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Category Archives: Fountain Valley

A woman died after being shot while driving in Fountain Valley

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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

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Save the date! The Sunset Classic Car Show and Concert will be held at Mile Square Park, in Fountain Valley, on Sep. 18, from 4 pm. to 9 p.m.

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.

A Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band, Southbound and Company, and other bands, are also scheduled to perform at this event.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

A serious car accident occurred this afternoon near Carl Thornton Park

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An MCI (Multi-Casualty Incident) was declared after a two-vehicle traffic collision at W. Segerstrom/S. Raitt in
Santa Ana this afternoon, by the OCFA. The collision occurred about a block west of Carl Thornton Park.

The MCI involved up to nine people. Two of the victims were treated/transported by paramedics to local trauma centers.

The Fountain Valley Fire Dept. assisted at the scene.

Suspect arrested in Fountain Valley with guns, drugs and cash

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On 3/15/21 at approximately 11:15 pm, a Fountain Valley police officer conducted a traffic stop in the City of Fountain Valley near the area of Harbor Boulevard and Heil Avenue.

During the traffic stop, the Officer learned one of the vehicle’s occupants was on active post release community supervision (PRCS/Probation).

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, the officer located the following items:

  • (2) Loaded Glock handguns
  • Approximately 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine
  • Approximately 1.5 ounces of heroin
  • A large amount of cash
  • A digital scale
  • Narcotics paraphernalia

All three occupants of the vehicle were arrested for various charges including: felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of narcotics for sales, outstanding warrants, a probation hold, and other charges.

A bike stolen in Fountain Valley was recovered and the suspect was arrested

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Detectives from the Cypress Police Department Criminal Investigations Bureau worked with Fountain Valley Police Detectives to recover a victim’s bicycle.

The victim’s bicycle was stolen in a residential burglary on January 18, 2021. The bicycle had since changed hands and was being advertised for sale over the Internet.

A sting was set up in Fountain Valley where Detectives recovered the bicycle and detained a subject of interest, on Feb. 11.

Bicycles all come with serial numbers. Be sure to note yours in case your bike is stolen so you can file a police report and at least try to recover your bike.

Santa Ana man and two others arrested for selling drugs

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During the months of December 2020 and January 2021, the Fountain Valley Police Department Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) investigated an individual that was known to sell narcotics and firearms throughout Orange County. CSU learned this seller was staying at the Fairfield Inn in Tustin.

On January 14, 2021, surveillance was established at the hotel. Arnoldo Meraz, a 20-year-old resident of Santa Ana, Alexander Almaraz, a 21-year-old resident of Irvine, and a juvenile were contacted at Meraz’s vehicle in the parking lot of this hotel.

A search of the vehicle yielded a loaded .22 caliber revolver in the passenger door, 31 Oxycodone, 244 Adderall, 94 Xanax pills and approximately $4,900 in cash.

Search warrants were obtained for Meraz’s two hotel rooms as well as his residence in Santa Ana. 351 Oxycodone, 82 Xanax pills, 41 Suboxone strips and approximately one ounce of cocaine were located in one of the hotel rooms. Ammunition, firearm parts and 11 grams of cocaine were located at Meraz’s residence.

Meraz was already out on bail for weapons and narcotics trafficking violations.

Meraz and Almaraz were booked into OCJ for various weapons and narcotics trafficking violations as well as child endangerment.

The juvenile was booked into OC Juvenile Hall for various weapons and narcotics trafficking violations. Incident 21-01314

Man arrested for selling psychedelic shrooms in Fountain Valley

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On January 18, 2021, the Fountain Valley Police Department Crime Suppression Unit received a citizen complaint regarding a Fountain Valley resident selling psilocybin mushrooms online.

Detectives conducted an investigation into the online account and arranged an undercover narcotics buy of psilocybin mushrooms.

21-year-old Vincent Kang of Fountain Valley was arrested for the possession and transportation of psilocybin mushrooms with the intent to sell.

Kang was booked at the Orange County Jail.

The FVPD appreciates the citizen who alerted our attention to Kang and his nefarious activities both online and in the City of Fountain Valley.

Three full-grown men from L.A. County arrested for vandalism in Fountain Valley

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On January 21, 2021 at approximately 0036 hours, Officers responded to the area of Bushard & the I-405 Freeway regarding a vandalism in progress.

When Fountain Valley Officers arrived on scene, three subjects immediately fled on foot.

After a brief foot chase, Jesse Walcher, a 30-year-old of North Hills was detained. A short time later, Javier Valle, a 31-year-old of Los Angeles and Alex Ramirez, a 35-year-old of Pacoima were also detained.

During the investigation, Officers located a significant amount of spray paint and a small amount of narcotics as well as narcotic paraphernalia.

All three subjects were booked into Orange County Jail for vandalism, possession of vandalism tools, and conspiracy. FVPD is thankful for our strong community partnership and to the reporting party who notified FVPD of this crime in progress.This arrest and investigation serves as a great reminder “if you see something, say something.” (21-01994)

Homeless catalytic converter thief arrested again in Fountain Valley

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On January 3, 2021 at 0302 hours, Fountain Valley Police Department Officers responded to the area of Talbert and Mt. Washington regarding a small fire.

When the police officers arrived, they located 50 year-old Felipe Batalla, a transient of Fountain Valley.

Some of you may remember Mr. Batalla from a recent press release regarding catalytic converter arrests (Incident #20-42155).

During this investigation, Officers found a shopping cart next to Batalla which contained 3 cut catalytic converters and a reciprocating saw.

Batalla was arrested (again) for possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools, and providing false information to a Police Officer.

Mr. Batalla was subsequently booked into Orange County Jail for these charges. Incident #21-00170.