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Category Archives: Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa catalytic converter thieves caught red-handed

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Today at about 1:22 a.m., Costa Mesa police officers were dispatched to the 2600 block of Newport Boulevard regarding the sounds of power tools being used.

The police officers arrived and could hear a saw being used in the rear lot of the truck rental business. Officers began to approach the rear lot and saw a man start to run away. He was then detained.

A second man began running toward the fence adjacent to a neighboring parking lot. Officers were already in that parking lot. Once the second subject saw the officers on the other side of the fence, he gave up and was arrested.

A reciprocating saw was located under one of the trucks and pieces of rebar were cut from around the catalytic converter. The rebar had been put on all the trucks because of recent thefts.

Man with prior DUI convictions charged again after a fatal DUI crash in Newport Beach

Posted on by Posted in Accidents, Alcohol, Costa Mesa, Crime, Newport Beach, OCDA, Public Safety 1 Comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A 28-year-old Costa Mesa man charged with murder for killing Richard Frost, 74, of Newport Beacha while driving under the influence had three prior driving under the influence convictions and was wanted on warrants on two other driving under the influence cases. He has also been charged in a hit-and-run that occurred shortly before the fatal collision.

Stewart Waithanji was arrested by Costa Mesa police at a nearby bar parking lot shortly after the hit-and-run collision that left the 74-year-old man dead.

Waithanji has been charged with one felony count of murder, one felony count of driving under the influence, one felony count of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher, and two misdemeanor counts of hit and run.

Prosecutors have asked for an increased bail of $2 million. He faces a maximum sentence of life if convicted on all charges.

Around 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021, Costa Mesa police were called to the scene of a hit-and-run accident on Newport Boulevard south of 17th Street with witnesses attempting stop the driver from leaving the scene. Officers found an injured 74-year-old man in the street. The man was treated by paramedics and taken to a local hospital where he died.

Witnesses reported the victim was attempting to stop the driver of a silver Chevy Malibu from leaving the scene when he was struck. The driver, later identified as Waithanji, continued driving. He was arrested a short time later in the parking lot of a Los Alamitos bar.

Waithanji was wanted on a warrant on a September 2019 driving under the influence case and also on second warrant for an October 2019 driving under the influence case. He has three prior driving under the influence convictions in Iowa.

“The life of a human being is not something to be discarded and thrown away; a life is something to be celebrated, treasured, and lived to the very fullest,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Yet, a 74-year-old man was left for dead in the middle of the street, tossed aside as if he never mattered, because of the selfish decision of a stranger to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. His life may not have mattered to the driver who left him for dead, but it matters to me and it matters to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. And we will fight for justice for him and everyone who loved him.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Heather Brown of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

Where to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Orange County

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SANTA ANA – Supervisor Katrina Foley (District Two) was joined by Chairman Andrew Do (District One), Supervisor Doug Chaffee (District Four), and representatives from the Orange County Fair Board of Directors and Orange County Health Agency today, to announce the opening of the County’s third Super Pod vaccination site at the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds.

“As we open more business sectors in the Orange Tier, our new same-day appointment system at our OC Fair and Event Center location, will help our community get back to work safely and conveniently,” said Supervisor Foley. “The site’s dual-function as a joint vaccine and COVID testing location, helps ensure our goals of health equity and serving the ongoing needs of our communities.”

During the press conference, Foley also announced ongoing efforts to expand hours for the pod location, to better serve those who might not be able to get vaccinated during normal business hours. She concluded with the announcement that she would work with the OC Fair Board to support the vaccination of the fair’s 1500 employees, in advance of the July 16th opening.

“Finally, I want to remind our community members on the continued importance of wearing masks and practicing social distancing, even as our vaccination rollout continues.” reminded Supervisor Foley. “We are so close to the light at the end of the tunnel, including being able to return to the OC Fair. We just have to stay the course.”

For more information on Orange County’s ongoing vaccination process click here.

Vaccinations dispensed at County Super PODs are currently available to Orange County residents and those who work in Orange County.

How to Get Vaccinated:

Individuals who live or work in Orange County, CA can register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine online through www.Othena.com or by downloading the app on Iphone or Android. Othena is a vaccine scheduling system created by CuraPatient, in conjunction with leading health care experts and public health agencies.

BE AWARE: The OC Health Care Agency, County of Orange has partnered with Composite Apps, developer of the Othena application, for the sole purpose of facilitating safe and timely distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to Orange County residents. Be HYPERAWARE of fake apps and scammers who may create malicious health-related applications. The Othena app will NEVER ask you for your social security number, credit card information, bank information, or any payment of any sort in any way. Some phone calls may be made to coordinate appointments, but those callers will NEVER ask for payment. Be also aware of the spelling of OTHENA, both as an app and the website www.othena.com.

To learn more about how and where to get vaccinated, please visit the Orange County Health Care Agency website. For questions related to COVID-19, visit OCHA’s COVID-19 website, or follow the HCA on Facebook (@ochealthinfo) and Twitter (@ochealth).

The Costa Mesa Police Dept. is targeting distracted drivers in April

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COSTA MESA, Calif. (March 31, 2021) – April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) encourages drivers to give the phone a break and focus on the road.

Throughout the month of April, CMPD will have additional officers on patrol specifically looking for drivers who violate the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

“When you are driving, give the phone a rest,” Sgt. Dan Miles said. “A driver’s number one focus should be on the road. Anything that distracts you from the task of driving, especially a phone, puts yourself and others at risk.”

According to the 2020 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, more than 75% of surveyed drivers listed “Distracted Driving because of TEXTING” as their biggest safety concern.

“Not driving distracted is a simple but significant behavior change,” Sgt. Miles said. “The goal is to increase compliance with the hands-free cell phone law to make sure drivers are focused and alert. Let’s share the road and do the right thing to keep the streets safe for everyone including drivers and pedestrians.”

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or other electronic device while behind the wheel. Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use a phone for any reason, including hands-free.

If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over and park at a safe location. Drivers should silence their phones or put the phone out of reach, such as the glove box or trunk.

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

Armed robbers have been targeting South Coast Plaza customers

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You might have heard about the incident earlier this month in Beverly Hills, when an armed robber stole a $500K gold Richard Mille watch from a jeweler dining at an upscale restaurant, Il Pastaio. That robbery took place in the afternoon and the robber ended up discharging his weapon, wounding an innocent bystander. Now similar incidents are happening at South Coast Plaza, here in Orange County.

Two customers were accosted by a couple of armed robbers in ski masks in the parking lot of South Coast Plaza on Saturday, March 27. The robbers took off with their wallets and watches, according to the Costa Mesa Police. As happened in Beverly Hills the brazen robberies took place in broad daylight at about 2 p.m..

Ten minutes later the police got another call regarding an identical robbery in the very same parking lot. In that case two young men in black knit ski masks too valuables from the victims.

The robbers jumped into a maroon colored SUV that had a woman driver and took off before the police could arrive.

No one was injured in the two robbery incidents. The police were not certain as to the value of the stolen items.

Police in Los Angeles have noticed this as a trend involving victims wearing expensive high-end watches who are targeted by armed robbers, particularly in the west side of Los Angeles. There have been more than a half dozen of these armed robberies.

The LAPD has arrested two suspects who are thought to be part of an organized robbery crew but others in the crew are still out there.

One has to wonder if the robbers at the South Coast Plaza are copycats or new robbers, perhaps locals?

Suspect involved in several crimes finally gets nabbed by the Costa Mesa Police Department

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COSTA MESA, Calif (March 25, 2021) – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) has arrested the robbery suspect who evaded police last week, causing three schools to shelter in place. The suspect, Jose Guadalupe Arce-Dominguez, 31, Costa Mesa, was also arrested for assault with a deadly weapon which occurred a day before the robbery. 

On Thursday, March 18, 2021, at approximately 10:57 a.m., CMPD officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon call at the 1900 block of Harbor Boulevard.

Officers contacted the victims who reported that earlier that morning when they exited the business into the alleyway, they were laughing as the suspect was passing by on a skateboard. The suspect stopped and confronted the victims and asked what they were laughing at. The suspect opened a folding knife and threatened the victims and then lifted his shirt and exposed a handgun in his waistband. The victims retreated into the business and the suspect fled on his skateboard north on Harbor Boulevard. 

On Friday, March 19, 2021, at approximately 12:10 p.m., CMPD officers responded to a robbery in the 2100 block of Placentia Avenue that had just occurred.

Officers contacted the victim who reported that when she parked her vehicle, the suspect confronted her. He was upset because the victim parked too close to his bicycle. As the driver exited the vehicle, the suspect began to argue with her. The suspect punched the victim knocking her to the ground. As the victim fell to the ground, her cellular phone fell next to her. The suspect grabbed the phone, and fled north on foot jumping a fence into a residential yard.

Responding officer saw the suspect fleeing northbound on foot, chased after him, and a perimeter was set up. Out of an abundance of caution, nearby schools including Estancia High School, Wilson Elementary, and Christian Lutheran School were advised to shelter in place until the perimeter was taken down. The suspect was not located that day. 

On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at approximately 2:30 p.m., CMPD officers saw a subject riding a skateboard in the area of Newport Boulevard and Vanguard Way. The officers saw he matched the description of the suspect of the assault with a deadly weapon from Thursday. Officers stopped Arce-Dominguez who was in possession of an open beer. He was arrested for an outstanding warrant and transported to the CMPD jail.

While at CMPD, an OC Probation Officer assigned to the department realized Arce-Dominguez had the same tattoo as the suspect from the robbery on Friday. Arce-Dominguez was then booked on both crimes and was transported yesterday to Orange County Jail. 

CMPD is looking for anyone who may have additional information on Arce-Dominguez or concerning these incidents. Witnesses are asked to contact Detective Jon Smith at 714-754-5097 or jsmith@costamesaca.gov, or Detective-Sergeant Jose Morales at 714-754-4933 or jmorales@costamesaca.gov.

The Costa Mesa police made a big drug bust in Santa Ana

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During the ongoing investigation of a robbery and aggravated assault incident that happened at the 600 block of Hamilton Street in late February, Gang Investigators identified three suspects.

Two were arrested within days of the incident but at that time the third suspect could not be located. Last week, during a probation search of the third suspect’s residence, a 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a prohibited 33-round magazine was recovered and seized.

Gang Investigators received information that the outstanding suspect was staying in the Santa Ana area. The suspect and another man were located and were found to be in possession of over 550 grams of psilocybin (mushrooms), suspected fentanyl powder, suspected pressed fentanyl pills, Zanax bars, cannabis edibles, sales packaging material, a digital gram scale, and approximately $2,000 in cash.

The two suspects were then arrested. The third outstanding suspect was booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, illegal possession of a prohibited ammunition magazine and possession for sale of illegal drugs. The other man was booked on a charge of possession for sale of illegal drugs.

O.C. man attacked a transgender woman with a skateboard

Posted on by Posted in Costa Mesa, LGBTQ 3 Comments

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A 23-year-old man has been charged with a hate crime for attacking a transgender woman with a skateboard in Costa Mesa after using a derogatory epithet disparaging her sexuality.

Johnny Santos Moreno, 23, of Costa Mesa, has been charged with one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon, one felony count of threatening a witness, and a felony hate crime enhancement. He faces a maximum sentence of eight years in state prison if convicted on all counts.

Moreno is currently being held at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange on $25,000 bail.

On March 11, 2021, Moreno is accused of hurling a homophobic slur at the transgender woman and then using his skateboard to repeatedly hit the woman. A passing motorist witnessed the attack and called Costa Mesa police. Moreno is accused of using his skateboard to threaten the motorist for calling police.

“No one should have to live in the shadow of fear that they will be targeted and physically attacked because of the way they dress, speak, behave, or who they love,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Our differences – whether the color of our skin, our sexuality, or our religion – should be causes for the celebration of our diversity, not targets on our backs for haters to mock, deride, harass, and harm us. Those who engage in hate-motivated crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law here in Orange County.”

Deputy District Attorney Jake Jondle of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this case

The Costa Mesa police shot a robber who was stabbing a cashier

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COSTA MESA, Calif. (March 11, 2021) – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) responded to a robbery in progress this morning that resulted in an officer involved shooting. 

At approximately 4:45 a.m. today, March 11, 2021, officers responded to a call about a fight at a business located at the 2200 block of Fairview Road.

When officers arrived, they interrupted a robbery in progress. The male suspect was assaulting the cashier with a knife when the officer involved shooting occurred. 

The victim and the male suspect where both treated at the scene by officers and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue. They were then transported to nearby hospitals. The victim sustained stab wounds and is in stable condition. The suspect’s condition is unknown at this time while he receives medical treatment.  There were no other parties or officers reported injured in this incident. A knife was located at the scene. 

As per standard protocol, the Orange County District Attorney will handle the officer involved shooting investigation.

No further information will be released by CMPD at this time.

Costa Mesa K9 officers help to make a big drug bust

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Earlier this week, Costa Mesa police officers made a traffic stop of a vehicle that resulted in a search of the car.

The police officers located approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine, an assault rifle with a drum magazine, a fully automatic “ghost gun,” ammunition, body armor, and other contraband.

Two Costa Mesa police K9s assisted with K9 Bodi helping to locate the drugs. An arrest was then made.

Costa Mesa convict caught with drugs again

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During a patrol check yesterday, at about 10AM, Costa Mesa police officers contacted an individual staying in the 2000 block of Harbor Boulevard who is on Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS) with search conditions.

Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) is a form of supervision provided to an offender who has been released from a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) institution to the jurisdiction of a county agency, pursuant to the Post Release Community Supervision Act of 2011.

During a search of the room, the police officers located 31 grams of methamphetamine, over eight grams of what is suspected to be fentanyl, a large amount of cash, a scale, and drug paraphernalia.

The individual on PRCS and another subject who was present were then taken into custody.

A Costa Mesa DUI driver hit a pedestrian and a car and was arrested

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COSTA MESA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2021) — The Costa Mesa Police Department has arrested a man suspected of DUI after striking a pedestrian and second vehicle earlier this morning. 

Today, Feb. 21, 2021, at approximately 2:07 a.m., officers responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic collision.  A driver in the first vehicle ran a red light going south on Newport Boulevard at 19th Street and struck a pedestrian at Harbor Blvd., then collided with a second car at Harbor Boulevard before rolling over. 

The pedestrian and the driver of the second vehicle were transported to a nearby hospital.

There are no fatalities in this incident. The driver, Herman Martinez, 22, Maywood, in the first vehicle did not suffer injuries and was subsequently arrested for DUI.

MAIT was called out and a Sig Alert was put out.

Presently, northbound Newport Boulevard is open. Southbound Newport Boulevard remains closed until approximately 10:00 a.m. 

The FBI arrested a Costa Mesa Trumper who rioted in the U.S. Capitol

Posted on by Posted in Costa Mesa, Crime, Donald Trump, FBI, Justice, Politics, Republican Party, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Christian Secor, 22, a UCLA student from Costa Mesa, has been arrested by the FBI due to his alleged participation in the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Secor is facing five federal offenses after he rioted in the Capitol and was seen inside the building, on the Senate floor and also sitting on former Vice President Mike Pence’s chair in the Senate chambers during the insurrection, according to CBS News.

Footage and images recorded during the riot at the Capitol show Secor forcing his way past at least three police officers blocking a set of double doors leading into the building while wearing a red hat bearing the slogan “Make America Great Again,” according to the O.C. Register.

Secor broadcasted a livestream from the Capitol during the riot using a fake name of a man who murdered six people in Isla Vista, back in 2014. He had bragged that he would not be caught!

Secor was repeatedly accused of inciting racism through comments and tweets about immigrants and Jews last year at UCLA where he also founded a student group called America First Bruins at the university. Secor has openly espoused white supremacy views online as well.

Secor is being held without bail after his first hearing at the federal court in Santa Ana.

Secor is among more than 200 defendants accused of participating in the attack on the U.S. Capitol, which caused dozens of injuries and resulted in the death of a Capitol police officer.

The FBI has posted pictures of the Capitol riot Trumpers online. Several Orange County residents have already been arrested and more are likely to be charged soon.

An ambulance was struck by a vehicle in Costa Mesa

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Costa Mesa police officers responded to a traffic collision on southbound Newport Boulevard on Tuesday morning, Feb. 16 after a vehicle struck an ambulance in an intersection.

The Lynch ambulance, with its lights flashing and sirens blaring, was driving a patient and clearing the intersection of Newport Blvd. and Fair Drive, near the Costa Mesa City Hall, when a driver collided with the ambulance.

Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue responded to assess and treat the injured.

The driver and two ambulance employees were transported to a nearby hospital with mild to moderate injuries.

The patient was also transported to the hospital. No drugs or alcohol are suspected and no arrests were made.

The Costa Mesa Police Department noted that “It’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and to enter intersections cautiously.”

Serial robbers arrested in Costa Mesa after a carjacking

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COSTA MESA, Calif. (February 12, 2021) – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) yesterday arrested Jacob Aaron Vazquez, 20, and Esther Kavina Maultsby, 19, both from Costa Mesa, shortly after being connected to two incidents, one a robbery and the other a theft.  
 
On Feb. 11, 2021, at approximately 2:55 p.m., officers responded to the parking lot of a bank at the 1400 block of Baker Street regarding a robbery that had just occurred. Officers located the victim standing outside her car but the suspects had already fled the scene. 
 
The victim had been sitting in her car at the bank with her young child, who was asleep in the car seat, when a male suspect opened her passenger car door and brandished a knife. The male suspect demanded her purse and money and threatened the victim before taking her purse. He then got into the passenger side of the suspect vehicle.  

The victim then attempted to get her purse back when a female suspect exited the bank and shoved the victim away from the car. The female suspect, later identified as Maultsby, got into the suspect vehicle and the suspects fled the scene. The victim was able to report the license plate to CMPD before it left. 
 
While investigating the robbery, officers learned of a prior theft call holding at TeWinkle Park involving a stolen purse and similar suspect descriptions. Officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle in a parking lot at the 1200 block of Adams Avenue and contacted the suspects in their car as they were attempting to leave.

Both suspects, Vazquez and Maultsby, were positively identified and arrested. Both of the victims’ property were recovered from the suspect car.