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.