Police Files

Woman, suspected of DUI, drives car through local park and into Bay before being arrested

A woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after crashing into the Bay on Friday evening, Aug. 19, around 7:45 p.m. The incident occurred near Via Genoa and Via Lido Nord on Lido Isle, according to Newport Beach Police.

The driver, identified as Melissa Bernadette Murrel, 48, of Newport Beach, was not seriously injured but an onlooker reportedly grabbed a piece of pipe from a nearby railing and knocked out several of the submerged vehicle’s windows before someone else opened the trunk to pull out the driver. 

Murrel was driving alone and plowed through a playground at Genoa Park before entering the water, according to an eyewitness reported by CBS Los Angeles.

According to police, Murrel was initially taken to the hospital to receive medical attention, before being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Burglar hits home in Mariners community

A residential burglary recently occurred Saturday evening, Aug. 20, between the hours of 5:30-10 p.m. on the 1600 block of Warwick Lane in the Mariners community. 

While the victim was away, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard of the home by climbing over the fence on the side of the house. The suspect then shattered a glass door leading to the master bedroom and then ransacked it. The suspect used patio furniture to climb back over the fence and flee the scene. 

The victim contacted the Newport Beach Police Department the following morning to report the burglary. The loss is unknown at the time of the report to police and there is no suspect information available.

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.