New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Fountain Valley

Four illegal marijuana grow operations busted by the Fountain Valley police

Posted on November 9, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, Drugs, Energy, Fountain Valley, Marijuana Leave a comment

Between July 2021 and October 2021, Detectives from the Fountain Valley Police Crime Suppression Unit received information regarding four possible residential marijuana cultivation operations within the city of Fountain Valley.

Investigations revealed each of these residences had been converted into indoor marijuana cultivations. Additionally, each residence had an electrical bypass in place allowing a large quantity of electrical services to be stolen.

A search warrant was served at each location. A total of 1,593 marijuana plants were seized.

An estimated total of $134,000 in electrical services was stolen from Southern California Edison.

Three subjects were arrested for cultivating marijuana, altering utilities and felony theft of utilities.

Newport beach man busted for selling drugs in Fountain Valley

Posted on November 7, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, Drugs, Fountain Valley 1 Comment

As part of an ongoing investigation, the Fountain Valley Police Department Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) developed information regarding an individual who was involved in large scale narcotics trafficking. CSU obtained a search warrant for this individual, his vehicle and his residence.

On September 30th, 2021, Joseph Carmine Morinello, a 37-year-old resident of Newport Beach, was detained in Fountain Valley. The service of the search warrant revealed that Morinello was in possession of 861 Adderall pills, 355 Xanax pills and over $25,000.00 in US currency.

Morinello was arrested for possession of narcotics for the purposes of sales and booked into Orange County Jail.
Detectives later obtained an additional search warrant for a storage unit in the City of Anaheim. Inside the storage unit, an additional 19,072 Adderall pills were located.

The street value of these pills is estimated at over $300,000.00.

Bank robber arrested after trying to rob the same bank in Fountain Valley a second time

Posted on October 7, 2021 by Editor Posted in Banking, Crime, Fountain Valley Leave a comment

On October 4, 2021, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Fountain Valley police officers responded to the Chase Bank located in the 17000 block of Newhope Street regarding a robbery.

During this robbery, the suspect presented a note to the teller demanding cash. The suspect fled the location prior to Officers’ arrival with a large amount of cash.

Through the ensuing police investigation, the suspect was identified as 33-year-old Samuel Brown from San Diego.

On October 5, 2021, at approximately 11:12 a.m., FVPD Dispatch received a call of another robbery in progress at the same Chase bank. Incredibly it was Brown again – he returned to rob the same bank again.

FVPD Officers and Detectives arrived on scene and detained Brown without incident.

Brown has prior convictions for robbery in San Diego. He was arrested for multiple counts of PC 211 – Robbery and an outstanding arrest warrant.

He was booked into Orange County Jail where he is currently being held on a $170,000 bail.

Nearly 7,500 families attended the Annual Moon Festival at Mile Square Park

Posted on September 27, 2021 by Editor Posted in Andrew Do, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Vietnamese Leave a comment

In a tradition dating back thousands of years, Orange County celebrated the Annual Moon Festival at Mile Square Park last Sunday, September 19, with live entertainment and arts for children and families.

“Traditionally, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time to celebrate with family and for thanksgiving,” said Supervisor Andrew Do. “It was heartfelt to see families gathering in an outdoor setting once again.”

The Moon Festival, also known as Mid-Autumn Festival or Tết Trung Thu in Vietnamese, was sponsored by Orange County Chairman Andrew Do, who represents Little Saigon, the largest population of Vietnamese outside of Vietnam.

The event featured face painting by Beauty Glam Academy, balloon animals by Happiness is a Balloon, food by the Hawaiian Dancing Grill BBQ and Kettle Corn King, live entertainment by various singers and groups, and a parade of colorful lanterns for children in attendance. The free event was hosted in collaboration with CalOptima and OC Parks.

“Traditions give us a sense of identity and belonging,” said Supervisor Do, whose family fled Vietnam during the Fall of Saigon.

“As a young refugee, I remember the first time I attended a Vietnamese Tet Festival in the U.S. with my family,” Supervisor Do added. “That brought me comfort and security, at a time of profound change. As Supervisor for the most diverse district in Orange County, I celebrate all cultures and traditions in our diverse district.”

Over 5,000 attended the first Classic Car Show and Concert at Mile Square Park

Posted on September 27, 2021 by Editor Posted in Andrew Do, Cars, Fountain Valley Leave a comment

Last Saturday, September 18th, Orange County celebrated the end of summer at Mile Square Park with the first-ever Sunset Classic Car Show and Concert.

“The Sunset Classic Car Show and Concert was a wonderful way for the community to come together once again in an outdoor space and enjoy an evening of live music and good food,” said Chairman Andrew Do.

Organized by Supervisor Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, the free event featured a variety of food vendors and a display of classic cars. Attendees had a chance to vote for their favorite classic car, lowrider, and MOPAR vehicle. All participant vehicle owners received a medal for participation.

The event also had live musical performances by:

Southbound and Company – a Lynyrd Skynyrd & Frynds tribute band

Son Doux – a Latin/Cumbia/Rock Band in English & Spanish

No Duh – a No Doubt tribute band

DJ Allura Music

This event was hosted in collaboration with OC Parks.

A Santa Ana man was killed by a hit and run driver in Fountain Valley

Posted on September 15, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, Fountain Valley, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

On September 11, 2021, at approximately 6:21 a.m., the Fountain Valley Police Department responded to the intersection of Edinger Avenue and Ward Street regarding a traffic collision involving a dark colored vehicle and a pedestrian.

Officers arrived and discovered an injured male pedestrian suffering from traumatic injuries in the westbound lanes of Edinger Avenue.

The involved vehicle fled the scene.

Paramedics responded to the scene and the pedestrian was transported to a local hospital. The pedestrian succumbed to his injuries two days later and was pronounced deceased.

The male pedestrian was identified as 34 year old Long Ta of Santa Ana. The victim’s family has been notified.

The investigation revealed the suspect vehicle was traveling westbound on Edinger Avenue towards Ward Street. Witnesses said the pedestrian was walking northbound across Edinger Avenue while in the crosswalk with a green walk signal. The suspect vehicle ran the red traffic signal and struck the pedestrian in the roadway. The vehicle did not stop and was last seen westbound on Edinger Avenue.

In the days following the collision, Traffic Investigators have reviewed surveillance footage and identified a vehicle of interest in the collision. The vehicle is possibly a, dark colored 1991-1995 Chrysler or Dodge minivan, which may have sustained left front end damage.

Photos of the actual vehicle of interest, captured via surveillance footage are seen above.

Ta was an engineer. He was jogging when he was struck and killed.

FVPD Investigators are requesting anyone with information which will lead to the identification of the vehicle and driver to contact the FVPD Traffic Bureau at 714-593-4481. Incident #21-29620.

OC Annual Moon Festival at Mile Square Park set for Sep. 19

Posted on September 9, 2021 by Editor Posted in Andrew Do, Entertainment, Fountain Valley, Youth Activities Leave a comment

In a tradition dating back thousands of years, Orange County will celebrate the Moon Festival on Sunday, September 19, with live entertainment, moon cakes, and lanterns for children and families in an outdoor setting at Mile Square Park!

“This year’s celebration is especially important for the reunion of friends and family – especially for those who are able to be together,” says Supervisor Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “The Moon Festival allows the community to come together in an outdoor space and remember what they are thankful for.”

The festival will feature food vendors, face painting, balloon animals, live band entertainment, and a parade of colorful lanterns for children.

The free event is hosted in collaboration with CalOptima and OC Parks.

The OC Health Care Agency strongly recommends that children who are not vaccinated and the elderly who are at high risk wear a face mask. Face masks and hand sanitizer stations will be available at the event.

WHAT:

OC Annual Moon Festival
Food Vendors
Face Painting
Balloon Animals
Live Musical Performances
Colorful Lantern Parade for Children

WHEN:
Sunday, September 19, 2021
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

WHERE:
Freedom Hall Lawn at Mile Square Park
16801 Euclid Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

WHO:
FREE Admission

CONTACT:
For more information, please call 714-834-3110 or email First.District@ocgov.com.

EVENTBRITE LINK HERE.

A woman died after being shot while driving in Fountain Valley

Posted on July 20, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, Fountain Valley, Guns, Santa Ana Leave a comment

On July 19, 2021, at 6:11 p.m., Fountain Valley Police Officers responded to the residential area of Tradewinds Street and Slater Avenue in the City of Fountain Valley regarding a traffic collision.

Upon arrival, several citizens and the Fountain Valley Fire Department were attempting to render medical aid to the unresponsive driver, a 26-year-old female resident of Long Beach.

The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene, and a gunshot wound was discovered.

Investigators believe the involved parties of the shooting were associated with one another, and there is no public threat.

The Fountain Valley Police Department is actively investigating the homicide. The victim’s name will not be released until next of kin is notified.

For investigative leads, contact Detective Roddy at (714) 593-4465 or Detective Holmes at (714) 593-4480. (DR #21-22826)

Sunset Classic Car Show and Concert set for Sep. 18 at Mile Square Park

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Editor Posted in Cars, Entertainment, Fountain Valley, Music Leave a comment

Bring your lawn chairs and your family to celebrate the end of summer at the first-ever Sunset Classic Car Show and Concert at Mile Square Park, on Saturday, September 18. The car show will run from 4 pm. to 9 p.m. and the concert from 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

“The Sunset Classic Car Show and Concert is a wonderful way for the community to enjoy the end of summer in an outdoor space,” says Supervisor Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

The Classic Car car show will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The cars will be on display in Lot E, in front of Freedom Hall on the Euclid and Edinger side of the park. Register your Classic Car by calling 714-834-3110. Complimentary professional photos for the car owners will be available for download after the event.

The family-friendly event will feature a display of classic cars, trophies for classic cars, a variety of food vendors, and musical performances.

Musical performances include:

Southbound and Company – a Lynyrd Skynyrd & Frynds tribute band
Son Doux – a Latin/Cumbia/Rock Band in English & Spanish
No Duh – a No Doubt tribute band
DJ Allura Music

A man in a wheelchair died after being struck by two vehicles early on Saturday morning in Fountain Valley

Posted on July 12, 2021 by Editor Posted in Accidents, Fountain Valley, Public Safety Leave a comment

An unidentified man who was trying to cross Euclid Street westbound along Warner Avenue in a wheelchair died after being struck by a minivan and an SUV in Fountain Valley early Saturday morning, July 10, according to the Fountain Valley Police.

The incident happened just past 2:30 a.m. The responding police officers found the victim in the roadway and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The police indicated the man was in his 50’s but did not release his name.

The minivan that hit the victim was traveling northbound on Euclid as was the ensuing SUV.

The drivers of both vehicles stopped and cooperated with the police investigators. The police determined that the drivers they were not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The police are still not sure if the pedestrian was in a crosswalk when he was struck, or if he was crossing on a red or green light, when the vehicles hit him.

Parking will be restricted around Mile Square Park on July 4

Posted on July 2, 2021 by Editor Posted in Fountain Valley Leave a comment

Preferential Permit Parking will be in effect for this Sunday, July 4th in the neighborhoods along Mile Square Park on the Edinger, Euclid, and Warner side of the park. There will also be Preferential Permit Parking on Berg River, Mt Gustin, and Loya River.

July 4th has traditionally seen an increase of people at Mile Square Park and Centennial Park which then impacts parking in surrounding neighborhoods.

Please visit https://www.ocparks.com/parks/mile for further information regarding Mile Square Park.

Parking passes have already been distributed earlier in the year and will be valid for the rest of 2021. Additional parking passes will be available for residents and their guests at the front counter of the department. Proof of residency will be required.

Passes are to be clearly displayed in the lower left front window of vehicles. Residents do not need permits for cars that they park in their own driveways and garages. They will only need permits for cars they park on the street. Violators will be cited per FVMC 10.44.079 – permit parking only.

Convicted O.C. felon is sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug and firearms charges

Posted on June 12, 2021 by Editor Posted in Costa Mesa, Crime, Drugs, Fountain Valley, Guns Leave a comment

On August 26, 2019, undercover Detectives from the Fountain Valley Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit conducted an investigation into a subject, Tyler Conklin (30), who was wanted on a no-bail PRCS probation violation warrant.

Detectives initiated a surveillance on Conklin who, with the assistance of Costa Mesa Police Department, was arrested on multiple felony charges including firearms and narcotics offenses. When arrested, Conklin was wearing an empty firearm holster with a Glock-style privately made firearm (ghost gun/firearm manufactured by unlicensed subject) under the passenger seat where he was seated. The firearm had a round in the chamber and the magazine had seven additional rounds. Two additional magazines with seven rounds each were also found under the passenger seat.

A search of Conklin’s residence revealed multiple additional firearms, magazines and ammunition. Conklin was booked at the Orange County Jail with no bail.

In collaboration with agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FVPD Detectives continued to investigate the case. Ultimately, Conklin was prosecuted federally for this case.

As a result of this prosecution, the defendant, Tyler Conklin, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for his conviction on federal narcotics and firearms charges.

This was an excellent example of collaboration between FVPD and our Federal counterparts.

Here is the press release from the ATF regarding Conklin’s conviction:

LOS ANGELES – A convicted felon from Orange County has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for his conviction on federal narcotics and firearms charges, including that he possessed five privately made firearms without serial numbers, aka “ghost guns.”

Tyler Jacob “Jake” Conklin, 31, of Huntington Beach, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge James V. Selna. Conklin after he pleaded guilty in July 2020 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Conklin was arrested following a traffic stop on an outstanding warrant in August 2019 for violating the terms of his Post-Release Community Supervision in relation to multiple drug dealing convictions from O.C. Superior Court dating back from August 2018.

When arrested, Conklin was wearing an empty firearm holster with a Glock-style privately made firearm (ghost gun) under the passenger seat where he was seated. The firearm had a round in the chamber and the magazine had seven additional rounds. Two additional magazines with seven rounds each were also found under the passenger seat.

According to the federal complaint, following Conklin’s arrest, his residence was searched and law enforcement seized 2,243 rounds of ammunition, various components to manufacture firearms, and four privately made firearms including:

One Glock-style, .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol bearing no serial number.
One SIG SAUER-style firearm, 9 mm semi-automatic, subcompact pistol bearing no serial number.
Two Glock-style, 9 mm semi-automatic pistols, bearing no serial number.
A Glock-style frame with rear rail system and locking block rail system installed.
Glock-style slide.
Three Glock-style barrels.
Jig and bits used to complete a SIG SAUER-style frame.
SIG SAUER-style barrel.
Springs and base plates for Glock-style magazines.
Fire control and other internal components for Glock-style and SIG SAUER-style pistols.
Five large-capacity magazines with capacities ranging from 17 to 33 rounds of ammunition.

Also seized at Conklin’s residence were various drugs including nine baggies totaling 189 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, empty baggies, syringes, glass pipes, and a ledger with pay-owe entries next to a list of firearm components consistent with those used to make private firearms. Conklin admitted in his plea agreement to possessing five privately made firearms without serial numbers.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Fountain Valley Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Bradley E. Marrett of the Santa Ana Branch Office prosecuted this case.

ATF recognizes the role privately made firearms play in violent crimes. ATF’s mission is to target armed violent offenders and career criminals, firearms traffickers, violent gang activity, and domestic and international arms traffickers. ATF investigates and recommends prosecution of these offenders to reduce the level of violent crime and to enhance public safety. ATF also strives to increase state and local awareness of available federal prosecution under federal statutes.

The Fountain Valley police arrested a necklace theft suspect who was targeting elderly ladies

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, Fountain Valley Leave a comment

Beginning May 27, 2021, a series of three necklace robberies occurred in the City of Fountain Valley. In each of these robberies, the male suspect approached an elderly female victim and snatched the necklace worn by the victim. Some of the victims sustained minor injuries as a result of these robberies.

During the course of the investigation, Officers and Detectives identified the suspect, Larry Tripp, a 56 year old resident of Fountain Valley.

Fountain Valley Police Detectives obtained a search warrant for Tripp’s residence in the 17500 block of Santa Rosalia. Detectives performed a surveillance on the residence and attempted to detain Tripp as he exited.

Tripp immediately fled back into the house and began running north, jumping fences into the back yards of multiple residences. Tripp was eventually arrested.

During an interview, Tripp confessed to the crimes.

Tripp was booked into Orange County Jail on three counts of robbery and elder abuse. Any additional victims are encouraged to contact Detective Rodriguez (DR# 21-16536)

Felon arrested in Santa Ana had weapons and drugs in his possession

Posted on May 13, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, Drugs, Fountain Valley, Guns, Santa Ana 1 Comment

On May 4, 2021, Detectives from the Fountain Valley Police Crime Suppression Unit received information that a wanted subject, 43-year-old David Kalani Gardner, an Orange County Probationer out of the City of Irvine, was hiding out at a Motel 6 in the City of Santa Ana.

Gardner was previously arrested in March 2021 by Fountain Valley Police patrol officers after a traffic stop was initiated in the area of Harbor Blvd and Heil Ave, in the City of Fountain Valley. During that incident, Gardner was in possession of a loaded handgun, approximately 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 1.5 ounces of heroin, and a large sum of cash. (DR# 21-07781).

Detectives worked with Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) to issue a federal complaint and warrant for Gardner regarding the previously mentioned case.

In an attempt to avoid apprehension, Gardner had fled to Northern California and Oregon. Upon his return to Orange County, Detectives conducted surveillance on Gardner and he was taken into custody for the federal warrant, as well as several other Orange County warrants. Detectives conducted a probation search of Gardner’s hotel room and located a stolen rifle, a loaded handgun, body armor, two rifle scopes, and methamphetamine.

Gardner was booked at Orange County Jail for the arrest warrants as well as various weapons violations charges, to include felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. (DR# 21-13728).

Garden Grove man arrested on gun and drug charges

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, Drugs, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Guns Leave a comment

As part of an ongoing investigation, the Fountain Valley Police Department Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) developed information regarding an individual who was armed with a firearm and involved in narcotics trafficking.

On April 13th, 2021, Rigoberto De Jesus Morales, a 22-year-old resident of Garden Grove, was detained. A search warrant was issued for Morales, his vehicle and his residence. In total, Morales was in possession of a loaded Ruger 57 firearm, numerous other loaded magazines (to included high capacity magazines), 614 Adderall, 80 LSD tablets, 3.5 ounces of marijuana, 1,309 Oxycodone and approximately $12,000.00.

Morales was arrested for possession of Oxycodone, Adderall and marijuana for the purposes of sales as well as numerous weapons violations. Morales was booked into Orange County Jail and subsequently charged by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for the above violations.

These “Oxycodone” pills had a similar appearance to legitimately manufactured Oxycodone however they were made of fentanyl, which had been pressed into this shape. Pressed fentanyl pills have been associated with local overdoses. Investigations like these are part of an ongoing effort by CSU to combat the opioid epidemic. Incident 21-11263.