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.