New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Orange

Man arrested for hate attacks against Asian Americans at a park in Orange

Posted on April 19, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, Hate, Orange Leave a comment

On April 18, 2021, at 7:37 p.m., Orange police officers responded to Grijalva Park at 368 N. Prospect regarding an assault. The suspect punched a 79-year-old Korean American male and his 80-year-old Korean American wife in the face.

The assault was unprovoked and caused both elderly victims to fall down. Community members at the park surrounded the suspect until officers arrived.

The suspect was arrested for elder abuse and committing a hate crime.

The suspect was identified as 25-year-old Michael Orlando Vivona from Corona.

Vivona was also arrested for threatening a Japanese American on April 1, 2021 at the same location. That incident occurred on April 1 when Sakura Kokumai, a karate champion set to represent the United States in the Olympic Games this summer, was working out at Grijalva.

Vivona was booked at Orange County Jail.

The victims of the mass shooting in Orange have been identified

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, Guns, Orange Leave a comment

The identities have been confirmed for the four victims killed in Wednesday’s tragic incident at 202 W Lincoln. Those deceased include 28 year-old Genevieve Raygoza, 50 year-old Luis Tovar, 9 year-old Matthew Farias and 58 year-old, Leticia Solis Guzman, according to the Orange Police Department. The 9-year-old boy’s mother Ismeralda Tamayo is believed to be the lone survivor of the shooting. She remains in the hospital in critical condition.

Thalia Tovar, the daughter of Luis Tovar, and sister of Genevieve Raygoza, has started a GoFundMe page to help pay for for funeral services and medical expenses for all the families affected.

Thalia’s statement from her GoFundMePage:

We are so deeply saddened by the loss of our father, sister, and close family friends. We can use any and all support during this time. We are hoping to raise enough to help all of the families because my dad wouldn’t have had it any other way. – Vania Tovar (Daughter to Luis & Sister to Genevieve)
Genevieve Arlene Raygoza was an amazing mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, and loving friend. She leaves behind two beautiful boys who will be looked after by their father, Armando Raygoza. She had a smile that could light up any room and a caring nature of putting other’s needs before hers. Although her life ended prematurely, she made a huge impact in the lives of those who were fortunate to call her a loved one or a friend. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will live on in our hearts forever. We love and miss you, Gen! – Armando Raygoza (Husband to Genevieve).

In related news, Aminadab Gaxiola Gonzalez, the suspect in this week’s mass shooting in Orange, is facing several felony charges per our previous article posted earlier today.

Suspect in the mass shooting in Orange charged with 4 counts of murder and 3 counts of attempted murder

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, Fullerton, Guns, OCDA, Orange Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man accused of shooting and killing four people, including a 9-year-old boy, and attempting to kill three more people Wednesday evening after chaining the gates of an Orange business complex closed has been charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. The suspect suffered gunshot wounds after opening fire on two Orange police officers.

Aminadab Gaxiola Gonzalez, 44, of Fullerton has been charged with four felony counts of murder, one felony count of attempted murder, and two felony counts of attempted murder of a police officer.

Gaxiola has also been charged with four felony enhancements of the personal discharge of a firearm causing death, one felony enhancement of the personal discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury, one felony enhancement of premeditation, one felony enhancement of the personal use of a firearm, one felony enhancement of the personal discharge of a firearm.

Prosecutors are also alleging the special circumstance of multiple murders. Gaxiola is eligible for the death penalty.

On Wednesday, March 31, around 5:34 p.m. a 911 caller reported a man shooting into a business at 202 W. Lincoln Avenue in the City of Orange.

Police arrived minutes later to find the gates to the business’ courtyard had been locked with a bicycle cable-type lock, preventing officers from accessing the property. A man, later identified as Gaxiola, is accused of shooting at the two officers, who returned fire. Gaxiola was wounded.

Officers used bolt cutters to cut the locks and found four people who had been shot to death within the business complex, including a 9-year-old boy. A man and two women were also found dead. A third woman was wounded and taken to a hospital where she remains in critical but stable condition.

The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of next of kin. Gaxiola and all the adult victims had both personal and business connections to each other.

Gaxiola remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. He is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon from his hospital bed with the hearing livestreamed from Department C5.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is continuing to investigate the officer-involved shooting that occurred during this incident as is standard with officer-involved shootings and custodial deaths involving the Orange Police Department. The legal conclusions and any relevant body-worn camera footage will be published on the District Attorney’s website at www.orangecountyda.org once the investigation is completed.

“Our hearts are shattered into a million pieces as the community mourns the loss of four innocent lives, including a young boy, as a result of the horrific events that unfolded Wednesday evening and we pray for the recovery of the sole survivor,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “The taking of the life of another human being is the most serious of crimes and the slaughter of multiple people while they were essentially locked in a shooting gallery is nothing short of terrifying. We ask our sworn police officers to answer calls for help and race into dangerous situations. Thankfully the police officers who answered the call that day escaped injury. The residents of Orange County can rest assured that the District Attorney’s Office is taking every possible step to ensure that every aspect of this case and the subsequent officer-involved shooting is thoroughly reviewed and that justice will be served for each and every victim.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Mena Guirguis of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

Fullerton man identified as the suspect in yesterday’s mass shooting in Orange

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, Fullerton, Guns, Orange 7 Comments

Aminadab Gaxiola Gonzalez, a 44-year-old resident of Fullerton, has been identified as the suspect who allegedly conducted a mass shooting in Orange yesterday that resulted in the deaths of a man, two women and a a 9-year-old boy at an Orange business complex. The 9-year-old is believed to be the son of one of the victims who worked at the business. The child apparently died in his mother’s arms.

Gonzalez was shot in the head and hand and remained hospitalized in critical but stable condition on Thursday. Gonzales is believed to have been injured when Orange police officers fired their weapons at him as they responded to the shooting incident however it is also possible that he shot himself.

If convicted, Gonzalez would be eligible for the death penalty, according to OCDA Todd Spitzer, who has said that this will be treated as a special circumstance case.

The Orange Police Department stated that the attack was not a random one. All of the victims knew the suspect through either a business or personal relationship. The shooting happened at two business suites belonging to Unified Homes, a real estate business that specializes in mobile homes. The shooting was reportedly inside one of the multiple business suites in the building but spread to a courtyard area.

Police officers found a backpack they believe belonged to the suspect that contained pepper spray, handcuffs and ammunition.

Orange police officers were called at around 5:30 p.m. because of shots fired at a business at 202 W. Lincoln Avenue.

When the Orange police officers arrived at the scene, they found that the front and back wrought iron gates had been locked from the inside, with a bicycle-type cable lock, which meant they were not able to get into the premises in order to get to engage the suspect. The suspect shot at the responding police officers and they returned fire, from outside the gate.

The identities of the victims were not released because authorities are still working to notify the next of kin. Relatives with questions about loved ones who may have been victims of the shooting should contact the Orange Police Department.

Update from the Orange Police Dept. as of 3:00 p.m:

Reference the 9-1-1 calls and officer response time: We received five initial 9-1-1 calls. The first caller to OPD Dispatch was at 5:34:51 in which a male was reported to be shooting into a building across the street. The first Orange Police Officer on scene was at 5:36 p.m., which was under two minutes. Shots were reported to have been fired by officers within minutes of their arrival.

Regarding the suspect: Investigators have established the suspect arrived at the location in a rental car which has been located in the parking lot of 202 W. Lincoln Ave. The suspect is believed to have been living out of a motel in Anaheim.

We have obtained video footage from inside the business location which shows the suspect inside. The video is not available for release at this time, however a still image is available. The Orange County Crime Lab is currently at the location processing the scene. The identities of the victims are not yet confirmed. We will provide the identity of the victims as soon as they are available. We feel for the families who believe their loved ones may be one of the victims. Investigators will remain on scene throughout the day and likely into the night until the investigation is complete by the Orange County Crime Lab and the Orange County Coroner’s Office. The identities of the victims will be released in collaboration with the Orange County Coroner’s Office as soon as the information becomes available.

If anyone has any information about the incident, please call Orange Police Department at 714-744-7444.

A shooting suspect shot several victims and then the Orange Police shot him

Posted on March 31, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, Guns, Orange Leave a comment

Today at 5:30 pm, the Orange Police Department responded to a call of shots fired at 202 W. Lincoln Ave. That’s the address of a multi-tenant office building.

Police officers arrived as shots were being fired and located multiple victims at the scene including fatalities.

An officer involved shooting occurred.

There were over a dozen police cars at the scene and a SWAT vehicle.

The situation has been stabilized and there is no threat to the public.

At least four people are reported dead, including a child, and two others injured, including the suspected shooter.

Orange based solar energy contractor found to have misled consumers

Posted on March 31, 2021 by Editor Posted in Business, California, Orange Leave a comment

SACRAMENTO – The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) today permanently barred James Jacob Berry and any company he owns or controls from seeking future enrollment as a PACE solicitor’s agent or PACE solicitor, after finding that Berry and his three companies misled consumers by marketing their product as a “no-cost” government-funded program.

The companies, which include a former PACE solicitor disenrolled by its program administrator, would have fallen outside the regulatory oversight of the Department prior to the passage of the California Consumer Financial Protection Law (CCFPL), which took effect Jan. 1, 2021. Berry and his companies evaded PACE laws by using an unenrolled company to advertise and solicit consumers for PACE financing.

“The new law allows us to fill gaps in PACE regulation and oversight so we can better protect consumers from misinformation and outright lies,” said DFPI Commissioner Manuel P. Alvarez. “This action today shows our intent to vigorously protect Californians against improper PACE solicitors.”

The DFPI entered into a consent order with Berry and his companies: Community Solar Inc., doing business as Premier Community Construction; PACE Consulting Agency Inc., doing business as The PACE Program of California; and PACE Marketing & Communications after finding that Berry and his companies evaded PACE laws by using an unenrolled company to advertise and solicit consumers for PACE financing.

In addition to barring Berry, the DFPI ordered Berry and his companies to stop offering PACE financing to consumers and to stop using “PACE” in its business names, websites, marketing materials, or communications.

In the action against Berry and his companies, the DFPI found that The PACE Program of California offered and sold PACE financing to consumers without enrolling with a PACE program administrator. Berry and his companies also failed to provide clear and accurate information to consumers about how PACE financing works, and misled consumers about their relationships with public agencies, lenders, PACE program administrators, and each other.

As detailed in the DFPI’s order, Berry and his companies are charged with misleading California consumers by engaging in unfair and deceptive marketing tactics that offered “no-cost” government-funded PACE projects. The order also outlines how Berry deceived homeowners by making it appear that The PACE Program of California was a California government agency or affiliate through its website and mailers to Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County homeowners.

Even though a PACE administrator disenrolled Community Solar Inc. and Berry last year, Berry continued to use the PACE name in his other business and on his company websites. Before the California Consumer Financial Protection Law went into effect, the DFPI did not have the authority to pursue actions against unenrolled individuals.

PACE is a financing program that allows homeowners to finance certain clean energy projects such as solar panels, water heaters, and windows. PACE financing is funded by private lenders and is secured by a lien on the property, but public agencies facilitate PACE financing by adding a special assessment to the homeowner’s property tax. If the homeowner does not pay the special assessment, the lender can enforce the lien, including through foreclosure.

The DFPI licenses and regulates PACE program administrators, but because the DFPI is not authorized to license PACE solicitors and PACE solicitor agents, PACE customers should check to make sure that anyone offering them PACE financing is enrolled with a California-licensed program administrator by visiting the DFPI website at https://dfpi.ca.gov/pace-program-administrators/. Consumers should also ask the program administrator about the enrollment status of the solicitor and agent, and any complaints filed against them.

The DFPI continues to investigate fraudulent practices by those involved in PACE financing. If you currently have or have been offered PACE financing for your home improvement project and believe that you have been a victim of unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices, please contact the DFPI at (866) 275-2677 or Ask.DFPI@dfpi.ca.gov. More information regarding PACE financing can be found at https://dfpi.ca.gov/pace/.

In addition to regulating PACE administrators, the DFPI licenses and regulates financial products and services, including state-chartered banks and credit unions, student loan servicers, commodities and investment advisers, money transmitters, the offer and sale of securities and franchises, broker-dealers, non-bank installment lenders, payday lenders, mortgage lenders and servicers, escrow companies, debt collectors, rent-to-own contractors, credit repair companies, consumer credit reporting agencies, debt-relief companies, and more.

The Orange Police shut down a Slap House and arrested 15 suspects

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, Orange Leave a comment

On March 18, 2021, the Orange Police Department Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and their SWAT team served a search warrant on a suspected illegal gambling business (known as a NET or Slap House) on the 800 block of E. Lincoln.

Detectives recovered two handguns, drug paraphernalia, over $4000, and seized fifteen gambling machines from inside of the locations.

A total of fifteen people were arrested for either warrants or their participation in illegal gambling activity.

Special thanks to Buena Park Police Department SWAT Team for their assistance.

If anyone sees suspicious behavior related to illegal gambling establishments in the City of Orange, call the Orange Police Department at 714-744-7444.

The OCTA seeks volunteers for their Citizens Advisory Committee

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Editor Posted in OCTA, Orange, Orange County, Transportation Leave a comment

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority is recruiting community leaders to fill openings on the Citizens Advisory Committee, which provides input on a range of transportation projects, studies and outreach activities.
The 34-member committee actively provides input on OCTA’s transportation studies, explores ways to improve traffic and communicates with the public. During the year, committee members are asked to participate in roundtable discussions and hear special presentations on various transportation projects, programs and services.
OCTA is seeking individuals with a demonstrated interest in community activities and transportation issues who are willing to dedicate at least 15 hours per year to meetings and activities. This is an unpaid volunteer position and committee members are asked to commit to a two-year term. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and live in Orange County.

Responsibilities of committee members include:

• Serving as a liaison between the public and OCTA,
• Identifying opportunities for community input,
• Recommending ways for obtaining public opinion on specific transportation issues,
• And commenting on significant transportation issues and suggesting possible solutions.

The Citizens Advisory Committee meets quarterly on the third Tuesday of the month at noon. Meetings are held virtually until further notice due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Applications must be received by May 2 and are available at octa.net/CAC. For more information, contact Jared Hill at (714) 560-5680 or JHill1@octa.net.

The OCTA Board of Directors is expected to select the members in June.

About OCTA: The Orange County Transportation Authority is the county transportation planning commission, responsible for funding and implementing transit and capital projects for a balanced and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. With the mission of keeping Orange County moving, this includes freeways and express lanes, bus and rail transit, rideshare, commuter rail, environmental programs and active transportation.

CostLess Wholesale is now open in Orange

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Editor Posted in Business, Orange Leave a comment

CostLess Wholesale has opened a new location in Orange, at what used to be a Staples store, at 330 S Main St. The owner says you can save up to 80% off at this store!

CostLess Wholesale buy Overstocks, Closeouts, Returns and discontinued models from large retailers & resells them at a huge bargain savings. Some of their items includes Food, Home Decor, Bedding, Electronics, Clothing, Shoes, Furniture, Watches & sporting goods, Houseware, Home Appliances, Home Supplies & Beauty Supplies.

Some of the brand name items that they carry include: Nike, Adidas, Puma, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Levis, Puma, Proctor & Gamble, Samsung, Sony, Crock Pot, Ninja Blenders, Rubbermaid, Oster, Mikasa, Dove, Colgate, Charmin, Bounty, Windex, Clorox, Airwick, Glade, Lysol Huggies and much more.

Some of the deals recently included Clorox wands for $7, three pairs of heavy-duty gardening gloves for $10. Goodyear windshield wipers for $4.99, Ninja blenders for $70 and rechargeable reading lights for $4.99, according to the O.C. Register.

They opened their new 33,000 sq. foot store in Orange today. Their original branch is in La Habra.

The stores, open daily, are owned by Adel Khatib who opened the La Habra store in 2013.

Online: costlesswholesale.com/shop/. Curbside services and delivery is also available.

The Orange police have released a picture of a hit and run suspect’s vehicle

Posted on February 9, 2021 by Editor Posted in Accidents, Crime, Orange, Tustin Leave a comment

The Orange Police Department has released a picture of the car that was involved in a fatal hit and run accident involving a pedestrian, on January 15, 2021, near the Orange Outlets.

A 29-year-old male pedestrian from Tustin was crossing The City Drive South outside of the crosswalk between Justice Center Way and Outlets Drive on Jan. 15. An Acura traveling south hit the pedestrian. A second unknown white vehicle struck the pedestrian and fled the scene. The pedestrian was taken to a local hospital and pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.

The driver of the Acura remained on scene and drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor. The second white vehicle was last seen traveling south on The City Drive South.

OPD’s Major Accident Investigation Team obtained a photograph of the white vehicle that fled the scene. Anyone with information can call Detectives at 714-744-7342.

Woman pleads not guilty after allegedly running over her boyfriend in Orange

Posted on February 9, 2021 by Editor Posted in Courts, Crime, Domestic Violence, Orange Leave a comment

Diana Rodriguez, 27, of Orange told a court that she is not guilty, on Monday, with regard to charges of assault and allegedly running over her boyfriend with a car and fleeing from the scene.

Rodriguez is facing charges of mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon and corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, all felonies, as well as two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of drug paraphernalia, all misdemeanors. She is also charged with sentencing enhancement allegations of causing great bodily injury and causing great bodily injury in a domestic violence dispute.

Rodriguez’ boyfriend was riding away from her home on a bicycle, on Dec. 17, when she reportedly ran over him with a car.

Fortunately for the boyfriend, the car went careened over a sidewalk and then got stuck on the curb. As a result the boyfriend was not crushed but he was pinned under the car, according to the Orange Police Department.

The unfortunate boyfriend was rescued by a neighbor who was able to free him by using a jack to lift the car up. Paramedics then took the victim to a local hospital for treatment.

The boyfriend was burned on his thigh by a heated vehicle part but he was extremely lucky to have avoided even worse injuries.

Rodriguez ran off on foot after the incident but the police caught her a short distance later and she was arrested.

Rodriguez must return to court on Feb. 22 for a pretrial hearing in the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.

LAPD cop charged with stealing a Silverado from a car dealer in Orange

Posted on February 9, 2021 by Editor Posted in automobiles, Crime, Los Angeles County, Orange Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A Los Angeles Police Department officer has been charged with three felonies and three misdemeanors for stealing a truck from a car dealership in Orange and then calling his own department’s Vehicle Warrant Unit to change the stolen truck’s status from stolen to recovered. He is also charged with repeatedly accessing a confidential law enforcement database to check on the vehicle’s status while driving the stolen vehicle for more than a year, including to work as a police officer.

Matthew Calleros, 45, of Whittier, pleaded not guilty today to one felony count of the unlawful taking of a vehicle, one felony count of forging of a license plate, and one felony count of false personation. Calleros has also been charged with three misdemeanor counts of the unauthorized disclosure of information from Department of Motor Vehicle records.

He faces a maximum sentence of four years and four months in state prison if convicted on all counts.

Calleros was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to be back in court on April 15, 2021.

On October 25, 2019, Calleros is accused of going to B & J Car Company in Orange and driving off in a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado after he asked a car salesman to pull the CarFax on the vehicle.

Calleros is then accused of using another LAPD officer’s identification to call into the LAPD’s Vehicle Warrant Unit to report the stolen truck had been recovered.

Calleros is also accused of accessing the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) to run multiple checks on the vehicle’s license plate number and different license plate number belonging to a 2014 model Chevy Silverado which he put on the stolen vehicle.

Following a nearly year-long investigation by the LAPD and the Orange Police Department, Calleros was arrested on November 9, 2020 at the LAPD’s Hollenbeck Division. The stolen truck was parked in the employee parking lot.

“The badge is pinned over the heart of every law enforcement officer for a reason,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “It is a symbol of public faith in the job every officer has sworn to do and the laws they are sworn to uphold. When law enforcement officers use their training and law enforcement resources to victimize the very people they are sworn to protect, it tarnishes the badge of every law enforcement officer. Every time an officer’s actions erodes the public trust, it undermines the rule of law.”

Deputy District Attorney Frank Acosta of Special Prosecutions is prosecuting this case.

The OCTA’s 2021 initiatives and action plan focus on accessibility, sustainability and collaboration

Posted on January 26, 2021 by Editor Posted in Andrew Do, OCTA, Orange, Orange County, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority board today presented the 2021 Board and CEO Strategic Initiatives and Action Plan, the document that prioritizes what will guide the agency as it continues to negotiate the challenges of the COVID-19 public health crisis while remaining fiscally conservative and working to provide a balanced, sustainable transportation system for Orange County.

Orange County First District Supervisor Andrew Do, who was elected as OCTA chairman earlier this month, unveiled the initiatives, along with OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson, who developed an action plan based on the Board’s priorities.

The Initiatives and Action Plan include:

• Reliable, Accessible, and Balanced Transportation Choices
• Provide Balanced Public Transportation Options and Solutions
• Deliver Improvements to Fulfill Measure M Promises
• Engage with Diverse and Disadvantaged Communities
• Financial Stewardship, Sustainability and Resilience
• Champion Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
• Plan and Adapt to a Changing Environment
• Demonstrate fiscal responsibility and effective Measure M2 administration
• Organizational Excellence and Collaboration
• Enhance Workforce Diversity and Inclusive Work Culture
• Adapt to a Changing Workplace, Promote Employee Development and Safety
• Provide Quality Customer Service and Collaborate with Regional Partners

“After the disruptions we’ve seen this past year, high-quality transportation options are more important than ever,” said Chairman Do. “We also must ensure that our practices as they relate to customers, contractors, and employees are fair and equitable. The initiatives adopted by the Board today position OCTA to meet this moment – both the challenges and opportunities we will face this year – and help us fulfill our important mission of keeping Orange County moving. I’m eager to work with my colleagues to continue improving the quality of life for Orange County’s residents, workers and visitors.”

In the year ahead, OCTA will continue work on several important transportation projects and adopt a revised Measure M Next 10 Delivery Plan, to ensure fiscal sustainability and the continuation of critical programs and projects. That includes the $1.9 billion I-405 Improvement Project, between Costa Mesa and the border with Los Angeles County, and ongoing work on OC Streetcar, Orange County’s 4.1-mile modern electric streetcar that will run through Santa Ana into Garden Grove.

Even as the COVID-19 pandemic remains, OCTA will continue to provide essential transit services to those who rely upon it, keeping the health and safety of the public and employees as the guiding priority. Chairman Do said that OCTA will work to enhance efforts to reach diverse communities and small and minority-owned businesses to connect with OCTA, hear their voices and help them grow.

The initiatives will also enhance OCTA’s efforts to attract and maintain a strong workforce, while continuing to build relationships with external partners and stakeholders. Examples of that are extending the College Bus Pass program and collaborating with neighboring counties, including San Diego County on Interstate 5 improvements between Avenida Pico in San Clemente and the county border.

“Even with the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are moving forward with ambitious plans to evolve and improve transportation,” OCTA CEO Johnson said. “I am confident and excited that we are moving forward with a balanced and innovative plan that continues to prioritize the health of our communities.”

To learn more about OCTA programs and projects, visit www.octa.net.

A suspected drunk driver crashed his SUV into a liquor store in Orange

Posted on January 19, 2021 by Editor Posted in Accidents, Alcohol, Crime, Orange Leave a comment

A suspected 71-year-old male drunk driver crashed his SUV into the Orange Tree Liquor store located at the corner of Glassell St. and Lincoln Ave. in Orange on Monday night, Jan. 18, according to the Orange Police Department.

The crash happened at 7:55 p.m. as the suspect, who had parked his SUV at the liquor store, suddenly accelerated his gray SUV into the building, shattering the glass doors and knocking them loose from their hinges.

An SUV slammed into the front of a liquor store in Orange on Monday evening, Jan. 18, and its driver was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of DUI – alcohol. The police did not reveal the suspect’s name but did note that he is a resident of Orange.

Fortunately no one was injured in the crash. The Orange Police are investigating the incident.

A pedestrian was killed after being struck by two cars near the O.C. Juvenile Hall

Posted on January 16, 2021 by Editor Posted in Accidents, Crime, Orange, Tustin 1 Comment

A 29-year-old male pedestrian died after being struck by two vehicles on Friday, Jan. 15. At approximately 6:00 p.m., a pedestrian from Tustin was crossing The City Drive South outside of the crosswalk between Justice Center Way and Outlets Drive., near the O.C Juvenile Hall.

An Acura traveling south hit the pedestrian. A second unknown white vehicle struck the pedestrian and fled the scene. The pedestrian was taken to a local hospital and pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.

The driver of the Acura remained on scene and drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor. The second white vehicle was last seen traveling south on The City Drive South.

OPD’s Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating the collision. Southbound traffic on The City Drive South will be closed from Justice Center Way to Outlets Drive until midnight. Anyone with information can call the Orange Police Department at 714-744-7444.