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Category Archives: Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa male nanny charged with molesting 17 young boys in his care

Posted on by Posted in Cochino Alert, Costa Mesa, Crime 1 Comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man who served as a male nanny for families across Southern California was charged with additional felony child molestation charges today for victimizing 17 young boys under his care. The boys ranged in age from two to 12 years old.

Matthew Antonio Zakrzewski, 30, of Costa Mesa, was arrested on May 17, 2019 by Laguna Beach Police Department detectives at a local airport after deplaning an international flight. Zakrzewski was originally charged with three felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14, and one felony count of oral copulation of a child under the age of 10. He was also charged with one felony count of possession of child pornography.

Zakrzewski pleaded not guilty to the original charges in May. He is currently being held at the Orange County Jail on $1.25 million bail.

Zakrzewski now faces a total of 33 felony counts, including 27 felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14, one felony count of oral copulation of a child under the age of 10, and one felony count of possession of child pornography. He also faces one felony count of using a minor for sex acts, two felony counts of distributing pornography to a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct, and one felony count of an attempted lewd or lascivious act with a minor under the age of 14.

Prosecutors allege the crimes were committed between January 1, 2014 and May 17, 2019. He faces 690 years to life plus eight years if convicted on all charges.

Investigators asked for the public‘s help in locating any other potential victims. As the investigation progressed, additional victims were identified through video evidence and tips from the public, resulting in additional charges being filed against Zakrzewski.

In early May 2019, a Laguna Beach couple had reported to Laguna Beach Police that their babysitter, Zakrzewski, had touched their eight-year-old son inappropriately and was concerned for the safety of their son and potentially other children.

The couple had hired Zakrzewski to care for their eight-year-old child through one of his several babysitting websites. The Laguna Beach Police Department’s Major Crimes & Intelligence Unit immediately opened an investigation, which led to the identification of a second seven-year-old victim in the City of Los Angeles, and ten more boys from across Southern California.

“These parents were led to believe that they could trust this man with the most precious thing in their entire world – their children,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Instead, he preyed on these innocent boys and violated that trust in a vile and sadistic way.”

Anyone who has information related to this investigation or any other unreported incidents involving Zakrzewski is urged to call the Laguna Beach Investigations Division line at (949) 715-1300.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Heidi Garrel of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.

Woman arrested for impersonating a cop in Costa Mesa

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The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) is seeking to identify any potential victims of a woman arrested for impersonating a police officer. The arrestee’s photo and vehicle are included.

On the evening of Nov. 1, 2019, the CMPD Gang Unit conducted a traffic stop on a white, 4-door, 2016 Chevrolet Impala equipped with a law enforcement light bar, and California exempt license plates in the area of Harbor Boulevard and Merrimac Way in the City of Costa Mesa.

The sole occupant and driver, Michelle Brianna Hughes, 30, Huntington Beach, was wearing a tactical vest with a “POLICE” patch on the front of the vest. Hughes was also wearing a law enforcement duty belt which had handcuffs, a fake law enforcement badge, a Taser, and a loaded unregistered handgun with a high-capacity magazine on her belt.

Hughes identified herself to the arresting officers as a deputy for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Hughes is not a law enforcement officer and was in possession of other police uniforms from other law enforcement agencies as well as other government exempt license plates. She was arrested for carrying an unregistered loaded firearm, being in possession of a high capacity magazine, and impersonating a police officer. She then bailed out.

CMPD is seeking the public’s help in identifying victims who have possibly had contact with Hughes while falsely impersonating a police officer. Anyone with information pertaining to this suspect as it relates to impersonating a law enforcement officer, is asked to contact CMPD Detective J. Smith at jsmith@costamesaca.gov or 714-754-5097.

L.A. “Knock-Knock Style” burglary crew arrested in Costa Mesa

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On October 15, 2019, at approximately 12:30 PM, detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s (LASD), Major Crimes Bureau (MCB), Burglary-Robbery Task Force (BRTF), observed four suspects appear to commit a residential burglary in the city of Costa Mesa. The detectives had been conducting a burglary investigation in the vicinity when they saw three suspects quickly run from the side-yard of a residence and enter an awaiting silver Mercedes Benz SUV that was idling nearby. The vehicle quickly drove away from the area.

Detectives confirmed a burglary had in fact occurred, with a rear window forced open and interior of the home ransacked.

As the vehicle and suspects began to leave the neighborhood, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Detectives coordinated with responding Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) patrol units who conducted a traffic stop of the silver SUV. All three suspects ( Izaiah Yeav and two juveniles) who exited the victim’s property, along with the driver ( Chanddries Srey), were detained by Sheriff’s Detectives and CMPD Officers without incident. Detectives recovered stolen jewelry, personal property, and burglary tools from within the vehicle.

Suspects/Subjects:

  • Chanddries Srey, Asian 20 years old (photo attached)
  • Izaiah Yeav, Asian 18 years old (photo attached)
  • Male Hispanic Juvenile 15 years old
  • Male Hispanic Juvenile 17 years old
  • Suspect Vehicle 2003 Silver Mercedes Benz SUV (photo below)

Suspect Srey (driver of silver Mercedes Benz SUV), of Long Beach, was booked on charges of Residential Burglary (459 PC), Receiving Stolen Property (496 PC), Conspiracy (182 PC) and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (272 PC).

Suspect Izaiah Yeau, of Long Beach, was booked on charges of Residential Burglary (459 PC).

The two male juveniles, from Long Beach, were detained for Residential Burglary charges. They were transported to a juvenile detention facility pending the outcome of the investigation.

The criminal case filing for this burglary is being handled by detectives from CMPD in collaboration with Sheriff’s Detectives. This crew is suspected in burglaries throughout Southern California. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Burglary-Robbery Task Force is working closely with the CMPD, and other Southern California police agencies in determining what recent residential burglaries may be associated with the criminal crew.

The investigation and arrest of this residential burglary crew is an example of the ongoing cooperation and collaboration between the Sheriff’s Department and local municipal police departments. These agencies are committed to impacting the Southern California wide residential burglary epidemic. The LASD Major Crimes BRTF works closely and consistently with most Southern California agencies in its mission to identify, investigate, and arrest organized burglary and robbery suspects.

The LASD MCB BRTF was formed over nine years ago to combat the ever increasing trend of organized crews who are committing daytime residential burglaries.Typically known as “Knock-Knock” burglars, these crews, often formed by gang members, utilize high-end luxury vehicles and rental cars to blend in to middle class and affluent neighborhoods where they break into homes and businesses, ransacking and stealing valuables such as cash, jewelry, and weapons.The MCB BRTF works closely in support of all LASD station’s detective bureaus, as well as other Southern California law enforcement agencies.Residents and business owners are reminded to secure their properties, be aware of suspicious and unusual persons or vehicles, and to alert their local law enforcement immediately if suspicious activity is observed.

An ex-worker and her friend wrecked the Maggiano’s in Costa Mesa

Posted on by Posted in Costa Mesa, Crime, Fullerton, Restaurants 1 Comment

At approximately 1:30 p.m., today, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to a restaurant, Maggiano’s, at the 3300 block of Bristol Street in the South Coast Plaza area.

Preliminary reports were about a female suspect with a bat who had entered the restaurant and was disrupting the establishment. There were no injuries reported by restaurant patrons that were present.

Passion Shenay Coleman

The female suspect, later identified as former employee Passion Shenay Coleman, 27, Fullerton, was known to the restaurant staff.

It was reported that Coleman used a bat and vandalized a television, table settings, and plates causing thousands in damages.

Patrons of the restaurant had to leave and evening reservations were due to be cancelled.

A second female, later identified as Laglennda Damona Carr, 24, Fullerton, was there with Coleman and was reportedly yelling and being disruptive as well.

Once officers arrived at the scene, they located the suspects in a nearby parking lot attempting to drive away. Officers were able to pull them over and both Coleman and Carr were detained.

Carr was arrested at the scene and booked at CMPD Jail on assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, felony vandalism, burglary, and felony conspiracy to commit crimes. Her bail was set to $25,000 and she was later transported to OC Jail.

Coleman was found to have cuts to her hands and Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue was dispatched for medical aid. She was treated at the scene and transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment of her wounds.

Once she was released from the hospital, Coleman was transported to CMPD Jail. She was booked for assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, felony vandalism, burglary, felony conspiracy to commit crimes, and a misdemeanor warrant for a suspended license. Her bail was set to $500,000.

Prior to this incident, at approximately 11:40 a.m., Coleman had shown up to the restaurant. It was reported that she had made criminal threats and had thrown a plate at a restaurant employee before fleeing the scene. The restaurant employee then contacted South Coast Plaza Detail Officers to report the incident. Once those officers responded, they searched for the suspect. She was not located at the time and officers subsequently took a report.

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.

The Costa Mesa Police are conducting a DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday night

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COSTA MESA, Calif. – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) will be conducting a driving under the influence (DUI) and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. within the city limits.

DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

CMPD reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

In 2017, 1,120 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads. Last year in Costa Mesa, there were 214 DUI collisions, which claimed four lives and resulted in 72 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.

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. 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.

Costa Mesa “manny” now facing 25 child molestation felonies after more victims emerge

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A man who served as a male nanny for families across Southern California was charged with additional felony child molestation charges today for victimizing 12 young boys under his care. The boys ranged in age from four to ten years old.

Matthew Antonio Zakrzewski, 30, of Costa Mesa, was arrested on May 17, 2019 by Laguna Beach Police Department detectives at a local airport after deplaning an international flight. Zakrzewski was originally charged with three felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14, and one felony count of oral copulation of a child under the age of 10. He was also charged with one felony count of possession of child pornography.

Zakrzewski pleaded not guilty to the original charges in May. He is currently being held at the Orange County Jail on $1.25 million bail.

Zakrzewski now faces a total of 25 felony counts, including 19 felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14, one felony count of oral copulation of a child under the age of 10, and one felony count of possession of child pornography. He also faces one felony count of using a minor for sex acts, two felony counts of distributing pornography to a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct, and one felony count of an attempted lewd or lascivious act with a minor under the age of 14.

Prosecutors allege the crimes were committed between January 1, 2016 and May 17, 2019. He faces 490 years to life if convicted on all charges.

Zakrzewski pleaded not guilty to the additional charges filed against him today. He is scheduled to appear in court on November 8, 2019 at the Harbor Justice Center in Department H1.

Investigators asked for the public‘s help in locating any other potential victims. As the investigation progressed, additional victims were identified through video evidence and tips from the public, resulting in additional charges being filed against Zakrzewski.

In early May 2019, a Laguna Beach couple had reported to Laguna Beach Police that their babysitter, Zakrzewski, had touched their eight-year-old son inappropriately and was concerned for the safety of their son and potentially other children.

The couple had hired Zakrzewski to care for their eight-year-old child through one of his several babysitting websites. The Laguna Beach Police Department’s Major Crimes & Intelligence Unit immediately opened an investigation, which led to the identification of a second seven-year-old victim in the City of Los Angeles, and ten more boys from across Southern California.

“These parents were led to believe that they could trust this man with the most precious thing in their entire world – their children,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Instead, he preyed on these innocent boys and violated that trust in a vile and sadistic way.”

Anyone who has information related to this investigation or any other unreported incidents involving Zakrzewski is urged to call the Laguna Beach Investigations Division line at (949) 715-1300.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Heidi Garrel of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.

Four suspects were arrested in Costa Mesa after a probation check

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COSTA MESA, Calif. – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) collaborated with the Orange County Probation Department (OC Probation) on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, to conduct compliance checks on offenders subject to Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS), per the State Prison Realignment Assembly Bill 109.

These checks were designed to locate and audit the activity of local criminal offenders and gang members residing within the City of Costa Mesa, who are under the supervision of OC Probation.

Gang Investigators completed 16 location checks, and they contacted 30 individuals.

The compliance checks resulted in four offenders arrested, including:

  • Jordan Charlesworth, 28, Costa Mesa, for illegal possession of a stun gun and a probation violation;
  • Seth Rand, 33, Costa Mesa, for a PRCS related probation violation;
  • Pedro Chavarin, 20, Costa Mesa, for a felony bench warrant; and
  • Oscar Velasquez, 21, Costa Mesa, for a probation violation. All arrestees were booked at the CMPD Jail and later transported to the Orange County Jail in Santa Ana.

A woman was arrested in Costa Mesa in a stolen pickup truck after a crash and a police pursuit

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An unidentified woman who fled the scene of a crash in Tustin in a stolen vehicle led police on a pursuit through Costa Mesa on Thursday, Aug. 15, according to the O.C. Register.

Tustin police officers reported to the scene of a reported collision at about 5:30 p.m.. However the driver of a blue pickup truck involved in that crash took off before the police arrived.

The police later found out that the truck in question had been reported stolen. Fortunately they spotted it later that day in Tustin.

The suspect however did not pull over and instead led the police officers on a pursuit through Costa Mesa. The pursuit finally ended at about 6 p.m. in the area of Bristol Street and Anton Boulevard, according to the Tustin Police.

The suspect was identified to be a woman and was arrested on Thursday evening. The police did not release her identity to the media.

No injuries were reported in either the initial collision, or the eventual police pursuit.

The 2019 O.C. Fair is starting this Friday

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COSTA MESA (July 9, 2019) – The 129th annual OC Fair opens this Friday with all of the crazy food, great rides summer concerts and one amazing craft beer festival.

This year OC Brew Hee Haw is moving into The Hangar and the 6th annual craft beer roundup is set to showcase more than 80 regional favorite and rarely seen craft beers on July 12 and 13.

There will be live entertainment from Orange County Oingo Boingo Tribute band Dead Man’s Party during Friday’s session and Los Angeles ’80s tribute act Fast Times during both Saturday sessions.

The new location at The Hangar offers room for more breweries than ever before, with the brewery lineup including Artifex Brewery, Chapman Crafted Beer, Four Sons Brewing, Burgeon Beer Co., Beachwood Brewing, Pizza Port Brewing Co., Stereo Brewing, Bottle Logic Brewing, Unsung Brewing Co., and many more.

Tastings will be held in three sessions from 8-11 p.m. on Friday; 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 7:30-10:30 p.m. on Saturday. VIP guests are invited one hour early for additional tasting time.

Tickets include free OC Fair admission, so attendees can come for the beer and stay for the Fair! OC Brew Hee Haw’s location at The Hangar offers attendees easy access to the OC Fair’s vendors and attractions. Guests can have Acres of Fun with the OC Fair’s annual pig races, carnival games, extensive Fair food options and classic rides.

Tickets to the 6th Annual OC Brew Hee Haw at the OC Fair are available for purchase at BrewHeeHaw.com. Ticket prices are $55 each and, if available, day-of prices are $65 each. VIP tickets are available for $65 each and, if available, $75 day-of ticket.

Getting to the OC Fair

Traffic advisory: Plan to arrive early – especially for OC Fair ticketed events, including concerts. Ride-hailing services, public transportation, carpooling, OC Fair Express bus (Saturday and Sunday) and free offsite parking at Experian (Saturday and Sunday) are highly recommended.

If you do drive, check the latest traffic and 405 Project updates on Google Maps and Waze. Full construction updates are available on the OCTA website and OCTA’s interactive map.The 2019 OC Fair runs July 12 through Aug. 11 and offers 23 days and nights of entertainment, food, rides, shopping, exhibits and more. Hours are noon to midnight Wednesdays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to midnight Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, visit ocfair.com.

OC Fair Express Returns July 13!

It’s back! Enjoy non-stop travel to the OC Fair from nine convenient Orange County locations Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 11 from approximately 10 a.m. to midnight. Only $2 each way, and you get a coupon for $4 OC Fair admission. Save $10—a great value!

Free Connections

Transfer free to the OC Fair Express with your valid Metrolink or Amtrak Pacific Surfliner ticket at the Anaheim Canyon, Anaheim ARTIC, Santa Ana, Irvine, or Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Metrolink stations.

Kick off the OC Fair Express this Saturday in Anaheim

Let’s get this party started! There’ll be lots to do, plenty of freebies, plus the first 100 people in attendance ride free to the OC Fair! Enter to win a prize package that includes an OC Fair lunch for 4, carnival rides, signed Ducks memorabilia, and more!
Listen to music
Enjoy refreshments
Grab some freebies
Catch a free ride
Snap a Photo with Olivia the orange and Scoop the ice cream cone.
Meet Anaheim Ducks Wild Wing and Street Team!

The Costa Mesa police seized cash and illegal drugs during a multi-city probation and parole enforcement sweep

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On July 2, 2019, Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) Gang Investigators worked with California State Parole Agents to conduct probation and parole compliance checks of documented gang members and known gang associates in Costa Mesa and Lake Forest, according to the Costa Mesa Police.

The operation included the search of six locations, and resulted in 12 subjects being contacted, and four arrests made. Arrested subjects included 31-year old Westminster resident Binh Giang for a parole violation; 27-year old Lake Forest resident Luis Ruiz Orellana for a parole violation, possession of narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia; 26-year old San Juan Capistrano resident Alessia Flores for possession of narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia; and 31-year old Costa Mesa resident Alexa McConnell for possession of methamphetamine for sales, and possession of heroin for sales.

Arrested subjects were all booked at the CMPD Jail, and later booked at Orange County Jail in Santa Ana. Gang Investigators seized over $8,300 cash; approximately 85 grams of fentanyl (powder form) and approximately 100 fentanyl pills; 30 grams of heroin; and six grams of methamphetamine.

The Costa Mesa are looking for an armed attempted murder suspect

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Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) Detectives have identified the suspect in a shooting that occurred on June 15, 2019, as Luis Antonio Luevano-Guzman. Guzman is described as a male Hispanic, 47 years old, 5’7”, 245 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. Luevano-Guzman is wanted for attempted murder and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on Luevano-Guzman’s current whereabouts is asked to call CMPD’s 24-hour Dispatch, at 714-754-5252.

Previously released information:

On Saturday, June 15, 2019, at approximately 11:30 p.m., a confrontation that started at a bar located at the 800 block of West 19th Street, moved to a parking lot across the street, and resulted in a suspect with handgun shooting a 23-year-old Costa Mesa man. During the confrontation, the suspect also fired rounds that struck some vehicles and businesses nearby before fleeing the scene. Police were dispatched and responded shortly thereafter. The victim, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, was transported to a local hospital to be treated.

This is an active investigation and detectives are focusing on several parties of interest. Based on the data gathered at present, detectives believe this is an isolated incident and have no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety. CMPD will update the community once more information becomes available.

Anyone who has information about this incident or was a witness is asked to contact Detective David Sevilla, at 714-754-5360.

A man was arrested by the OCC Children’s Center after exposing himself

Posted on by Posted in Cochino Alert, Costa Mesa, Crime, Education, Public Safety 1 Comment

Yesterday, June 19, 2019, at approximately 9:05 a.m., the Orange Coast College Campus (OCC) Safety department received a report of a suspicious man near the E Lot on campus who was hiding in the bushes and looking over the wall of the OCC Children’s Center while indecently exposing himself, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.

Campus Safety quickly responded to the scene and located the suspect, later identified as Sungyoun Jung, 23, San Bernardino (LKA). The suspect was combative and OC Spray was deployed to detain him.

Both the OCC Early Childhood Lab School and the OCC Children’s Center were on a brief lockdown for the safety of children, parents, students, staff, and faculty until the suspect was taken into custody.

The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) arrived shortly thereafter and took the suspect into custody. He was transported to the CMPD Jail and booked on indecent exposure, child annoyance, an out of area warrant, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia. Jung was then transported to OC Jail in Santa Ana, where he is currently in custody.

Anyone with further information on this incident is encouraged to call CMPD Detective Rob Dimel at 714-754-5363.

A man was shot and wounded in Costa Mesa on Saturday night

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On Saturday, June 15, 2019, at approximately 11:30 p.m., a confrontation that started at a bar located at the 800 block of West 19th Street, moved to a parking lot across the street, and resulted in a suspect with handgun shooting a 23-year-old Costa Mesa man, according to the Costa Mesa Police.

During the confrontation, the suspect also fired rounds that struck some vehicles and businesses nearby before fleeing the scene. Police were dispatched and responded shortly thereafter. The victim, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, was transported to a local hospital to be treated.

This is an active investigation and detectives are focusing on several parties of interest. Based on the data gathered at present, detectives believe this is an isolated incident and have no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety. CMPD will update the community once more information becomes available.

Anyone who has information about this incident or was a witness is asked to contact Detective David Sevilla, at 714-754-5360.

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

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COSTA MESA, Calif. (May 29, 2019) – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) will be conducting a driving under the influence (DUI) and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, May 31, 2019, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. within the city limits, according to a press release.

DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

CMPD reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

In 2017, 1,120 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads. Last year in Costa Mesa, there were 214 DUI collisions, which claimed four lives and resulted in 72 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.

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not! 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.