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Category Archives: Tustin

Irvine man faces hate crime charges after attacking a woman in Tustin

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On April 11, 2021 at approximately 10:42 am, Tustin Police officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of Valencia Avenue regarding a possible assault and battery. Officers contacted the victim and confirmed she had been assaulted by the suspect.

The victim informed officers the suspect made racial comments and punched her in the stomach. During the altercation, the victim pepper sprayed the suspect. The suspect fled the scene prior to the officers arrival.

The suspect was later located by officers and taken into custody without incident. The suspect has been identified as Jauhar Tajuddin Shuaib, a 42-year old resident of Irvine, California.

The suspect was arrested and booked into Orange County Jail for the following charges:

  • CPC 422.6(a): Hate Crime/Assault Based in Whole or In Part of the Victim’s Race;
  • CPC 245(a)(4): Assault with Force likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury;
  • CPC 647.6(a)(2): Sexually Motivated Annoyance;
  • CPC 241.2(a): Assault in a Public Park;
  • CPC 653b(a): Loitering about a Place Where Children Congregate;
  • CPC 415(1): Disturbing the Peace;
  • TMC 7112(h): Abusive or Profane Language Prohibited.

If anyone has any information or video regarding this incident or any unreported crimes that may be related to Shuaib, please contact Detective Eric Haug at 714-573-3246.

Felon arrested in Tustin on gun charges after a traffic stop

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A Tustin Police Department Patrol Officer conducted a traffic stop after observing a motorist in violation of the Vehicle Code in the area of 17th St & Prospect Ave.

He contacted the driver, Justin Hamill, a convicted felon from Oklahoma. Resulting from the investigation, officers located a loaded .45cal handgun in the vehicle.

Hamill was arrested for PC 29800(a) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm, PC 30305(a) – Felon in Possession of Ammunition, PC 25850(a) – Felon Possess Loaded Firearm in Public/Vehicle, and other offenses.

Hamill was booked into Orange County Jail.

Tustin police officers arrested an armed domestic violence suspect at a hotel

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Michael Angelo Gutierrez, a 40-year-old Long Beach man was arrested on Saturday in an alleged domestic violence attack at a hotel in Tustin.

The Tustin police responded to the scene in the morning, at about 9:10 a.m., to a hotel in the 1600 block of El Camino Real after receiving a domestic violence call. The closed hotel in that area is the Key Inn and Suites at 1611 El Camino Real.

The victim told the responding police officers that he had been assaulted by Gutierrez, who was armed and was destroying the room.

When the police officers tried to contact Gutierrez he responded by barricading himself in the hotel room.

SWAT officers were then called in with crisis negotiators and the surrounding hotel rooms were evacuated.

The police officers were eventually able to arrest Gutierrez. No injuries were reported.

Burglar arrested in Tustin with help from a live feed video camera

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Daniel Elizondo thought he might get away with breaking into a business in Tustin. However his image was captured by video surveillance cameras that happened to have a live feed. The cameras caught him breaking into the business and the business owner was able to contact the Tustin Police as the crime was in progress.

After being notified of the burglary, Tustin Police officers arrived on the scene and surrounded the involved business.

Elizondo was immediately detained by Tustin Police Officers as he exited the business. He was arrested for burglary and a felony ADW warrant. Elizondo was booked into the O.C. Central Jail.

Tustin Unified is reopening their schools while SAUSD schools remain closed

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Another local school district, Tustin Unified, has announced they are opening up again while the SAUSD remains shuttered. This matters to the many Santa Ana families who have transferred their kids to Tustin schools.

Here is the official announcement from Tustin Unified:

Great news! As COVID-19 cases continue to decrease and vaccines become more widely available, the Tustin Unified School District is pleased to announce all students will return to full-time, in-person instruction at all elementary, middle and high schools for the 2021-22 school year. The first day of school is Thursday, August 12.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued updated guidance on physical distancing in schools. The language is similar to the new CDC guidance, which advises a minimum of three feet between students instead of six feet. This change in social distancing guidelines from six feet to three will accommodate more students on campus and increase valuable in-person instructional time.

In the 2021-22 school year, Tustin Unified will return to a traditional schedule of five days per week. In April, families will have the opportunity to learn more about the District’s award-winning Tustin Connect K-12 School that offers an independent study program. Families who wish to keep their students home during the 2021-22 school year will have an opportunity to transfer to Tustin Connect. Please look for this message in the coming weeks.

Due to these recent developments, TUSD is also working on a process to expand in-person classes for the remainder of this school year for those students who have already opted for in-person instruction. Details are being worked out and will be shared as soon as they are available.

Tustin Unified continues to make every effort to maintain a safe and healthy environment for students and staff, while adhering to all health and safety guidelines established by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA). The District’s health and safety measures include face coverings, daily temperature checks, physical distancing, use of outdoor and flexible learning spaces, enhanced ventilation systems, stand-alone air purification systems for each classroom, office spaces and common areas, handwashing/hand sanitizing stations, and increased disinfecting practices and protocols.

The District greatly appreciates your continued cooperation throughout the school year and will continue to work closely with CDPH and OCHCA to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.

Please continue to visit the TUSD website at www.tustin.k12.ca.us for additional information and resources, including the TUSD COVID-19 Dashboard.

Keep strong and stay healthy.

Gregory A. Franklin, Ed.D.

Los estudiantes regresarán al Aprendizaje en Persona de Tiempo Completo para 2021-22;
El Distrito también ofrecerá el Programa de Estudio Independiente – Tustin Connect

Queridas familias del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Tustin:

¡Buenas noticias! A medida que los casos de COVID-19 continúan disminuyendo y las vacunas tienen mayor disponibilidad, el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Tustin se complace en anunciar que todos los estudiantes regresarán a una educación en persona de tiempo completo en todas las escuelas primarias, secundarias y preparatorias para el año 2021-22. El primer día de clases es el jueves 12 de agosto.

La Secretaría de Salud Pública de California (CDPH, por sus siglas en inglés) ha publicado una guía actualizada sobre el distanciamiento físico en las escuelas. El lenguaje es similar a la nueva guía de CDC, que aconseja un mínimo de tres pies entre los estudiantes en lugar de seis. Este cambio en las directrices de distanciamiento social de seis pies a tres aceptará más estudiantes en el campus y aumentará el valioso tiempo de educación en persona.

En el año escolar 2021-22, el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Tustin volverá a un horario tradicional de cinco días a la semana. En abril, las familias tendrán la oportunidad de aprender más sobre la galardonada escuela Tustin Connect K-12 del distrito que ofrece un programa de estudio independiente. Las familias que deseen mantener a sus estudiantes en casa durante el año escolar 2021-22, tendrán la oportunidad de transferirse a Tustin Connect. Busque este mensaje en las próximas semanas.

Debido a estos desarrollos recientes, el TUSD también está trabajando en un proceso para expandir las clases en persona durante el resto de este año escolar para aquellos estudiantes que ya han optado por la educación en persona. Los detalles se están elaborando y se compartirán tan pronto como estén disponibles.

El Distrito Escolar de Tustin continúa haciendo todo lo posible para mantener un entorno seguro y saludable para los estudiantes y el personal, mientras se adhiere a todas las directrices de salud y seguridad establecidas por la Secretaría de Salud Pública de California y la Agencia de Atención Médica del Condado de Orange (OCHCA, por sus siglas en inglés). Las medidas de salud y seguridad del Distrito incluyen cubrebocas, controles diarios de temperatura, distanciamiento físico, uso de espacios de aprendizaje flexibles y al aire libre, sistemas de ventilación mejorados, sistemas de purificación de aire independiente para cada salón de clases, espacios de oficina y áreas comunes, estaciones para lavarse/desinfectar las manos y aumento de las prácticas y protocolos de desinfección.

El Distrito aprecia ampliamente su cooperación continua durante todo el año escolar y continuará trabajando en estrecha colaboración con CDPH y OCHCA para monitorear la situación y proporcionar actualizaciones según sea necesario.

Continúe visitando el sitio web del TUSD en www.tustin.k12.ca.us para obtener más información y recursos adicionales, incluido el Panel de Control COVID-19 del TUSD.

Manténgase fuerte y saludable.

Gregory A. Franklin, Ed.D.
Superintendente

The SAPD is searching for an auto theft suspect who was caught on video

Posted on by Posted in automobiles, Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD, Tustin 1 Comment

On 02/25/2021, the victim’s vehicle was stolen from the 2000 block of S. Cypress Avenue between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

On 02/26/2021 at approximately 11:18 PM, the suspect abandoned the victim’s vehicle at the Mobil gas station located at 13872 Red Hill Avenue in the City of Tustin. The victim’s vehicle has since been recovered.

Suspect Description: Hispanic, Male, between 25-35 years old, buzzed haircut, mustache, thin build, wearing a dark blue t-shirt and dark blue jeans.

Anyone with information on the identity / whereabouts of the wanted suspect is asked to please contact, Detective Romero at (714) 245-8529 / BRomero@santa-ana.org

The Tustin Police arrested two suspects on drug charges

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Santa Ana, Tustin 7 Comments

Jolean Disbrow and Julio Meza were stopped in the area of Red Hill Ave and El Camino Real in a stolen Cadillac CTS.

Each possessed their drug of choice, however, Meza, a convicted felon, was also unlawfully in possession of OC spray (pepper spray).

Disbrow was arrested for vehicle theft, possession of drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Meza was arrested for felon in possession of OC spray and possession of drugs. Both were booked into jail.

The Tustin Police recovered two stolen vehicles and made several arrests

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This week, officers on patrol located two occupied stolen vehicles and stopped them.

Pedro Sanchez and Eric Rocha were in a stolen Chevrolet Astro Van near Mitchell Ave and Newport Ave.

Sanchez was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, drug offenses, and a violation of his probation terms. Rocha was arrested for possession of burglary tools, drug offenses, and a violation of his PRCS terms.

Gabriel Monsisvais was in this stolen Chevrolet Tahoe near First St and Tustin Ave.

Monsisvais was arrested for vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, drug offenses, and driving on a suspended license.

The Tustin Police Dept. is conducting a DUI checkpoint on March 19

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The Tustin Police Department is conducting a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location on March 19, from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. They select the location based on the area’s history of DUI crashes and arrests.

DUI Checkpoints, also known as, Sobriety Checkpoints, are roadblocks, set up temporarily on public streets, to catch drunk drivers and to cite others for Vehicle Code violations. The police departments conducting these checkpoints must adhere to strict guidelines, which have been established by the Courts according to the Orange County DUI Lawyer Blog.

Drivers charged with a DUI face an average of over $13,500 in fines and penalties as well as having a suspended license.

Bike theft suspect arrested in Tustin was selling meth too

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An observant Tustin Police Department K-9 Officer stopped a bicyclist for a California Vehicle Code (CVC) violation, on Friday.

The suspect, Eulalio Rivera, was riding a stylish pink beach cruiser bicycle. Earlier that day, Tustin PD investigated the theft of a very similar bicycle.

A search of Mr. Rivera revealed 20 individual bags of methamphetamine and he admitted to possessing them with the intention of sales.

Mr. Rivera was arrested for possession of drugs for sale and booked into jail. We are still attempting to contact the owner of the possible stolen bicycle.

The Tustin Police arrested a trio of catalytic converter thieves

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Two minutes after 2 AM this Thursday, a Tustin PD K-9 Officer was in the area of Red Hill Ave. and Sycamore Ave. when he noticed a suspicious vehicle exit the Tustin Meadows neighborhood.

The police officer stopped the vehicle and contacted three occupants. The suspects were found to be in possession of a catalytic converter which was taken from a vehicle parked at the Tustin Meadows. Officers searched the area, and they were able to locate the victim’s vehicle.

The suspects were also in possession of a low-profile garage jack, a cordless saw, and drugs.

Richard Delarosa, Patrick Mendez, and Justin Jauregui were all booked at OC Jail for grand theft, possession of stolen property, conspiracy, and drug offenses.

The Irvine police arrested a couple who had a stolen gun and drugs

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On Friday night, an Irvine Police Department officer was patrolling the parking lot of an Irvine business and observed a suspicious vehicle.

As the officer got closer, an adult male exited the vehicle and ran. A female remained in the vehicle and was ultimately arrested for drug related offenses.

In addition to finding narcotics in the vehicle, the officer located a handgun that was determined to be left behind by the male.

Officers searched the area and located the male a short distance away. He was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun.

After conducting follow up, the officer determined the handgun had been stolen from a vehicle in the City of Tustin an hour prior.

Probably not a great idea to leave any valuables in your cars – including guns!

The Tustin police arrested a residential burglary suspect

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In January, the Tustin Police Department investigated a residential burglary in the Old Town Tustin area.

Surveillance video showed the suspect, Santos Diaz, trespass onto the property and enter it.

Several items were taken from the residence.

Through a combined effort from Patrol, CSI, Detectives, and GRADE, the suspect was identified and arrested.

Santos Diaz was booked into jail for residential burglary and prowling.

How to prevent the theft of your catalytic converters and bicycles

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The Tustin Police Department has investigated over 115 catalytic converter thefts since 1/1/2020. The thieves target this vehicle part due to the precious metals of platinum, palladium, and rhodium inside. They use a sawing tool to cut the part away from underneath the vehicle.

The most targeted vehicles are Honda Element, Toyota Prius and Ford trucks. Lesser targeted vehicles include Honda Accord, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota and Chevrolet trucks, vans and SUV’s.

Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Tips:

  • Install a catalytic converter lock on your vehicle. This part typically costs close to $150.
  • Park in a well-lit and non-secluded area.
  • If you hear mechanical or sawing type noises after dark, call the police.
  • If you see the crime occurring, call the police and be a good witness. Do not get involved with criminals. Let the police make contact.
  • This crime can occur at all times of the day, so be alert.
  • Report all suspicious activity. See something, say something.

In 2020, the Tustin Police Department saw a spike in reported bicycle thefts with 133 (2017: 93, 2018: 70, 2019: 69).

YTD in 2021, there have been 12 reported bicycle thefts. In both January and February, The Tustin Police Department arrested an individual for attempted bike theft, interrupting the actual crime.

Bike Theft Prevention Tips:

  • Lock your bicycle. Always secure your bike to a fixed object using a strong lock. While a cable lock might seem strong, many can be cut with a simple hand tool. A metal U-lock offers greater security. Consider combining that lock with wheel locks for increased protection.
  • Report suspicious behavior. We rely on your keen observations to help direct our resources. Our response may include increased patrols, undercover operations, or a technological approach.
  • Record your bicycle’s serial number. Bicycles have stamped serial numbers on the frame which can aid law enforcement in arresting thieves and returning stolen property. Detailed photos of your bike are also useful.

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

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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.