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Tag Archives: Costa Mesa

The Costa Mesa police canceled this Friday’s DUI checkpoint due to the rain

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The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) has cancelled a driving under the influence (DUI) and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, March 13, 2020, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. within the city limits.

Checkpoint locations are based on history of DUI crashes and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, as well as check drivers for valid licenses.

CMPD reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an “operating heavy machinery” warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

In 2018, 1,069 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above). Last year, CMPD investigated 72 DUI crashes, which killed four people and resulted in another 109 injuries.

CMPD offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that does not involve a DUI:
Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
If you see someone who is clearly impaired try and drive, take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
If you are hosting a party, offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor those who are drinking and how they are getting home.
A DUI charge is not cheap. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

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

The Costa Mesa Police Department is conducting a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday night

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The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) will be conducting a driving under the influence (DUI) and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, March 13, 2020, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. within the city limits.

Checkpoint locations are based on history of DUI crashes and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, as well as check drivers for valid licenses.

CMPD reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an “operating heavy machinery” warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

In 2018, 1,069 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above). Last year, CMPD investigated 72 DUI crashes, which killed four people and resulted in another 109 injuries.

CMPD offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that does not involve a DUI:

  • Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
  • If you see someone who is clearly impaired try and drive, take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
  • Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
  • If you are hosting a party, offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor those who are drinking and how they are getting home.
  • A DUI charge is not cheap. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

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

The O.C. Board of Supervisors is joining the fight against Covid-19 patient quarantining in Costa Mesa

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Santa Ana, Calif. (February 25, 2020) – Today the County of Orange Board of Supervisors unanimously directed the Office of County Counsel to file an Amicus brief with the United States District Court regarding pending federal litigation in the City of Costa Mesa, et. al v. United States of America, et. al. regarding the use of the Fairview Development Center for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Further details including the Amicus brief will be provided at a later time.

The OCDA dropped charges against a woman who stabbed a Costa Mesa man in self-defense

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SANTA ANA, Calif. – Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has dismissed murder charges against a woman who was assaulted by the man she ended up killing. New evidence discovered during the course of the investigation into this case revealed Amber Angelovic had acted in self-defense.

On March 14, 2017, 21-year-old Amber Angelovic was charged with one felony count of murder and an enhancement of the personal use of a weapon for killing 32-year-old Derek Valentine inside Valentine’s Costa Mesa home.

https://www.facebook.com/amber.angelovic/videos/10221986672520487/

On March 11, 2017, Angelovic and Valentine took an Uber to Valentine’s home after a night of drinking at a Costa Mesa bar. The two had been on one date prior to that night.

Derek Valentine

She called 9-1-1 from Valentine’s bedroom to report that Valentine prevented her from leaving and began hitting her in the face and throwing her down.

Fearing that she would be raped or killed, Angelovic said she grabbed a knife which she carries for personal protection and engaged in a self-defense drill she learned in a self-defense class.

Costa Mesa police officers found Valentine dead at the bottom of the stairs with two stab wounds to his chest.

A search of Valentine’s home revealed drug paraphernalia, books on how to get women to have sex with you, a white board with handwritten notes about how to stalk women, and numerous text messages in which he denigrates women and discussions about overcoming women’s will to have sex.

A search of his computer also revealed internet searches for date rape drugs.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Heather Brown appeared in court on February 10, 2020 to ask the court to dismiss the charges.

“The People have obtained additional evidence and are now convinced Ms. Angelovic had a lawful right to self-defense and therefore are unable to proceed,” said Brown. “The People are making a motion to dismiss based on lack of sufficient evidence and in the interest of justice.”

“The decision to dismiss criminal charges – especially charges that involve the death of a person – is not a decision that is made lightly,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “As prosecutors we must not only consider the evidence; we must also consider all possible defenses. After a thorough review and careful consideration there is insufficient evidence in this case to prove murder beyond a reasonable doubt. It is for that reason – and that reason alone – that I am requested these charges be dismissed.”

The District Attorney’s Office obtained express permission from Angelovic and her attorney John Barnett to identify her as an assault victim.

Suspect shot in the face by Costa Mesa police on New Year’s Eve facing 12 felony charges

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Santa Ana, Calif. – A 26-year-old man who survived being shot in the face by police after firing at an officer during an hours-long New Year’s Eve standoff was charged today with 12 felonies and one misdemeanor. Fernandez is also accused of holding one woman at gunpoint and shooting at another as she drove her car into her garage.

Steven Taylor Fernandez, 26, of San Diego, is facing a maximum sentence of 62 years to life plus 31 years and eight months if convicted on all charges.

Fernandez has been charged with one felony count of attempted murder of a peace officer, one felony count of attempted murder, five felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, one felony count of criminal threats, one felony count of vandalism, and one felony count of carrying a loaded firearm in public. He has also been charge with one felony count of discharging a firearm at an inhabited building, one felony count of grossly negligent discharge of a firearm, and one misdemeanor charge of brandishing a firearm capable of being concealed.

Fernandez has also been charged with five felony enhancements of personal use of a firearm during the commission of a serious felony, one felony enhancement of attempted premeditated murder, two felony enhancements of personally using a firearm, and two felony enhancements of discharge of a firearm.

Officers were notified of a man in distress who was in possession of a handgun near Orange Avenue and Palmer Street in the city of Costa Mesa around 3:43 p.m. on December 31, 2019.

The man, later identified as Fernandez, shot several times at police, who returned fire. Fernandez ran to a residential garage on the 200 block of Knox Place and opened fire on a resident. The resident was not hurt.

Fernandez barricaded himself in the garage and was subsequently shot by officers.

He was taken to Orange County Global Hospital where he remains in custody. Fernandez is scheduled to be arraigned on January 10, 2020 in Department C5 at the Central Justice Center.

Deputy District Attorney Laila Nikaien of Special Prosecutions is prosecuting this case.

The Costa Mesa police arrested an armed suspect who shot at them

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On December 31, 2019, at approximately 3:43 p.m., the Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) received a call of a possible suicidal subject armed with a handgun in the area of Orange Ave. and Palmer St.

An officer in the area observed Steven Fernandez, who matched the description of the subject in question. When Fernandez saw the officer, he began to flee on foot while firing several shots at the officer with a handgun. The officer returned fire and Fernandez continued to run and shot at the officer several more time. Neither Fernandez or the officer were hit during the exchange.

Fernandez fled to a garage in the 200 block of Knox Pl. where he shot at a resident. Fernandez was confined to the location by the perimeter established by responding officers.

CMPD SWAT responded and attempted to negotiate with Fernandez. As negotiators were occurring, Fernandez displayed a weapon which led to an officer involved shooting. Fernandez sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to OC Global hospital where he is expected to survive.

Two handguns were recovered from Fernandez. No community members or officers were injured during the incident. This is an ongoing investigation being handled by the CMPD and OC DA’s Office.

Costa Mesa jewelry store owner found in Santa Ana after a robbery and kidnapping

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COSTA MESA, Calif. – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) is investigating a jewelry store robbery and kidnapping of the storeowner, who was assaulted and left with serious injuries.

On Dec. 4, 2019, at 10:13 p.m., CMPD received an audible alarm alert from a jewelry store located at the 1800 block of Newport Boulevard. Officers found the door to the location unlocked. A search of the business did not reveal any signs of a theft and the safe was secure. The business had closed at 6:00 p.m. and the owner could not be located. After speaking to the owner’s family, a missing person report was initiated.

In the early morning hours of Dec. 5, 2019, the storeowner was located in Santa Ana by the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD). He was found with serious injuries and bound with duct tape. SAPD determined that the storeowner was the victim of a kidnapping and robbery that occurred in Costa Mesa, and they contacted CMPD to take over the investigation. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for the non-life threatening injuries he sustained.

At this time, no arrests have been made. This is an active investigation and no further details are being released at this time.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact:

Detective David Sevilla
714.754.5360
dsevilla@costamesaca.gov

and/or

Sergeant Scott Stafford
714.754.4933
sstafford@costamesaca.gov

Meet Kobe Bryant at the free O.C. Children’s Book Festival in Costa Mesa this Sunday

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NBA Legend, Academy Award Winner, and New York Times Bestseller Kobe Bryant will be appearing at the 16th annual Orange County Children’s Book Festival, set for this Sunday, October 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Orange Coast College, located at 2701 Fairview Road, in Costa Mesa. Click here for maps and directions. The event and the parking is free!

This free event will be highlighting 90 published authors, 12 studio illustrators and 60 literacy loving exhibitors all coming to interact with Southern California families.

The Orange County Children’s Book Festival’s mission is to inspire children with the love of books and the joy and reading and this mission is accomplished with the help from all the Festival’s participants.

Bryant will be sharing his passion for books from the Main Entertainment Stage. Other celebrities include Little Women: LA Reality TV star Elena Gant and notable astrophysicist David A. Aguilar.

As with every year, the Festival features six stages with author and illustrator presentations and storytelling along with puppet show performances. The popular animal stage is being sponsored by the San Diego Zoo and will be showcasing animals from the Zoo and books written about some of their animals, too.

Throughout the day the S.T.E.A.M. Stage presentations will delight space and science lovers. Along with other notable presentations the S.T.E.A.M. Stage is fortunate to have David A. Aguilar the internationally recognized astronomer and author of non-fiction books designed for space learners of all ages. David is the former Director of Science Information at the Harvard- Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, MA. He left Harvard in 2015 to join NASA’s New Horizons Mission special media team on the historic Pluto Flyby Mission. Now David spends much of his time traveling as a Smithsonian Science Lecturer and Harvard World Tours Expert Study leader, and has crafted stellar astronomy experiences across the globe from Kazakhstan to Easter Island to Antarctica.

The Main Entertainment Stage features family friendly entertainment.
Festival favorites returning are Dot Comm Dancers – Orange County
School of the Arts, Danza Azteca Xochipilli – Segerstrom Center for the Arts Company Kids – Orange County Song & Dance Sparkelina – a Kinderwise Production. The All American Boys Chorus is a new performance this year singing beautiful show tunes and classic favorites.

The Orange Coast College planetarium and aquarium will be open to the
public and present young family shows at the Festival. Food vendors will be selling hot dogs, pizzas, Mexican Food, hamburgers, chicken fingers, shaved ice, and organic vegan food, too.

Irvine burglary suspect now arrested for a double slaying in Newport Beach

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Press Release – Double Homicide Suspect Arrested

On April 25, 2019, the Newport Beach Police Department arrested Jamon Rayon Buggs, a 44 year old resident of Huntington Beach, for the murder of Darren Donald Partch, a 38 year old resident of Newport Beach, and Wendi Sue Miller, a 48 year old resident of Costa Mesa.

The victims were found deceased inside a residence in the 2100 Block of East 15th Street in Newport Beach on the evening of April 21, 2019. At the time of his arrest, Jamon Rayon Buggs was in custody at the Orange County Jail in connection with unrelated charges stemming from an arrest by the Irvine Police Department. Jamon Rayon Buggs is currently being held on a $1,000,000 bail pending double murder charges.

This is an open and ongoing investigation and no additional details are available at this time. Please see the attached booking photo of Jamon Rayon Buggs from the Irvine Police Department. Anyone with information regarding this case or with information on the recent activities and whereabouts of Jamon Rayon Buggs prior to his arrest should contact Detective Rick Henry at 949-644-3797.

The Newport Beach Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Orange County Crime Lab, Irvine Police Department, Laguna Beach Police Department, Costa Mesa Police Department, Santa Ana Police Department, and Anaheim Police Department for their assistance with this investigation.

A motorcyclist was killed in a traffic accident in Costa Mesa on Tuesday

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Traffic collision results in fatality of motorcyclist at the scene in Costa Mesa

COSTA MESA, Calif. – A traffic collision that occurred tonight, March 19, 2019, resulted in the death of a motorcyclist at the scene. The name of the deceased is being withheld until next of kin is notified.

At approximately 8:50 p.m., Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) officers and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue responded to a traffic collision involving a 23-year-old male motorcyclist and a driver in a silver Nissan sedan on Fairview Road and Adams Avenue. The motorcyclist and the driver collided as the sedan was traveling westbound on El Camino Drive, which turns into Adams Avenue, and the motorcyclist was traveling northbound on Fairview Road.

The motorcyclist was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the vehicle involved was uninjured and remained at the scene and cooperated with CMPD.

The CMPD Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded to the scene and began their investigation.

At this time we have no further information about the incident.

CMPD is asking anyone with additional information about the fatal traffic collision to contact Traffic Investigator Darren Wood at (714) 754-5264.

The Costa Mesa police are looking for four women who stole high-end purses

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https://www.facebook.com/CostaMesaPD/videos/2201476396538882/

Costa Mesa Police Department

On Dec. 9, at about 7:34 p.m., four African-American female suspects, possibly in their late 20s, entered a storefront of a marketplace at the 600 block of Paularino Avenue and stole a number of high-end purses. As an employee tried to stop them, he was pepper sprayed.

It is believed the suspects fled in a white compact vehicle.

It appears they were seen in the area hours before casing the store.

This investigation is ongoing, anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Peters at 714-754-5198.

The Costa Mesa police are searching for a missing senior with memory issues

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Douglas Kenyon

Costa Mesa Police Department

Advisory: We are actively searching for an adult male with memory issues who went missing yesterday

The Costa Mesa Police Department is actively searching for a missing adult male that went missing yesterday.

On Dec. 1, 2018, Douglas Kenyon, 67 years old, from Costa Mesa, left his residence and went missing. He has memory issues and cognitive difficulties. Continue reading→

A dozen O.C. gangbangers and parolees were arrested after a joint operation

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Costa Mesa Police Department

Advisory: Joint operation targeting local parolees and gang members results in 12 arrests

On Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, CMPD Gang Investigators, an OC Deputy Probation Officer, and State Parole Agents conducted a joint operation targeting local parolees and gang members, which resulted in the arrest of 12 subjects: Continue reading→

Man charged with murder after a DUI crash that killed an off-duty Costa Mesa Fire Captain

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Stephen Taylor Scarpa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2018

MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS AND COLLIDING WITH OFF-DUTY COSTA MESA FIRE & RESCUE CAPTAIN

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man was charged today with ­­­­­murder for driving under the influence of drugs and colliding with off-duty Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Captain Mike Kreza, who was cycling in Mission Viejo.

Defendant: Stephen Taylor Scarpa, 25, Mission Viejo

Charged today with: Continue reading→

Off duty Costa Mesa Fire Dept. Captain badly injured by a suspected DUI driver while bike riding

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Captain Mike Kreza with Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue

JOINT STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCSD Investigating Major Accident involving Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Captain

MISSION VIEJO, Ca. (November 3, 2018) – This morning just after 8 a.m. OCSD deputies responded to the scene of a traffic collision on eastbound Alicia Parkway near Via Burgos in Mission Viejo. Upon arrival, deputies found the victim, a male bicyclist in his 40s, laying in the roadway unresponsive with visible head and body trauma. The Orange County Fire Authority responded and transported the victim to a local hospital in critical condition.

From initial witness statements, the driver of a van struck the victim while he was riding his bicycle eastbound on Alicia Parkway. The driver remained at the scene and was evaluated for DUI by an OCSD deputy trained as a drug recognition expert. He is suspected to be under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the collision and multiple prescription medications were in his vehicle. Continue reading→