SANTA ANA, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2025) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department announced today that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads. The grant program runs through September 2026.
“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” Sergeant Ishii said. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone."
The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:
DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers.
High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.
Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.
Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding and bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies.
Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).
Street racing and sideshow enforcement operations.
“Through focused traffic enforcement and education, we’re working toward a future where everyone will be safe on California roads,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “By encouraging people to prioritize safety in their daily choices, we are creating a strong road safety culture together."
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Sheriff-Coroner shows a decrease in fentanyl-related deaths, marking a five-year low in the county.
The OC Sheriff Coroner Division report SANTA ANA, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2025): A recently released report from the Orange County shows there were 407 fentanyl-related deaths in 2024, down from 613 deaths in 2023. The numbers reported so far for 2025 are continuing to show a downward trend.
“Seeing a progressive drop in the number of fentanyl-related deaths is encouraging and a testament to the collaborative work of the Sheriff’s Department and the County in addressing this complex and challenging issue,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “However, our work is far from done. We will continue to work together to be innovative and effective in fighting fentanyl.”
From programming to enforcement to legislative efforts, the County of Orange (County) has dedicated numerous resources over the last decade that have contributed to the countywide reduction in fentanyl-related deaths, including efforts by the Board of Supervisors, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and the OC Health Care Agency (HCA).
“I am encouraged and hopeful that the collective efforts by our County are making an impact in the fight against fentanyl,” said Chair Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “The fight isn’t over, so we will continue in these efforts to save lives and protect our community.”
The OC Sheriff has intensified enforcement efforts to dismantle the networks responsible for introducing fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics into our communities. Last year, narcotics teams seized more than 184 pounds of fentanyl powder and nearly 45,300 fentanyl pills.
In addition, beginning in 2021, the OC Sheriff began investigating all drug-related overdoses as possible homicides in an effort to hold drug dealers accountable. Since then, multiple cases have been submitted for prosecution at both the local and federal levels.
"Any life lost to fentanyl abuse is one too many. I commend the collective efforts by County departments and my office to educate the community and distribute naloxone to help reduce fentanyl deaths amongst our Orange County youth,”stated Vice Chair Katrina Foley, Fifth District.“From here, we must continue prioritizing treatment and holding drug traffickers accountable for poisoning our young adults.”
In the custody setting, a strong partnership with the HCA’s Correctional Health Services (CHS) team has led to the implementation of additional screening, treatment, and programs to address substance use disorder in Orange County’s jails. The two-pronged strategy of enforcement, along with treatment and recovery services, is critical to saving lives and supporting long-term recovery across Orange County.
“My office is committed to Orange County’s prevention and education efforts to combat the fentanyl epidemic,” said Supervisor Janet Nguyen, First District. “I’m excited to hear that our efforts are resulting in reduced deaths associated with this deadly drug. I have been fighting for years to draw attention to this crisis, including writing a law that dramatically increases the prison sentences for fentanyl dealers.”
Over the last four years, the HCA launched two major media campaigns against fentanyl and other deadly drugs impacting Orange County. Both campaigns were comprehensive initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the critical issues of fentanyl misuse. They included outreach efforts and educational materials on prevention and rescue resources to empower the public to access local resources for assistance. The campaigns included:
The “Life is Greater Than Drugs” which targeted OC youth to showcase life with music, sports, artistic and creative dreams versus a life misusing drugs like opioids and fentanyl, causing devastating loss of those dreams. Visit www.lifeisgreaterthandrugs.com.
The “Fentanyl is Forever” campaign targets all OC residents, speaking to families, friends, and providers to drive awareness of the dangers of fentanyl and empower the public to access local resources for assistance. Visit www.fentanylisforeveroc.org.
“These continued reductions are very encouraging for my district, where fentanyl-related deaths have been a scourge on our communities,” stated Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Second District. “We know that many of these overdose deaths are preventable, and that outreach and distribution of medication to affected populations are key drivers of these results. The combined efforts of the County teams are working and support our commitment to continue the momentum.”
The use of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is helping to rebuild and save the lives of individuals with substance use disorders, both for the general population and for the populations in custody settings. In OC, robust intake screening and MAT provide support for jail and medical staff to assist those with substance use disorder. Additionally, all incarcerated persons in MAT receive training on Naloxone, the opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of an overdose, and every person released from custody is supplied with Naloxone.
“It's incredibly reassuring to see lives being saved due to the efforts of the legislation we have supported and by the hard work done by the County and its departments,”shared Supervisor Donald Wagner, Third District. “Fighting to protect our residents from this poisonous killer of our young people is something everyone can – and should – get behind.”
“In addition to jail programming and services, the HCA takes a comprehensive approach to addressing substance use disorders and, specifically, fentanyl use,” said HCA Director, Dr. Veronica Kelley. “We have strong collaborative partnerships with our Sheriff’s Department and Board offices, and have implemented strategies to care for the clients, including incarcerated individuals, to ensure they receive the care and support they need so they can begin recovery and rehabilitation.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, there are many resources to help combat issues with drugs or alcohol. Visit www.ocnavigator.org.
Lake Forest, Calif. (Nov. 15, 2025): On Nov. 17, 2025, the Orange County Sheriff’s will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. 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.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sergeant K. Ishii said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
San Juan Capistrano, Calif.(Nov. 13, 2025): On Nov. 15, 2025, the Orange County Sheriff’s will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. 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.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sergeant K. Ishii said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
San Clemente, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2025): On Nov. 14, 2025, the Orange County Sheriff’s will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. 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.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sergeant K. Ishii said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
DANA POINT, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2025) On Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at about 12:00 p.m., Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Dana Point Harbor Drive in Dana Point.
Deputies arrived and found Barry William Tutt, 71 years old of La Verne, severely injured. Tutt was transported to a local area hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Based on a preliminary investigation, the driver of a silver Ford sedan struck Tutt and then left the scene. With the help of witnesses, deputies were able to locate the driver of the Ford. The suspect, Humberto Munoz Gatica, 57, of Laguna Niguel, was arrested and booked at the Orange County Jail for charges related to the hit-and-run and suspicion of driving under the influence.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is investigating the collision. If anyone has additional details that may assist investigators or witnessed this traffic collision, they are asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Traffic Bureau at 949-425-1860. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
Mission Viejo, Calif.(Nov. 10, 2025): On Nov. 10, 2025, the Orange County Sheriff’sDepartment will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. 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.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sergeant K. Ishii said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Stanton, Calif.(Nov. 6, 2025): On Nov. 8, 2025, the Orange County Sheriff’s will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. 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.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sergeant K. Ishii said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In April of 2021, deputies were involved in a use of force at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana. The use of force was determined to be outside of policy with policy violations addressed and discipline issued.
In April of 2018, a deputy was involved in a use of force at the Theo Lacy Facility. The use of force was determined to be outside of policy with policy violations addressed and discipline issued.
