Hills South community in the 3800 block of Park Green Drive, sometime between 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 28 and 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30.

While the victims were away, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard and used a table and towel rack to climb to a second story window. The suspect removed the window screen and shattered the window that led to the master bedroom. 

Once inside, the suspect ransacked the master bedroom and master closet before fleeing the scene with a watch, jewelry and a handbag.

There is no suspect information available.

Police Files

DUI checkpoint set for Monday at an undetermined location in Newport Beach

The Newport Beach Police Department will hold a DUI checkpoint Monday, Dec. 20 from 6 p.m.-2 a.m., at an undisclosed location within the Newport Beach City limits.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Newport Beach Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe. “The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Lieutenant Ryan Peters said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”

The Newport Beach Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or operating heavy machinery, including driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

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

Police Files

Burglars use ladder to enter residence’s balcony entrance

Last Wednesday, Dec. 8, sometime between 5-8:30 p.m., a residential burglary occurred in the Cliff Haven community in the 900 block of Cliff Drive.

While the victims were away, an unknown suspect accessed the second story balcony using the victim’s ladder that was left on the property. The suspect entered the residence through the unlocked door to the balcony.

Once inside, the suspect ransacked the master bedroom, master closet and office. The suspect also rummaged through kitchen drawers before fleeing through the front door.

Reported losses included personal documents, jewelry, a handbag and shoes.

No suspect information was available.

Police Files

Burglars shatter window in home only to discover residents home

A scary attempted residential burglary occurred in the Back Bay community of Bayview Heights on the 20300 block of Cypress St. The incident happened on Saturday night, Dec. 4, at approximately 8 p.m.

While the victims were at home, unknown suspects accessed the backyard of the home and shattered a first-floor window using a tool they located in the backyard. Upon discovering the house was occupied, they fled the scene. 

The police were contacted after the suspects fled. They are identified as, suspect 1, possibly male subject wearing a hoodie, long pants and facemask; and suspect 2, possibly male subject wearing dark clothing.

Newport Beach Police Detectives are actively investigating this case.

There was no reported loss.

Police Files

Police advisory 

Today, Dec. 3, an outside police agency will have two low flying helicopters in the City of Newport Beach. Both helicopters will orbit the area of 15th Street and Balboa Blvd. prior to one helicopter landing.

Be safe and drive sober this holiday season

Millions of people will be traveling to visit friends and family over the holidays. The Newport Beach Police Department is encouraging everyone to have a holiday game plan that includes a designated sober driver.

During the pre-Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, the NBPD will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Tragically, there is an uptick in impaired drivers during the holidays. During the 2019 Christmas and New Year’s holiday periods, there were more drunk-driving-related deaths (210) throughout the country than during any other holiday period in 2019.

“We want everyone to enjoy the holidays and be safe,” Lieutenant Ryan Peters said. “The more people who plan ahead and find a safe, sober ride home from holiday parties and get-togethers, the more, the merrier.”

The Newport Beach Police Department reminds drivers that a “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.

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

Police Files

Man arrested near the Wedge after forcible carjacking in Garden Grove

A couple in their 50s made a late-night stop on Saturday, Nov. 27 at a Garden Grove ATM and had their vehicle forcibly taken from them, with the suspect later arrested in Newport Beach.

At approximately 11:34 p.m., a male and female victim drove to a bank in the area of Harbor Blvd. and Garden Grove Blvd., with the female passenger exiting the vehicle with the intention of visiting the ATM. 

The suspect, William McNair, 45, of Los Angeles, allegedly approached the male driver and dragged him from the passenger seat out of his car. McNair then allegedly took the vehicle, almost striking the male victim with it as he drove out of the parking lot heading south on Harbor Blvd.

Garden Grove Police Gang Unit Officers were conducting an unrelated traffic stop in the area and saw the suspect speed past them as the carjacking was being broadcast over the police radio. The officers pursued and eventually caught up with McNair in Costa Mesa and attempted to coordinate a high-risk traffic stop that wasn’t successful.

McNair fled and the pursuit continued into Newport Beach, terminating at Ocean Channel, near the Wedge.

The suspect was uncooperative and refused to exit the vehicle after several commands by police. Officers utilized tactical vehicles to block and prevent the suspect from fleeing any further. They then utilized non-lethal projectiles and irritants in attempts to get the suspect to exit the vehicle, however he continued to refuse.

A police K-9 was deployed and the suspect exited the vehicle, where he was taken into custody. The suspect was positively identified by witnesses at the scene as the carjacking suspect.

The suspect was transported to an area hospital where he was admitted for non-life-threatening injuries, before being arrested on charges of carjacking, evading and obstructing/resisting.

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.

Advice from the NBPD to make your holidays safer for all

Holiday home security tips courtesy of the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD):

At home for the holidays

–Always lock all doors and windows whenever you leave your home. Burglars often operate during the day, so don’t forget to secure your home and set your alarm when you make a quick trip to the store or take the dog for a walk. 

–Use timers to turn on a radio and lights. Timers are not just for vacation time but should be used daily to keep your home well-lit and to give the appearance that someone is there.

–If you decorate a live tree, always turn off tree lights when you are away to prevent a fire.

–Avoid displaying holiday gifts and other valuables in places where they will be easily seen from your windows or doors.

–Always keep your porch lights on from dusk to dawn using photocells and/or timers.

–Don’t let home deliveries pile-up at your front door, they can attract a package thief or home burglar. Remember you have options to consider when ordering online or shipping packages: UPS and FedEx both offer customers the ability to customize the time and date of their delivery for when they will be home.

Track your delivery online. Check your package’s delivery status for an estimated delivery time and try to be home when it arrives.

Heading out for the evening

–Consider leaving some lights & the TV on and calling out to a fictitious family member or roommate (who will “stay home”). For example: “Tom, don’t forget to let the dog out,” or “Make sure you take the casserole out of the oven when the timer goes off,” or any other statement that would imply (to anyone who might be watching your home) that someone is still inside while you are gone.

–Call the police to report anything suspicious. If you see an unfamiliar vehicle, suspicious person, or anything out of the ordinary when leaving your home, call NBPD’s non-emergency line at 949.644.3717.

If you go away for the holidays: 

–Have a trusted neighbor keep an eye on your home and pick-up your newspapers and mail.

–Don’t advertise that you are out of town on social media.

–Secure your garage door with a vacation bolt or pad lock and disable the remote access.

Police Files

CdM burglary totals $361,000+ in losses

On Monday, Nov. 22, at approximately 11:42 a.m., Newport Beach Police responded to a Corona del Mar residence in the 1000 block of Tiller Way regarding a burglary that had occurred.

The homeowner told police that following a vacation from approximately 12 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19 through 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 22, someone had forced their way into their home. Once inside, the home was ransacked.

Reported losses included jewelry and U.S. currency valued in the amount of $361,200.

No arrests have been made.

Tips from our PD to make your holiday shopping experiences safer

Today, Black Friday, marks 29 shopping days left for your Christmas shopping. The Newport Beach Police Department offers you some safety tips while you’re out & about hunting for gifts or grocery shopping for your holiday recipes.

Here are some tips for preventing crime when you hit the stores:

–Never leave your valuables unattended (phone, purse, wallet, etc.).

–Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.

–Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies if you are using mass transit.

–Carry a purse with a zipper. Deter pickpockets by carrying your purse in front of your body and keeping it zipped closed.

–If you carry a wallet, keep it in an inner coat pocket or front pants pocket.

–Do not buy more than you can carry. If you know you will be getting more than you can manage on your own, plan to take a family member with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.

–Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.

–Do not leave anything in your car. If you must leave property in your car, place it in the trunk when you leave & before you get to your destination.

–Once you get home, do not park your car outside your home with shopping bags left inside.

When shopping with small children:

–If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you are separated from each other and select a central meeting place.

–Teach them to know they can ask mall personnel, security or store employees if they need help.

–Keep a current photo of your child in your phone.

Don’t hesitate to call the Newport Beach Police Department if you see anything suspicious! NBPD’s non-emergency line: 949.644.3717.

Police Files

The smell of fire in the air Sunday was attributed to Riverside County fire

The smell of smoke was in the air Sunday throughout Newport Beach. The Newport Beach Police Department reported that the smell was attributed to the Lanza Fire in Riverside County.

The Lanza Fire was reported at a 17-acre brush fire in the Corona area. Air tankers and helicopters were used to aid the fighting.

The fire was controlled by Sunday evening.

No homes were reported damaged.

A fire department statement reported that the fire was started by a vehicle that had driven off road.

Suspect breaks three separate windows before gaining entry into Newport Coast residence

A residential burglary occurred sometime between 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12 and 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 15 in Newport Coast on Pelican Hill Road N. 

An unknown suspect climbed a fence to access the backyard of the property. The suspect then located a ladder on the side of the house which was used to reach a second story window. The suspect shattered the window but was not able to enter the house through the broken window. 

After climbing down the ladder, the suspect shattered a glass panel in a rear door but was not able to enter the house through the shattered panel. 

The suspect then shattered a third glass panel in another rear door and was able to get access into the residence. Inside, the suspect rummaged through drawers in various bedrooms throughout the residence before fleeing the scene. 

Newport Beach Police were notified on Wednesday, Nov. 17. The loss was unknown at that time and there was no suspect information available.

Burglar accesses second story balcony to enter home to make off with collectibles

Once again, burglars took advantage of a residence with the victim away. This time on Tuesday, Nov. 16, around 6:35 p.m., in the Newport Heights community in the 500 block of Westminster Ave.

An unknown suspect accessed the side of the house and climbed up to a second story balcony. Once on the balcony, the suspect shattered a sliding glass door and entered the house. That suspect, however, triggered an interior alarm, which notified the Newport Beach Police Department. Officers arrived shortly thereafter, but the suspect was no longer at the scene.

The suspect managed to take some collectible items. There was no information on the suspect.

Police Files

Suspect enters unlocked front door, finds car keys and steals vehicle

A brazen suspect burglarized a Balboa Cove community and stole a vehicle at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10. 

While the victim was in another part of the home, an unknown suspect opened the unlocked front door and took the victim’s purse, phone and car keys that were left next to the door. The suspect then took the victim’s vehicle from the driveway and fled the scene.

The victim didn’t discover the loss until the next morning and reported the crime to the Newport Beach Police Department. Video footage later accessed by police showed three individuals in the area during that time period.

Two days later, on Friday, Nov. 12, an outside agency recovered the vehicle and took a suspect into custody.

No other information was available.

Fence hopper accesses home before fleeing

A suspect jumped a fence in the 2100 block of Windward Lane in the Mariners community sometime between 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 9 and 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 12. 

Once inside the backyard, the suspect located an open window in the side yard, tore the window screen, and then entered through the window to a bedroom. The suspect ransacked the bedroom and fled the scene.

The loss remains unknown and there in no suspect information available.

Burglar shatters residence window with light fixture and alerts victim to investigate

A residential burglary occurred in the Cameo Highlands community at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16.

While the victim was in one part of the home in 4600 block of Cortland Drive, an unknown suspect accessed the opposite side of the house and then entered a courtyard area. From there, the suspect removed a light fixture from the garden and used it to shatter a window leading to the master bedroom.

The victim heard a noise inside the house and went to investigate. Upon finding the shattered window, the victim called the police department. The suspect was never seen by the victim and had fled the scene before police arrived.

There was no reported loss and no suspect information available.

Police Files

Newport Hills home burglarized, but there’s no apparent loss

A residential burglary occurred in the Newport Hills community sometime between 5:15 and 6:35 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 8. The incident took place in the 1900 block of Port Edward Circle, when an unknown suspect accessed a walkway along the side of the house while the residence was unoccupied. 

To gain access, the suspect shattered a pane in a French door and once inside the house, it appears that the suspect rummaged through drawers before fleeing.

The loss was unknown and there was no suspect information available.

Police Files

Program to etch catalytic converters offered tomorrow

The Newport Beach Police Department is partnering with the police departments of Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach, along with ExperTec Automotive, to host a Catalytic Converter Etching Event.

The program takes place tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at ExperTec Automotive, located at 7680 Talbert Ave. in Huntington Beach. The event is free to the public, with no RSVP required and attendees will be helped on a first come, first served basis.

The etching of catalytic converters can assist police investigations if the catalytic converter is stolen and recovered. It also acts as a deterrent for criminals, since recycling centers have been informed marked converters are likely stolen property and should be reported to law enforcement.

Residents are also encouraged to take additional steps to prevent and report catalytic converter thefts. Whenever possible, park in a garage, in well-lit areas, or close to the curb. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you witness a crime in progress or observe suspicious activity such as sawing or grinding noises at night.

Selling drugs and someone dies could lead to murder charges

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced Tuesday (Nov. 9) that his prosecutors will now be able to charge convicted drug dealers with murder if they manufacture or sell drugs, including fentanyl and someone dies as a result.

Fentanyl deaths have skyrocketed across the United States over the last few years, with OC experiencing a 1,000% increase over the last five years as a result of an increase in fentanyl being sold under the guise of other less potent drugs. 

Fentanyl is reportedly 60 to 100 times more potent than morphine and some fentanyl analogues may be as much as 10,000 times more potent. A mere two milligrams of these substances may be deadly.

“These are not overdoses, these are murders,” said OCDA Todd Spitzer. “These dealers are essentially handing a loaded gun to unsuspecting victims knowing that they will probably die and they don’t care. Fentanyl is cheap, it’s easy to get and it’s killing people who had no idea they were taking it.”

The OCDA’s office is also working with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and police departments across Orange County to formally warn drug dealers and manufacturers of the deadly consequences of fentanyl and other controlled substances at the time of their arrest. 

Don’t get scammed by telephone calls from people claiming they’re with the police department

Newport Beach Police have been notified by some community members that they have received telephone calls from an individual claiming to work for the Police Department who requested their addresses & personal information. The Caller ID on these phone calls also looked like they were NBPD phone numbers. 

Residents who contacted us directly were able to confirm that these calls did not come from our 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 by manipulating Caller ID, using information from social networking sites, or hacking into email accounts, to make them seem more real. They’ll also 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.

Local surfer arrested for residential burglary and held on $200,000 bail

Newport Beach Police were dispatched on Sunday, Nov. 7 around 8:10 p.m. for a reported residential burglary. Upon arrival to the area of San Joaquin Hills Road and Jamboree Road, NBPD officers encountered a victim reporting that someone had entered her apartment and taken her belongings.

The suspect reportedly had entered an unlocked door during a 20-minute period of time that the resident was going into and out of her residence. 

Officer and detective investigations led to the arrest the following morning of Thomas Davin Fahey III, 42 of Newport Beach. Fahey, who lists his occupation as a surfboard shaper. He was apprehended at Balboa Blvd. & 28th St. at approximately 10:30 a.m. and arrested for residential burglary with no forced entry.

Fahey was being held on $200,000 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

Ferrari hits light stanchion and drops pole onto PCH, closing one lane of traffic

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

A severely damaged black Ferrari can be seen on the sidewalk just behind a downed light pole 

A single car collision closed one lane of Pacific Coast Highway around 10:07 a.m., on Sunday morning (Nov. 7), according to a Newport Beach Police spokesperson. A black Ferrari, heading east on PCH just before Dover Drive, collided with a light pole, virtually splitting the vehicle in two. 

The collision dropped the light pole into the #2 lane leaving exposed wires visible. That lane remained closed for approximately one hour.

The vehicle had two passengers aboard, with the driver, according to passersby, apparently suffering a leg injury.

There were no arrests made.

Someone makes off with $2,000,000 in stock certificates

On Friday, Nov. 5, at approximately 12:15 p.m., a victim arrived at the Newport Beach Police station’s front desk to file a grand theft report.

The complaint reported that sometime between October 28 and October 29 someone gained access and reportedly took a certificate of stock, valued at $2,000,000.

No one has been arrested, and an ongoing investigation into the case continues.

Thief forcibly opens secured locker and steals $65K in jewelry

A commercial burglary took place on Friday, Nov. 5, in the 200 block of Newport Center Drive. Newport Beach Police report that the victim placed jewelry into a locked locker around 3:30 p.m. and when she later returned at 5 p.m., the locker had been forcibly opened and the jewelry was gone.

Newport Beach Police took a call for assistance at approximately 5:20 p.m. and several officers were dispatched and a report was completed.

The victim estimated the stolen property value to be $65,452.

Police Files

NBPD mourns loss of one of their own

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBPD

Sgt. Randy Parker

The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) honored the passing of Sergeant Randy Parker with a procession and final tribute Tuesday, Oct. 26 at Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park.

A statement released by NBPD Chief Jon Lewis said: “It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of Randy Parker. Randy was a third generation NBPD officer and served the Newport Beach community as a patrol officer, detective and supervisor for over 20 years. Randy’s sense of humor and unwavering dedication to duty will never be forgotten.”

Sgt. Parker, 44, is survived by his wife and two children. He reportedly died of natural causes but experienced a preexisting heart condition.

Deceased found on Balboa Island identified

On Monday morning, Oct. 25 at 8:23 a.m., Newport Beach Police were called to a residence on Balboa Island related to medical aid. The residence was located in the back apartment unit in the area of Diamond Ave. and Bay Front Alley S. 

Upon arrival, police found two adult females and one adult male deceased on the scene. An additional adult male was transported to Hoag Hospital where they were expected to make a full recovery.

The deceased were identified by the Orange County Coroner as Samantha Haiman, 45, of Riverside; Desiree Temple, 43, of Yorba Linda; and Andrew Adams, 43, of Yorba Linda.

The NBPD is investigating the cause of the deaths, and although no confirmation has at yet been offered, the investigation is rumored to be centered around the drug Fentanyl. 

How to enjoy a much safer Halloween

Halloween is this weekend. And although everyone hopes that Halloween will be a safe and fun evening, the unfortunate reality is that, every year, many children suffer from automobile accidents, falls, cuts, tampered “treats” and other unnecessary miseries. 

The Newport Beach Police Department would like to share the following tips with parents – and trick-or-treaters of all ages:

Know Your Child’s Plans

If you will not be with your child, these items are important to discuss in advance:

–Establish a specific route for trick-or-treating (so that you can find your child, if necessary).

–Discuss who will be accompanying your child while he/she is trick-or-treating.

–Establish a time that your child should return home.

Focus on Costume Safety

–Makeup is safer than a costume mask (which can obscure vision).

–Costumes and wigs should be flame-resistant.

–Reflective strips, bright clothing & glow sticks can increase visibility, along with a flashlight.

–Comfortable, well-fitting shoes prevent tripping and other hazards.

–Props and accessories should be made of cardboard, so they won’t injure your child if he/she should fall down.

Follow Critical Safety Tips

–Trick-or-Treat in your own neighborhood.

–Trick-or-Treat in a group of two or more, accompanied by a parent or adult.

–Stick to well-lighted areas.

–Stay on sidewalks and look both ways when crossing the street.  Never cross the street between parked cars or mid-block.

–Don’t allow your child to enter ANY house.

–Parents must inspect all treats. Discard fruit or any candy in loose or torn wrappings.

Talk to your Child about Law Enforcement

–Discuss the importance of respecting the property of others.

–Advise your child that throwing eggs and water balloons, or spraying shaving cream, is inappropriate and could be illegal.

–Curfew in Newport Beach is 10 p.m.

–All fireworks are illegal in Newport Beach.

Drivers, Keep Traffic Safety in Mind: 

–Be on alert for pedestrians (especially children darting into the street) and yield to them at all crosswalks.

–If you are driving kids around, make sure children’s car seats & safety belts are securely buckled each time they get in the car. This may mean they need to change into their costume after exiting the vehicle if their costume hinders you from properly securing their car seat harness or safety belt.

–Slow down in & around residential areas.

–Be extra cautious when backing out of parking spots. If needed, have an adult outside the vehicle guide you out of the space and make sure the area is clear. 

–Avoid distracted driving – wait to use your cell phone until you have pulled over to a safe location.

–If your Halloween plans include drinking, designate a non-drinking driver before going out.

If you should discover anything wrong with the “treats” brought home, please call the NBPD at 949.644.3717 so other parents can be warned and those responsible can be caught.

Throughout the month of October, officers have been distributing glow-in-the-dark bracelets and safety tips to children throughout the community in preparation for Halloween. Additional bracelets are also available at the NBPD front desk at 870 Santa Barbara Drive.

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 dead, one hospitalized on Balboa Island, NBPD investigating

According to a Newport Beach Police Department spokesperson, the NBPD received a call at 8:23 a.m. yesterday morning (Oct. 25) for medical aid to a back residential unit in the area of Diamond Ave. and Bay Front Alley S. on Balboa Island.

Upon arrival, police found two adult females and one adult male deceased on the scene. An additional adult male was transported to a local hospital.

Heather Rangel, the press information officer for the NBPD, said there was no threat to the community and that police were investigating what caused the deaths.

Suspect leaves home and shortly thereafter blows off alarm notification, only to find later that home has been burglarized

A residential burglary occurred in the Lido Isle community on Friday, Oct. 15 at approximately 7:15 p.m., in the 900 block of Via Lido Nord.

Around 7:10 p.m., the victim left the residence and shortly thereafter received a notification that the alarm was set off, but assumed it was an accidental activation. Unbeknownst to the victim, three suspects were accessing the side of the house and shattered a window to gain entry. Once inside, the suspects went to the master bedroom and rummaged through drawers in the master closet before fleeing the scene. 

Any loss is unknown at this time.

Newport Beach Police were able to access the suspect information. The first was a male Hispanic, wearing a gray, long sleeve shirt, a white baseball cap and gloves. Suspect #2 was a male wearing a blue sweatshirt and carrying a backpack. Suspect #3 was also a male Hispanic, heavy set, wearing shorts, a black & gold T-shirt, face mask, and was carrying a satchel.

No arrests have been made.

Police Files

Newport Beach Police plan Halloween Trunk-or-Treat for kids and families

The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) is inviting the community to join in celebrating Halloween with their NBPD Trunk-or-Treat on Friday, Oct. 29 from 4-6 p.m.

The NBPD will have their police vehicle trunks decorated by CSI, SWAT, Animal Control, Dispatch and more. There will be photo opportunities, so don’t forget to wear your favorite costume and bring your camera.

The Police Department is located on the corner of Jamboree Road and Santa Barbara Drive (870 Santa Barbara Drive). Parking for the event is located in the parking structure at 880 San Clemente Drive. When driving east on Santa Barbara Drive, make a left onto San Clemente Drive. The parking structure will be on the left side. Additional handicap parking will be located on Bombero Street, located directly behind the Police Department. All parking is free.

For more information, ontact Press Information Officer Heather Rangel at 949.644.3662 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Police Files

Newport Pier altercation leads to one man’s death

At approximately 12:03 a.m. last Saturday morning, Newport Beach Police received a call regarding a male subject unconscious in the area of the Newport Pier. 

Upon arrival, responding officers provided life-saving measures to the adult victim, but he was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene. It was determined the victim was involved in an altercation with another male adult suspect that was subsequently located in the area. 

Ezekial Izaiah Person, 22, of Tustin, was arrested for voluntary manslaughter and on a felony probation violation. Person, whose occupation is listed as a security guard, was held without bail.

Police determined this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

NBPD Detectives and Crime Scene Investigation personnel are conducting an active homicide investigation. The identification of the deceased is still ongoing and will be released by the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office. 

The NBPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating witnesses to this incident as well as the activities leading up to the altercation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Kyle Markwald at 949.644.3762 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Anyone wishing to provide information anonymously may call our tip line at 1.800.550.NBPD.

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

National Teen Driver Safety Week is a good time to make certain that driving is being done safely

As part of National Teen Driver Safety Week that runs October 17-23, the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) reminds parents and guardians of the importance of talking to their teen(s) about driving responsibly and safely.

Driving remains the most dangerous activity for teens. Per mile driven, teen drivers are nearly four times as likely to be involved in a crash as drivers in all other age groups. 

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), speeding was a factor in 43 percent of all teen driver and passenger fatalities from 2015 to 2019, compared to approximately 30 percent of all traffic deaths among adults 20 and older.

“Like most skills, experience and training make you better and more prepared as a driver,” NBPD Lieutenant Ryan Peters said. “Teen drivers are naturally inexperienced and more likely to take risks and pick up bad habits, which is why it is important for parents and caregivers to play an active role in instilling safe driving habits in their teen.”

The NBPD offers the following tips to parents and guardians for starting conversations about safe driving with teens:

–Provisional Driver’s License: Learn about California’s provisional licensing law, which places restrictions on passengers and driving at night during the first year they have a license.

–Lead by example: Have driving sessions with your teen. Tell, but also show your teen how to drive safely.

–Set ground rules: Be firm on rules such as no phone use, being distracted by friends, always following the speed limit and always buckling up.

–Sober driving: Emphasize the importance of never driving under the influence or riding with someone who has been drinking.

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

Bike safety meeting scheduled Monday at NHHS

The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) invites residents to join them for a meeting to discuss bicycle safety. Parents of school-age children in the area are especially encouraged to attend. 

The meeting will take place in the gym at Newport Harbor High School at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 18. 

Topics covered will be information about electric bikes, rules of the road, safety equipment, NBPD’s enforcement efforts and preventing bike thefts.

Police Files

Newport Beach homeowner cleared of wrongdoing for shooting, killing home intruder

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has cleared a Newport Beach homeowner of any criminal wrongdoing for shooting and killing an intruder who broke into his home in August.

At approximately 4:10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26, 23-year-old Henry Lehr left a residential detox center. Before he left, Lehr told staff at the detox center that he was hearing and seeing “demons.”

After leaving the center, Lehr broke into the backyard of a home a few doors down. He then went to the front door of the home and repeatedly banged on the door and rang the doorbell, demanding to be let inside. He then broke down the front door and started to walk up the stairs where the homeowner and his wife had been sleeping in their bedroom.

The commotion woke up the homeowner, who retrieved his pistol and found the intruder on his stairs. The homeowner yelled at the intruder to identify himself and told him not to keep coming up the stairs. The intruder did not answer and charged up the stairs. The homeowner fired his weapon once, hitting the intruder in the upper chest. The homeowner told his wife to call 911 and ask for police and medical aid. Upon their arrival, Lehr was pronounced dead.

The homeowner later told police that he shot the intruder in his home because he feared for his life and safety and that of his wife.

California Penal Section 198.5 states, in pertinent part, the following: “Any person using force intended or likely to cause death or great bodily injury within his or her residence shall be presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily injury to self, family, or a member of the household when that force is used against another person, not a member of the family or household, who unlawfully and forcibly enters or has unlawfully and forcibly entered the residence and the person using the force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry occurred.”

“A homeowner has the absolute right to protect themselves from someone who breaks into their home in the middle of the night and threatens their safety,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “The loss of life is tragic in any situation and this situation is made even more tragic by the fact that an individual who went to a group home to get help with his addiction issues ended up on a deadly collision course with a homeowner who was just sleeping in his own bed in his own house.” 

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.

NBPD receives ABC grant to address alcohol-related issues

The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) has been awarded a $24,830 grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to battle alcohol-related harm within the community.

The grant is one of more than 50 awarded in California to local law enforcement agencies through ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership Program. The grants strengthen local law enforcement efforts by combining the efforts of local police officers and ABC agents. ABC agents have expertise in alcoholic beverage laws and can help communities reduce alcohol-related problems.

“The program improves the quality of life in neighborhoods,” said ABC Director Eric Hirata. “We’ve seen a real difference in the communities where the grant program resources have been invested.”

The Alcohol Policing Partnership Program was created in 1995 to strengthen partnerships between ABC and local law enforcement agencies. The funds will be used to reduce the number of alcoholic beverage sales to minors, obviously intoxicated patrons, illegal solicitations of alcohol, and other criminal activities such as the sale and possession of illegal drugs.

This project is part of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s Alcohol Policing Partnership. The APP Program has distributed more than $40 million to local law enforcement to combat alcohol-related harm.

ABC is a Department of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.

‘Tis the season for stolen packages and mail

The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) reminds residents that we always need to be on the lookout for mail and packages being stolen off our front porches and doorsteps. Still, with the holiday season approaching and more folks spending their time away from home, this is a great time to refresh on this topic. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help prevent mail & package theft:

Mail theft prevention

–Always use a U.S. Postal collection box or deposit your mail inside your local post office. 

–Whether you have a home mailbox or use a post office box, you should always collect your mail on the day it is delivered. Never leave it in your mailbox overnight. 

–Mail thieves look for bank statements and credit card bills, which can be used to create counterfeit checks or fake identifications. 

–Thieves also look for personal checks enclosed in utility bills or other payments. Thieves take these stolen checks, remove the ink, and then fill out the blank check with their name and desired amount. 

–Never send cash or coins through the mail. 

–When reordering checks have them sent to your bank. 

–When you travel, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail. 

–If you don’t receive a check, bill or other mail you are expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.

–Mail theft can often turn into identify theft if a thief gets ahold of your personal information.

For information on preventing identity theft and what to do if you are a victim of it, check out the Federal Trade Commission’s website at www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft.

Pack theft prevention

–Always track your package deliveries so that you know when they are estimated to arrive at your home.

–Make sure that someone is home to receive the delivery or that a trusted neighbor is available to receive the package on your behalf. 

–Never leave your deliveries unattended on your front porch.

–Always require a signature when having items delivered.

To report all suspicious activity or if you are a victim of theft, contact the Newport Beach Police Department by calling 949.644.3717.

Police Files

Police seeking help with info on vehicle involved in collision fatality

Courtesy of NBPD

On Saturday, Oct. 2, at approximately 7:39 p.m., the Newport Beach Police Department responded to a fatal traffic collision in the area of MacArthur Boulevard and Bison Avenue.

The NBPD is seeking the public’s assistance with their investigation of this incident as well as any activities leading up to the collision. Anyone with information regarding the vehicle depicted in the photographs or its occupants are encouraged to contact Officer Laverty at 949.644.3746 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The vehicle is reportedly a 2016 Toyota Tundra Crew-Cab, with a lifted suspension and a blue Nevada personalized license plate, along with an L.A. Chargers lightening logo in the rear cab window.

No identification has been released concerning the victim of the fatality.

NBPD receives grant to deter dangerous and illegal driving behaviors

The Newport Beach Police Department will roll out a traffic services program to deter dangerous and illegal driving behaviors that increase the risk of crashes in the community, courtesy of a $270,000 grant from the Office of Traffic Safety.

“Impairment, speeding and other dangerous driving behaviors jeopardize the safety of other people on the road,” Newport Beach Police Lieutenant Ryan Peters said. “This funding allows us to provide necessary traffic enforcement measures with the goal of reducing serious injury and fatal crashes on our roads.” 

The grant will pay for additional enforcement measures, including:

–DUI checkpoints and patrols specifically focused on suspected impaired drivers.

–Enforcement operations focused on suspected distracted drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.

–Bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operations focused on driver behaviors that put vulnerable road users at risk.

–Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running and improper turning or lane changes.

–Community education presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, DUI, speeding, and bicycle and pedestrian safety.

–Collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies.

–Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

The grant program will run through September 2022.

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

Police Files

NBPD: The subject is bicycle safety

With bicycle safety becoming one of the more talked about issues in town these days, the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) will conduct a Bike Safety meeting for residents on Monday, Sept. 27, beginning at 6 p.m., at Ensign Intermediate School.

Topics that will be discussed include electric bikes, rules of the road, safety equipment, the NBPD’s enforcement efforts and the subject of preventing bike thefts.

Scholl policy requires attendees to be mindful of social distancing and to wear a mask while indoors on school grounds.

Ensign Intermediate School is located at 2000 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach.

Police Files

Bay bridge Labor Day crash appears tied to suspected DUI

The vehicle that crashed Monday (Sept. 6) on the bay bridge crossing, between Dover Drive and Bayside Drive, before leaving the roadway over the side railing, was reportedly the result of suspected speeding and DUI. Kevin Avoncejaimes, 20, of Costa Mesa, was extracted from the vehicle, airlifted to a nearby hospital and later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Amy Senk

Vehicle parts remain down hillside near Pearson’s Port from car that left PCH in Labor Day crash

The incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. and closed traffic on PCH in both directions while emergency personnel worked to save the solo occupant of a silver Mazda.

Eastbound lanes remained closed for an hour before reopening to through traffic, while westbound lanes remained closed for several more hours while the incident was investigated.

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 goes over bay bridge crossing and crashes into Pearson’s Port area

Newport Beach Police issued a Nixle alert at 5:54 p.m. last evening, Sept. 6, announcing a road closure in both directions of Pacific Coast Highway between Dover Drive and Bayside Drive due to a major traffic accident.

Preliminary reports from NBPD spokesperson Heather Rangel indicate that a vehicle traveling on PCH “in an unknown direction” went over the side railing of the bay bridge located there and landed in the Pearson’s Port area below. 

The police are reporting that a “single occupant was being extracted from the vehicle and airlifted to a nearby hospital.”

Eastbound lanes on PCH opened for traffic an hour after the initial alert, but the westbound lanes were expected to be closed another 3-4 hours.

There was no immediate report of injury or death.

Police Files

Efforts to improve driver and pedestrian interaction on the agenda for the NBPD

As part of Pedestrian Safety Month, the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) is supporting efforts throughout September to improve pedestrian safety and help reduce crashes and injuries.

Pedestrians are more and more at risk on the road. Based on data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 2020 had the largest ever annual increase, 21 percent, in the rate at which drivers struck and killed pedestrians. In California, pedestrian deaths accounted for 27 percent of all traffic-related deaths in 2019.

NBPD Lieutenant Ryan Peters said, “It’s simple: slow down and stop for pedestrians. They have the same rights to the road as everyone else. If you’re walking, be mindful of vehicle traffic and be predictable. We should all be looking out for one another.”

For the safety of everyone walking or driving, the NBPD will have additional officers on patrol throughout the month of September specifically looking for California Vehicle Code (CVC) violations pertaining to drivers and pedestrians.

These violations include right-of-way at crosswalks, illegal turns and not stopping for signs or signals (e.g., right turn on red or red light running) and speeding.

The NBPD offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or in a crash, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking:

Pedestrians

–Be predictable. Use crosswalks.

–Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.

–Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. No vehicle can stop instantly. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.

–Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk, or at night.

–Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers

–Follow the speed limit 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.

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

NBPD to focus September on bicycle and e-bike safety

The NBPD will also be conducting additional bicycle and e-bike safety enforcement and education throughout the month of September. This operation is aimed at educating both drivers and bicyclists on how to use the roadways safely.

Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and bicyclists, like failing to yield, speeding, improper turning, riding a bike on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stops and signals, or any other dangerous violation.

“We want the public to understand that bicyclists and drivers should be sharing the road and following all traffic laws intended to help everyone get where they need to go safely,” Lieutenant Ryan Peters said. “Sharing is caring, and that responsibility falls on both drivers and bicyclists.”

Under California law, drivers are required to provide at least three feet of space when passing bike riders. Bicyclists need to use lights from dusk to dawn, with a front white light and rear red flashing light or reflectors, as well as wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet is required by law for anyone under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

If you are opening a car door or pulling out of a parking space, be on the lookout for bicyclists. Yield to bicyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals and be careful making turns. Drivers and bicyclists should avoid any distractions, like using their cell phone.

“Whether you are on two wheels or four, taking these precautions helps reduce injuries and deaths,” added Sergeant Corey Wolik.

The NBPD supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit www.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.

Police Files

Male acting strangely shot and killed by occupant after reportedly entering home in early morning hours

Yesterday morning, Aug. 26, at approximately 4:13 a.m., Newport Beach Police were called regarding a male subject who was reportedly suffering from mental health and/or possibly under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Police were directed to the area of Indus Street and Redlands Drive, located in a neighborhood area west of the 73 Freeway, between Santa Ana Country Club and Newport Beach Golf Course, in the Santa Ana Heights area.

While officers were responding to the call, the male subject reportedly forcibly entered a nearby residence and was subsequently shot by an occupant. The subject was found deceased at the scene when the police arrived.

Newport Beach Police Detectives and Crime Scene Investigation personnel are conducting an active homicide investigation. 

The identification of the deceased is still ongoing and will be released by the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s office.

The preliminary investigation indicates that this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing community threat to public safety.

Police Files

Vandals damage B.Candy, China Cove homes in early morning spree

Newport Beach Police are investigating after two cases of vandalism occurred early Saturday morning, August 21, at homes in China Cove and at B.Candy, located at 3100 E. Coast Highway.

At B.Candy, a woman was caught on video pulling wiring extension cords from a decorative display and throwing it into the street and parking lot, then grabbing other decorations and breaking them, according to a police spokesman.

The popular candy shop’s owner, Brandy Valdez, said the decorations included a faux lollipop and ice cream cone that were in front of the store, as well as a flower banner that adorned the shop’s awning. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Brandy Valdez

Decorations were damaged outside of B.Candy

Earlier Saturday, police also took a report of vandalism at multiple homes near Shell Street and Way Lane in China Cove. One resident said someone during the night had removed light bulbs from the front porch and slightly moved furniture items on the rear porch. A second resident said a pot at the entryway had soil and flowers removed and thrown onto the porch and a doorbell camera removed. A third resident saw a woman, and had multiple lights pulled out of the ground with electrical wires broken.

Police did not confirm that the same woman was suspected in both incidents.

Three burglaries reported, two in homes where residents were out

Three more residential burglaries were reported this week to Newport Beach Police, two of which occurred with the victims away.

The first one occurred in the Harbor View community in the 1700 block of Port Barmouth Place on Friday, Aug. 20 between 5:30-10 p.m.

With the victims away, an unknown suspect shattered a rear glass door to enter the home. Once inside, the suspect ransacked the master bedroom and office. The suspect then used a patio chair to assist in climbing the backyard fence, allowing them to flee.

The reported loss was jewelry.

No suspect information was available.

The second one occurred in the Mariners community in the 2100 block of Windward Lane between 12 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14 and 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19.

Again, with the victims away, an unknown suspect shattered a window on the side of the residence and then climbed through to enter the home. Once inside, the suspect ransacked the master bedroom, office and another bedroom before fleeing the scene.

The reported loss was jewelry.

No suspect information was available.

The third incident occurred on Wednesday, Aug. 18 around 3:30 p.m. in the 4500 block of Surrey Drive in the Cameo Highlands community.

At approximately 2:15 p.m., one of the residents noticed a suspicious vehicle in front of their house. Shortly thereafter the vehicle left, and the victim then left the residence while another victim remained home.

Then, around 3:30 p.m., the suspects accessed the home either through an open garage pedestrian door or through an open bedroom door. They apparently rummaged through some of the bedrooms before discovering one of the victims was still at home and fled the scene.

No loss was reported.

However, the victims did supply the NBPD with the suspects’ identification as two black males, approximately 5’9”-6’ in height, wearing black masks. Their vehicle was a silver sedan.

No arrests have been made.

• • •

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.

Tips from the Newport Beach Police to make your home safer

–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.

–Use timers on indoor lamps to give the appearance that you are home. If you’re going out for the evening, leave a television or a radio on in the home. 

–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.

–Make sure your utility box is secured with a padlock.

–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.).

–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.

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

Police Files

OCSD deputies spot burglary in process, notify NBPD and the chase is on

Suspects entered the back yard of a Dover Shores community home in the 1600 block of Antigua Way around 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14. To gain access, the suspects shattered a rear glass door leading to the master bedroom.

While this was going on, Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies were in the area and witnessed the burglary in progress. The deputies contacted Newport Beach Police.

Meanwhile the suspects ransacked the master bedroom and bathroom, before fleeing the scene.

Law enforcement pursued the suspects, with reports of assistance with an adjoining city’s police helicopter. The suspects were apprehended in neighboring back yards and taken into custody by the OCSD.

Losses were reported as jewelry, a watch, handbags and sunglasses.

Suspect enters Pelican Point home through second story balcony shattered glass door

A Pelican Point community home located on Pelican Point Drive was burglarized at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14.

While the victim was away, an unknown suspect climbed to the second story balcony of the residence and shattered a glass door to gain access to the master bedroom. Once inside, the suspect rummaged through drawers in both the master bedroom and bathroom. 

It also appeared that the suspect attempted to force open the master closet door and the door leading from the master closet to the rest of the house without success.

The loss is unknown and no suspect information is available.

Fire Files

NBFD helps battle statewide fires raging out of control

More than 11,000 firefighters continue to battle 13 large wildfires and two extended attack wildfires burning in California. Yesterday, the weather continued to test firefighters, as well as increase the risk of new wildfires. 

The Newport Beach Fire Department is engaged. Originally, a strike team of five fire engines from Orange County was sent up to the Dixie Fire about three weeks ago, including one from Newport Beach. That one included one fire engine as part of that strike team staffed with four firefighters. NBFD also sent Battalion Chief Nic Lucas to work in a Safety Officer role. 

All five members returned last weekend after working there for 14 days, plus several travel days.

This week, on Tuesday (Aug. 17), Orange County sent another strike team of five fire engines that included one from Newport Beach. The NBFD engine has four personnel on it. 

Additionally, NBFD sent two Battalion Chiefs to serve as Strike Team Leaders to supervise and direct the five engine companies from the various Orange County agencies. 

The Strike Team Leader responsibility rotates among the different Orange County fire agencies, and this one was Newport Beach’s turn to lead. 

Newport Beach Fire Chief Jeff Boyles told Stu News, “I can tell you from experience, that taking 20 firefighters from five different agencies to an area you have never been to before and battle a fire that is completely out of control, is one of the most dynamic, stressful, yet exhilarating experiences one will ever have in a career. Very few people get the opportunity. 

“We have Battalion Chiefs Brian McDonough and Nick Stocks filling those roles. Alongside them on our Newport Beach fire engine we have Captain Joe Harrison, Engineer Paul Cortes and Firefighter/Paramedics Cory Freeman and Drew Kaford.”

The fire they are battling is the Dixie Fire, which continues to rage out of control and is only about 35 percent contained. It is the largest fire in California state history.

Police Files

DUI checkpoint set for Newport Beach next Friday

The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) will hold a DUI checkpoint on Friday, Aug. 20 from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the Newport Beach city limits.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and prior arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Newport Beach Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Lieutenant Ryan Peters said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”

The NBPD also reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about “driving or operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

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

Mariners home burglarized, suspect makes off with contents from safe

A residential burglary occurred earlier this week in the Mariners community. Sometime over the weekend between Saturday, Aug. 7 and Sunday, Aug. 8, an unoccupied home in the 1800 block of Toyon Lane was burglarized.

An unknown subject entered the home after shattering a glass door. Once inside, the suspect ransacked all of the bedrooms. The suspect located a safe and the key to the safe, allowing him/her to remove all of the contents within.

Reported losses included U.S. currency and a firearm.

No suspect information was available.

Resident surprised by suspect in master bedroom after three males enter Spyglass Hill home

While one victim was working in the upstairs master bedroom and the other was working in a downstairs room, three suspects entered a residence in the Spyglass Hill community by shattering a glass door. The incident occurred on Thursday, Aug. 5 at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Despite the glass breaking, neither of the victims heard the noise.

When one suspect entered the master bedroom and began rummaging through the master closet, the victim was alerted and confronted the suspect.

All suspects fled downstairs and out the same door that was used to enter the home. Nothing was taken.

Suspect #1 was described as a Hispanic male, wearing a dark colored long sleeve shirt; suspect #2 as a Hispanic male, wearing a gray long sleeve shirt; and suspect #3 as a Hispanic male wearing a white long sleeve shirt, blue jeans and a dark colored hat.

No other information was available.

Suspect ransacks Newport Coast home making off with safe and contents

While the victims were away between 8:45-11:15 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7, an unknown suspect burglarized a residence on Tidal Surf in the Newport Coast community.

The suspect accessed the back yard by climbing over a wall and then entered the house through an unlocked rear sliding door. Once inside, the suspect ransacked the master bedroom and closet, before rummaging through drawers in another bedroom. 

While inside the home, the suspect located a safe, removed it and fled the scene.

Losses reported included U.S. currency, watches, jewelry, identification and checks.

There was no suspect information available.

Worker scares off burglars from neighboring roof

On Thursday, Aug. 5, sometime between 12-1 p.m., two males attempted to burglarize an unoccupied home in the 1800 block of Kings Road in the Cliff Haven community.

The two unknown suspects accessed the back yard of the residence and then attempted to forcibly open a back door to enter the home. However, at some point the suspects realized that a worker on a neighbor’s roof was observing them and they fled the scene.

Newport Beach Police were not contacted until this past Tuesday, Aug. 10.

There was no loss of property, but NBPD was able to obtain information on the two suspects, both reportedly with short black hair and wearing dark blue long sleeve shirts.

Police Files

Pedestrian killed in single-car Coast Highway collision

At approximately 3:14 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6, Newport Beach Police Officers responded to Pacific Coast Highway and 60th St., near Cappy’s Café, on the report of a traffic collision.

Upon arrival, officers found a collision involving a single vehicle and a pedestrian. The pedestrian was transported to the hospital, where they subsequently died.

Police closed the area, rerouting traffic while they began an active investigation. That investigation continues.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been released by the Orange County Coroner’s Office.

Two Eastbluff residential burglaries take place over weekend time period

Two residential burglaries recently occurred in the Eastbluff community.

The first was an unoccupied home in the 2800 block of Carob St., which was accessed by an unknown suspect through the back yard, including possibly through a neighboring back yard before that. Once there, the suspect shattered a rear sliding door, entered and ransacked the residence, including prying open a number of cabinets before fleeing the scene.

The incident took place sometime between Thursday, July 22 and Tuesday, July 27.

Newport Beach Police reported no loss and no suspect information.

A second burglary occurred in the 2400 block of Blackthorn St. between Friday, July 23 and Tuesday, July 27.

At some point during this time frame, an unknown suspect accessed the second story patio, then shattered the glass door leading to the master bedroom. Once inside the house, the suspect then ransacked the master bedroom closets before fleeing back through the shattered patio door.

Newport Beach reported losses including jewelry, watches and a firearm. No suspect information was available.

As schools reopen for in-person learning, the NBPD encourages everyone to “Go Safely”

As students and staff return to schools for in-person instruction, the Newport Beach Police Department reminds everyone to keep the safety of students in mind when traveling around schools.

This includes stopping for school buses. California law requires drivers to stop when a school bus is in front of them and extends its stop sign with flashing red lights. Drivers must remain stopped for as long as the red lights are on. Drivers in both directions must stop on any two-lane road without a median or two-lane road with a center turn lane.

“Please drive carefully in school zones,” Lieutenant Ryan Peters said. “Let’s help keep students safe to ensure as smooth a transition as possible back to in-person learning.”

The Newport Beach Police Department offers the following tips for drivers, parents and students:

–Walk on sidewalks and use marked crosswalks, preferably at stop signs or signals.

–Watch for cars entering/backing out of driveways or leaving parking spaces.

–If you need to walk into the street to maintain social distancing, remember to look both ways for cars. 

–Always look left-right-left before crossing the street. Make sure cars see you. Continue scanning for cars when entering the crosswalk.

–Do not listen to loud music or use a phone when crossing the street.

–Drivers: Slow down in school zones. Anticipate more foot and car traffic around schools for drop-off and pick-ups.

–Drivers should do their best to avoid blocking the crosswalk when making a right-hand turn. 

–Parents: Follow any school guidance related to dropping off or picking up students, as well as utilizing social distancing and face covering requirements.

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

Police Files

NBPD making noise about cars that produce a lot of noise

The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) has received numerous complaints regarding loud vehicles with modified exhaust as well as racing vehicles traveling throughout the city in 2021. Many of these types of vehicles gather at non-permitted car shows and other locations within city limits. 

These loud and racing vehicles pose a safety risk and affect the quality of life of our residents and visitors. As a result, the NBPD has stepped up their traffic enforcement and launched a Loud/Modified Vehicle Exhaust and Street Racing Enforcement Operations through summer.

During the summer months, the NBPD has increased enforcement of California Vehicle Code violations related to vehicles with loud/modified exhaust and street racing using direct deployments of Newport Beach Police Officers. 

On Saturday, July 31, the NBPD conducted a joint operation utilizing patrol and motor officers, along with the Laguna Beach Police Department, Huntington Beach Police Department, California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). 

The joint operation resulted in the following:

–68 vehicles were stopped for violations.

–41 vehicles were cited for vehicle code violations (which includes loud/modified exhaust).

–Two vehicles were inspected on-site for modified exhaust violations by a BAR referee.

–Four drivers were arrested for various misdemeanor violations.

–Four vehicles were towed due to a licensed driver not being present.

This was their fourth joint operation held in 2021. The overall numbers after four operations are:

–649 vehicles have been stopped for violations.

–500 vehicles were cited for vehicle code violations. 

–72 vehicles were inspected for modified exhaust violations by a BAR referee.

Additionally, the NBPD issued a press release as well as placed several electronic signboards with messaging in high traffic areas within the city in order to educate the public on vehicle exhaust laws in California as well as notify the community of the upcoming enforcement operations. The NBPD Traffic Division has also done outreach at these various non-permitted car shows and other locations to educate vehicle owners on the California Vehicle Code and Newport Beach Municipal Code as it relates to loud/modified exhaust and street racing.

Early morning vehicle crash leads to fire and eventually to arrest for suspected DUI

On Tuesday, July 27, at approximately 2 a.m., Newport Beach Police Officers responded to a call reporting a vehicle fire near the 73 Freeway and Birch Street. 

Upon arrival, officers observed multiple people attempting to extinguish the fire, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Police were also alerted to the fact that someone was still inside the vehicle.

An officer moved in to open the driver’s door to pull the driver to safety. No one else was found in the vehicle. Officers rendered first aid until paramedics arrived and transported the victim to the hospital.

Eyewitness reports say the fire engulfed the vehicle shortly after the victim was removed, virtually saving his life.

Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was involved in a single car accident which caused the auto to catch fire.

Police later arrested the driver, Robert Valdez, 34, from Costa Mesa, on suspicion of DUI.

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

Detective work leads to arrest of Anaheim man for local commercial burglary

On Thursday, July 8 at approximately 11:40 a.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was dispatched to the area of Quail and Birch streets on a report for commercial burglary. 

Upon arrival, employees of a business located there reported to police that they found the rear door smashed in, however, nothing was reported taken.

Newport Beach Police Department’s Detective Division undertook an investigation eventually leading to 35-year-old Raymond Emilio Chapa, of Anaheim.

On Monday, July 19 at 1:52 p.m., NBPD arrested Chapa in the 800 block of S. Beach Blvd. in Anaheim. He was arrested on suspicion of commercial burglary with a forced entry 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.

Police Files

Burglary suspect arrested after being confronted by victim and fleeing with bike

A residential burglary reportedly occurred on Tuesday, July 13 at around 11:25 a.m. in the central Newport Beach community. While the victim was inside the residence in the 1600 block of West Oceanfront, a suspect reportedly jumped over a backyard wall to access the property.

Once inside, the suspect reportedly entered the garage through an unlocked open door. Then, while preparing to leave the residence with the victim’s bike, the victim heard noises coming from the garage and observed the suspect. He confronted the suspect who then took the bike and fled.

Newport Beach Police were called, and they located the suspect shortly thereafter, making an arrest while recovering the bike.

Ryan Ross Harris, 25, of Huntington Beach, was arrested in the 4500 block of West Coast Highway. He was charged with the burglary of a garage with no forced entry. Bail was set at $20,000.

With victim sleeping, suspect jumps wall to access residence but leaves with nothing

While a victim was sleeping in the bedroom of their residence, a burglary occurred in the Colony community on Colony Plaza at 12:45 a.m. on Friday, July 9.

The suspect entered the patio area of the unit and found access to the inside of the residence through an unlocked patio door. However, the suspect then abruptly left the residence shortly after entering and alerted the victim who heard a noise and observed him fleeing as he jumped over the surrounding patio wall.

Although there was no reported loss, a report was filed with the Newport Beach Police. The suspect was reportedly a white male.

No other information was available.

Suspect smashes window to burglarize Pelican Hill residence

Another residential burglary occurred on Canyon Terrace in the Pelican Hill community sometime between 10 a.m. on Monday, July 5 and 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14.

While the victims were away, an unknown suspect entered the home by cutting the window screen to the master closet and then smashing the window. Once inside, the suspect rummaged through drawers and closets in the master bedroom and master bathroom before fleeing the scene.

Reported losses to the Newport Beach Police included watches, clothing, jewelry and shoes.

No suspect information was available.

Unoccupied Santa Ana Heights home latest to be victimized

An unoccupied home in the Santa Ana Heights community was burglarized sometime between 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13 and 3:45 a.m. on Wednesday, July 14. The residence, located in the 1600 block of Pegasus, was accessed through a backyard side gate.

Once inside the yard, the suspect cut the screen to a bathroom window and entered through the unlocked window. The suspect did not steal any property from inside the residence before leaving through the front door.

The suspect was described to Newport Beach Police as a white male, mid-30s, approximately 5’10” and 190 lbs., with a long brown ponytail and beard.

No arrests have been made.

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

Police arrest suspect after stabbing investigation

On Friday, July 2 around 2:25 p.m., the Newport Beach Police Dispatch Center received a telephone call reporting a stabbing that had just occurred in the 1900 block of E. Balboa Blvd. Police responded and found a victim who had reportedly been attacked on the sidewalk while waiting for an Uber.

Newport Beach Police Detectives began investigating which eventually led to the arrest on Monday, July 12 of 36-year-old Adam Langerbarsotti of Newport Beach. Langerbarsotti was charged with assault using a cutting instrument as a deadly weapon and attempted murder using a cutting instrument.

According to reports, the victim and suspect were not known to each other.

Bail was set at $500,000.

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

Eastbluff community hit with three residential burglaries over several-week period

Multiple residential burglaries have occurred over the last several weeks in the Eastbluff community.

The first took place sometime between 9 a.m. on June 19 and 8:30 p.m. on June 25, in the 2400 block of Blackthorne St.

While the victim was away, an unknown suspect entered the home by removing a window screen and then climbing through. The suspect then ransacked the kitchen, living room, bedrooms, master bedroom and master closet before fleeing through the front door.

The reported losses were collectible items.

No information on the suspect was available.

Another residential burglary occurred in the 700 block of Bison Ave., sometime between 5:30 p.m. on June 23 and 7 a.m. on June 24.

While the victim’s home was being fumigated, an unknown suspect ripped part of the tent covering and accessed the residence through the garage. The suspect rummaged through the garage and then moved inside the home to a bedroom and office.

The suspect also moved a safe in the residence and attempted to force it open but was unsuccessful.

Losses included electronic devices, recreation gear and a record player.

No suspect information was available.

The final one occurred on Sunday, July 7 at approximately 8:45 p.m.

While the victims were away, an unknown female approached the front door and rang the doorbell. Shortly thereafter, unknown suspects pried open the rear French doors to access the house. Once inside, the suspects located a safe and made an unsuccessful attempt to pry it open. They also ransacked the master bedroom and an additional bedroom before fleeing out through the front doors.

The loss was unknown at the time of the report to police.

Possible suspect information included a Hispanic female and two adult males. No other information was released.

Woodward to be tried for the murder of Blake Bernstein by year’s end

Samuel Woodward, of Newport Beach, will reportedly be tried for the murder of Blake Bernstein toward the end of 2021, according to Orange County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Menninger.

The trial at first was expected to take place this summer.

Woodward was arrested and charged with killing his former Orange County School of the Arts high school classmate Bernstein in January of 2018. It is suspected that Woodward picked up Bernstein at his parents’ Lake Forest home in the late evening hours of January 2, 2018. The two then drove around, landing in the Foothill Ranch Shopping Center, before leaving to go on to Borrego Park.

Woodward told detectives following his arrest that Bernstein left the vehicle to enter the park and disappeared. Bernstein was found buried in a shallow grave in the park six days later.

Woodward, who allegedly has ties to the neo-Nazi organization Atomwaffen Division, is thought to have killed Bernstein partly because he was gay. Additionally, a former attorney of Woodward’s also stated that he suffered from issues with his own sexuality.

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

Burglar pries safe from mount, drags it downstairs to open and take contents

A residential burglary occurred on July 4th in the Tesoro community on Marisol. The incident took place sometime between 7-11 p.m., while the victim was away.

An unknown suspect entered the home through unknown means. Once inside the residence, the suspect rummaged through various drawers in an upstairs bedroom. The suspect also located a safe in an upstairs closet, pried it from the floorboards and dragged it downstairs. Once there it was forcefully opened before the suspect fled.

Taken were U.S. currency, firearms and watches.

No suspect information was available.

Police Files

Burglar does balancing act to gain access to second story

A residential burglary occurred in Newport Heights sometime between 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 27 and 3 p.m. on Monday, May 31. The incident took place in the 400 block of Santa Ana Ave. while the victims were away.

The unknown suspect(s) accessed the back yard through an unlocked side gate. They then stacked a patio chair on top of the outdoor backyard bar to access a ledge. From the ledge, the suspect was able to get onto the balcony.

The suspect then made an unsuccessful attempt to shatter a sliding glass door, and then broke the window next to a door to eventually gain entry to the house.

Once inside, the drawers in the master bedroom and a hallway closet were ransacked before the suspect fled the scene.

The victim reported losses that included jewelry.

No suspect information was available.

Dog greets burglar in hallway to prevent any loss

A residential burglary occurred on Augusta Lane in the Canyon Hills community at approximately 4:15 a.m. on Thursday, May 27.

The victim was sleeping when an unknown suspect accessed the residence through an unlocked exterior pedestrian garage door and then proceeded through the unlocked interior garage pedestrian door into the home.

Once inside, the suspect was confronted by a barking dog in the hallway and entered the first open room near him and attempted to close the door behind him. When the dog stopped barking and left the area, the suspect fled the scene through a side door.

There was no loss reported.

Newport Beach Police did obtain some suspect information, saying it was a male with curly hair wearing a hoodie.

Police Files

NBPD investigation uses cameras and witnesses that lead to the arrest of a suspect charged with vandalism

On Friday, May 21 just before 4 p.m., the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) dispatch center received a call reporting a vandalism incident inside a parking structure at Newport Center Drive and Santa Rosa Drive. 

Upon arrival, NBPD officers discovered six vehicles that were vandalized by a sharp object causing deep scratch marks. The estimated damage to the six vehicles exceeded $40,000.

On Wednesday, May 26 through detective investigation, surveillance cameras, along with the help from witnesses and the assistance of the Irvine Police Department, Shallom Han, 35, of Irvine, was arrested. Han was charged with six counts of vandalism by damaging property.

His bail was set at $20,000.

The NBPD is seeking anyone who may be able to provide additional information on this case to contact Detective Spenser at 949.644.3761 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

Dover Shores burglary sees suspect make off with unsecured safe

A residential burglary was reported in the Dover Shores community, occurring between 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 19, in the 1700 block of Antigua Way. While the victims were away, an unknown suspect entered the property through an unlocked side gate.

Once inside the yard, the suspect was able to enter the house through unknown means where they removed an unsecured safe and fled the scene.

Included in the safe was U.S. currency, checkbooks, jewelry, personal documents and personal identification.

The victim was able to obtain suspect information, reporting a male, 5’10” tall, heavy set, wearing a white shite and a red & white baseball hat.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the NBPD.

Suspect breaks back yard glass pane, enters home in Mariners area, makes off with jewelry

While the victims were away, a suspect entered the side yard of a home through an unsecured gate in the Mariners community. The incident occurred in the 1600 block of Anita Lane sometime between 6 a.m. on Sunday, May 16 and 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 19.

Once in the back yard, the suspect shattered a glass pane in a French door to gain access to the inside of the home. The suspect then ransacked the master bedroom and closets before fleeing the scene.

A report filed with the Newport Beach Police showed jewelry as the loss.

There is no suspect information available. 

Burglar breaks glass and enters home while residents are upstairs

A residential burglary occurred in the Harbor View Hills South community while the residents were home. The incident happened in the 3400 block of Quiet Cove around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 19.

An unknown suspect shattered a glass door on the first floor of the home while the victims were upstairs. One of the victims heard a noise, briefly checked the first floor, but did not observe anything suspicious. 

While inside, the suspect accessed the office and rummaged through various drawers. It also appeared they may have accessed the victim’s computer.

The victims discovered the burglary the next morning and contacted the Newport Beach Police.

No loss was reported, and no suspect information was available.

Locked patio door appears to have stopped burglary

Around 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 19, a resident heard a noise coming from the sliding patio door in another room of their apartment. The victim, however, did not think much of it and did not investigate it further.

Then, the following day, around 6:30 a.m., it was discovered that there was damage to the sliding glass door, and it gave the appearance that someone had attempted to pry it open without success.

The incident occurred in the 2100 block of Sherington Place, in the Eight80 community.

There was no loss reported and no suspect information was obtained.