On Monday, Mar. 31, 2025, an inmate who was housed at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana died while in custody. The decedent, a 55-year-old male, was in custody without bail for PC 192(c)(1) – Vehicle Manslaughter with Gross Negligence, PC 245(a)(1) – Assault with a Deadly Weapon, VC 20001(a) – Hit and Run with Injury. The decedent's manner and means of death are awaiting final determination by the Orange County Coroner.
SANTA ANA, Ca. (Apr. 1, 2025) – On Monday, Mar. 31, 2025, an inmate who was housed at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana died.
The 55-year-old inmate was arrested by Anaheim Police Department on Apr. 17, 2024, for PC 192(c)(1) – Vehicle Manslaughter with Gross Negligence, PC 245(a)(1) – Assault with a Deadly Weapon, VC 20001(a) – Hit and Run with Injury. The inmate’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Orange County Coroner’s Division.
On Monday, Mar. 31, 2025, the inmate was found unresponsive alone in his cell at the Intake Release Center in Module J. Deputies and correctional medical staff attempted life-saving measures. The inmate was pronounced deceased at approximately 3:05 p.m. A final cause of death will be determined following an independent autopsy and toxicology.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office will investigate the in-custody death. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will conduct an in-custody death review. No additional information will be released at this time.
Santa Ana, Ca. (Apr. 1, 2025) – In its efforts to prevent distracted driving and save lives on our roads, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is reminding all drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward and keep their hands on the wheel. Whether checking a phone, eating or adjusting the radio, distractions can have devastating consequences.
"Staying focused behind the wheel is something we can all do,” Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Ishii said. “Distracted Driving Awareness Month is an important reminder that even a moment of inattention or a quick glance at the phone can lead to serious consequences. Distracted driving is not only risky; it is deadly. Stay focused, stay alert and help us keep our roads safe.”
According to the 2024 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 74% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving, because of texting, was their biggest safety concern. In 2022, there were 148 people killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in California. The numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to tell that distraction was a factor in a crash.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine, and violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.
Follow these simple steps to stay focused and protect everyone on the road:
• Put your phone away: Silence notifications and store your phone where you can’t reach it while driving.
• Plan ahead: Set your GPS, adjust mirrors and finish any tasks before you start driving.
• Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road: Avoid eating, grooming or adjusting controls while driving.
• Be a role model: Show your passengers, especially young drivers, that focused driving is the norm.
• Speak up: If you’re a passenger and see the driver distracted, kindly remind them to stay focused.
• Pull over if necessary: If something urgent comes up, stop in a safe place before responding.
Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
DANA POINT, Ca. (March 28, 2025): A deputy-involved shooting occurred this morning in a gated residential community in Dana Point.
On Friday, March 28, at 4:12 a.m., deputies responded to a call of a welfare check in a gated community near Corniche Drive and Camino Del Avion, in Dana Point. The caller stated they could hear a woman screaming at the provided address.
Deputies arrived on scene and attempted to contact the resident at the address. Sometime after the deputies arrived, a 38-year-old woman exited the front door towards the deputies while holding a knife. A deputy-involved shooting occurred, and the woman was struck multiple times.
The woman was provided medical aid at the scene and was transported to a local area hospital where she is in critical condition.
There were no other subjects involved in the initial call for service, nor the deputy-involved shooting. No deputies were injured during the incident. For informational purposes, a photo of the actual knife found near the woman is presented below.
Per protocol, the investigation of the deputy-involved shooting will be handled by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Deputies in Dana Point are equipped with body-worn cameras. Footage from the incident will be released in accordance with the law and in consultation with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
SANTA ANA, Ca. (March 25, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has resolved the lawsuit brought by People for the Ethical Operation of Prosecutors and Law Enforcement (P.E.O.P.L.E.), Bethany Webb, Theresa Smith, and Tina Jackson. This case, initiated in 2018, focused on the use of custodial informants in Orange County jails and alleged violations of the U.S. Constitution and state laws. The lawsuit has been dismissed with prejudice by the Plaintiffs, who acknowledged that their case had no impact on the Department’s operations. This outcome underscores the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s commitment to constitutional policing and proactive measures to protect the rights of all individuals.
Sheriff Don Barnes, unwavering in his confidence in the Department’s position throughout the litigation, stated, “I was confident we would prevail in court. This lawsuit, which wasted millions of taxpayer dollars defending a case against the County that never had merit, has finally been dismissed. This dismissal reaffirms that our policies are aligned with constitutional standards and further validates the Department’s dedication to lawful policing practices.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has consistently worked to ensure compliance with constitutional mandates outside of any litigation and without any external oversight mandates. In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ) concluded its investigation into the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s use of custodial informants, recognizing substantial compliance with constitutional requirements. The U.S. DOJ made no changes to the Department’s internal processes or procedures when it made its findings. P.E.O.P.L.E.’s settlement acknowledges the U.S. DOJ has found the Department’s current policies and procedures regarding the use of custodial informants are in substantial compliance with the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments.
“The Department has shown consistency in lawful practices through the closure of the U.S. DOJ investigation and now in the dismissal of this case,” said Mary Izadi, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Constitutional Policing Advisor. “We remain committed to serving the community while protecting constitutional rights through proactive policies.”
The Plaintiffs, in their settlement agreement, acknowledged that neither the Orange County Sheriff’s Department nor the U.S. DOJ considered or accepted their views or input regarding the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s current policies and procedures regarding the use of informants inside the Orange County jails.
“It is unfortunate that it took Plaintiffs years to realize their lawsuit was baseless,” said Sheriff Barnes. “The resolution of this case without any requirements, changes, or additional costs reaffirms the work of the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and their dedication to safeguarding the constitutional rights of those entrusted to our care.”
SANTA ANA, Ca. (March 21, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department today promoted seven personnel, including an assistant sheriff and a commander.
Assistant Sheriff Nate Wilson was selected to oversee the Department’s Custody Operations Command. He will lead initiatives to continue providing safe and secure facilities for incarcerated persons; including programming focused on re-entry services and integrated services for inmates with mental health and substance use disorders.
Assistant Sheriff Wilson’s promotion comes after the retirement of Assistant Sheriff Andy Stephens, who committed nearly 32 years of dedicated service to the community.
“Assistant Sheriff Wilson is an effective, pragmatic and well-respected leader within our organization who has extensive experience in custody operations,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “He has established himself as an expert in navigating the challenging issues we face in our custody system, and I look forward to the contributions he will make.”
Commander Christopher McDonald also was promoted, along with five lieutenants, in a ceremony held at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy. All personnel begin their new assignments today, March 21.
Assistant Sheriff Nate Wilson
Assistant Sheriff Wilson started at the Sheriff’s Department in 2000 after dedicating six years of military service — three in the United States Army as a specialist and three in the Army Reserves, where he served in aviation operations.
In his tenure with the department, he has worked in the custody, patrol and administrative services commands. As a deputy, he worked patrol in the city of Stanton, was a field training officer and was assigned to GRIP, where he worked with at-risk youth to increase school attendance and decrease gang activity.
Assistant Sheriff Wilson was promoted to sergeant in 2012 and worked in custody, patrol and internal affairs.
He promoted to lieutenant in 2016, was first assigned to the Central Jails Division and then as the department watch commander, overseeing daily patrol operations. In 2018, he was selected as the Chief of Police Services for the city of Stanton.
As captain, Assistant Sheriff Wilson led the Behavioral Health Bureau, working collaboratively with the Health Care Agency and other stakeholders to increase crisis intervention services in Orange County. As part of that assignment, he also managed the development of the department’s Crisis Intervention Training and homeless outreach efforts.
He was promoted to commander in 2021 and assigned to the Intake Release Center, a maximum security facility that houses incarcerated persons with acute mental health and substance use disorders. His command also included the transportation division and the fugitive warrants and extradition detail.
Assistant Sheriff Wilson has a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from California State University, Fullerton. He also attained certification as an American with Disabilities Act coordinator and completed the University of Southern California’s Public Safety Leadership Program.
Commander Christopher McDonald
Commander Christopher McDonald joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in 1999. In his time with the department, he has served in custody, patrol and investigations at the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC) and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
As a supervisor, Commander McDonald worked in Custody Operations, the Crime Analysis Bureau and as a patrol supervisor in the city of Stanton. Additionally, he served an ancillary duty with the Crisis Negotiations Team.
He was promoted in 2022 to lieutenant and was assigned to the Theo Lacy Facility, overseeing daily operations and special projects. Commander McDonald was then selected as Chief of Police Services for the city of Mission Viejo, where he served until April 2024.
Most recently, Commander McDonald worked as the captain of the Real-Time Operations Center (RTOC), which employs a wide-range of technology and publicly available data to aid law enforcement response to crimes in progress or crimes that recently occurred.
Commander McDonald has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration from National University.
YORBA LINDA, Ca. (Mar. 24, 2025): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.
On Wednesday, March 26, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.
Distracted driving comes in many forms, but cell phones remain the top distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,450 people were killed in 2016 due to distracted drivers. A 2018 observational survey by Fresno State and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) found nearly 5 percent of California drivers were using their phone illegally behind the wheel, either by talking on or using their phone without a hands-free device.
In this day and age, it is natural instinct to answer the phone or read a text, but the focus for drivers should be on the road. Other distractions include eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, or reaching for an object on the floor.
If you have an important phone call or need to reprogram your navigation system, pull over to a safe parking place. To resist the urge of using your phone, either silence it or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this distracted driving enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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SAN CLEMENTE, Ca. (Mar. 22, 2025): – The Sheriff’s Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.
On Monday, March 24, deputies will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation.
Deputies will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers.
Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed are up nearly 25 percent over the past five years.
People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.
The Sheriff’s Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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STANTON, Ca. (Mar. 12, 2025): – The Sheriff’s Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.
On Friday, March 14, deputies will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation.
Deputies will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers.
Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed are up nearly 25 percent over the past five years.
People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.
The Sheriff’s Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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SAN CLEMENTE, Ca. (Mar. 6, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Saturday, March 8, in the city of San Clemente looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.
With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, many road users are going places without the same protections as drivers. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants.
To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:
Drivers:
• Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots
• Use your signal when changing lanes
• Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance
• When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning
Motorcyclist:
• Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing
• Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you
• Keep your lights on at all times, even during the day
• Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles
• Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic, or between large vehicles like big rigs and motor homes
All motorcycle riders, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com or by calling 1-877 RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411). Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. ###