Police Files

Newport Pier parking lot death is an unfortunate and sound reminder

As a follow-up to the Tuesday, Feb. 23 Police Files story titled “Body of deceased female found inside vehicle near Newport Pier,” the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is ruling the cause of death as a suicide.

According to an OCSD spokesperson, the decedent was identified as Cassandra Castellon, 24, of Santa Ana.

It’s a sad reminder of the difficult times so many are facing in these challenging times.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you are encouraged to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255). The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, and also provides prevention and crisis resources for all interested parties.

We can all help to prevent suicides.

Alarm alerts residents and scares off suspect

At approximately 3:15 a.m. on Sunday morning, Feb. 21, an attempted residential burglary occurred in the Upper Newport Bay community in the 2300 block of Tustin Avenue.

With the residents asleep upstairs, an unknown suspect accessed a side door of the house and attempted to enter the home through the unlocked laundry room door. When the suspect opened the door, an alarm was activated, and the suspect fled the scene.

The alarm did wake the victims who were able to get a glimpse of the suspect and contacted Newport Beach Police.

The suspect was described as a male with a thin build, wearing a dark colored jacket and dark colored pants.

No loss was reported.

Suspect forces entry through the front doors and makes off with jewelry and a watch

A suspect forced open the front doors of a home in the Irvine Terrace community to enter the residence. The crime took place sometime between Saturday, Feb. 20 and 12 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22 in the 1900 block of Chubasco Drive. The victim was away at the time.

Once inside, the suspect ransacked the master closet and other bedroom closets before leaving through the front doors.

Losses reported were jewelry and a watch.

There was no suspect information available.

Shattered window allows for access in Cameo Highlands burglary

A residential burglary took place Monday night, Feb. 22, sometime between 6-7:15 p.m. in the Cameo Highlands community. While the victim was away, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard and shattered a first-floor bedroom window on a residence in the 400 block of Morning Canyon Road.

The suspect climbed through the window and ransacked multiple bedrooms and an office/laundry room.

The victim reported a loss of jewelry.

No suspect information was available.