SANTA ANA, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2025) – September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By always taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.

According to projections from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,148 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2024. In California alone, pedestrian deaths make up more than 24 percent of all traffic-related fatalities.

“Every step we take towards greater pedestrian safety is a step towards saving lives," Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Ishii said. "We want to remind everyone that safety begins with you, whether you're behind the wheel or on foot. Small actions, like slowing down, putting away distractions and yielding at crosswalks can make a life-saving difference.”

Pedestrians do not have the same protections as drivers and passengers. A difference of just 15 MPH (20 MPH to 35 MPH) significantly increases the likelihood that a person walking will be killed if struck by a vehicle.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department offers safe driving and walking tips, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking.

Drivers

• Do not speed and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.

• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

• Never drive impaired.

• Avoid distractions such as texting or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.

Pedestrians

• Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic. 

• Look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.

• Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – consider wearing bright colors, reflective material or using a flashlight.

• Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busier streets with higher speed limits.

• Keep your eyes up, and your phone down.

Visit www.gosafelyca.org for more traffic safety information.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Unincorporated Silverado, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2025): Orange County Sheriff’s Department North Operations investigators have arrested a man on suspicion of making criminal threats.
On Thursday, Aug. 28, Sheriff’s Department personnel were contacted regarding suspicious, threatening emails sent to St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado Canyon. They learned that the suspect (Joshua Michael Richardson, 38 years old) first sent emails that were interpreted as threatening. Joshua, an Alabama resident, then visited the church in person and made additional threats, which a priest at the Abbey reported to the Sheriff's Department.

Investigators and deputies quickly located and detained Richardson for criminal threats. After searching his vehicle, they found body armor, high-capacity magazines, brass knuckles and knives. He was arrested without further incident and booked into the Orange County Jail.

While incidents like this can feel unsettling, they also highlight the power of community. If something seems off, say something. Trust your instincts and report suspicious activity, whether it is a strange message, unusual behavior, or something that does not sit right. Your call could stop a crime before it happens.

This investigation is ongoing. If anyone knows additional details that may assist investigators, they are asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange

SANTA ANA, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2025):  The Orange County Sheriff’s Department recently was awarded a $ 75,000 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to reduce alcohol-related harm in the community.

The funds will be used to help prevent alcoholic beverage sales to minors and obviously intoxicated patrons, illegal solicitations of alcohol, and other criminal activities such as the sale and possession of illegal drugs.

“This grant will help us better protect children and young adults and allow us to proactively address crime at problem locations,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “Partnering with ABC helps us make our community safer through prevention and enforcement efforts.” 

The grant is one of nearly 50 awarded in California to local law enforcement agencies through ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program.

These grants strengthen local law enforcement efforts by combining theirs with ABC agents who have expertise in alcoholic beverage laws to help reduce alcohol-related harm within their community.

“Our Alcohol Policing Partnership program can improve the quality of life in neighborhoods,” said ABC Director Paul Tupy. “The communities where the grant program’s resources have been invested have seen a real difference.”

The APP program was created in 1995 to strengthen partnerships between ABC and local law enforcement agencies. The program is designed to keep alcohol away from minors and prevent harm to the community.

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Mission Viejo, Calif. – (Aug. 28, 2025):  On Aug. 30th, 2025, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will visit Mission Viejo to educate Fairgoers on the importance of monitoring how much they drink and to “know your limit.” The “Know Your Limit” campaign will be from 5:00pm to 11:00 p.m. Lake Mission Viejo, Concert event, specifically focusing near food and alcohol vendors.

The “Know Your Limit” program raises awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving and is an interactive way to show how much, or little, it can take to reach the legal limit to operate a vehicle. Officers will ask attendees how many drinks they have consumed and whether they believe they are still able to drive safely. Officers will then invite volunteers to take a breathalyzer test to see if they are able to guess their blood alcohol content (BAC). attendees are provided information on alcohol intake and average BAC levels.

It is illegal for anyone 21 or older to drive with a BAC of .08% or higher.

According to the California Driver Handbook, it takes two drinks consumed within one hour by a woman between 120-160 pounds and three drinks by a man between 180-220 pounds to be over the legal limit of .08%. One drink is based on 1.5 oz. of liquor (40% alcohol), 12 oz. of beer (4.5% alcohol) or a 5 oz. glass of wine (12% alcohol). The BAC lowers at a rate of .01% for every 40 minutes between drinks.

“The goal is to help people understand the effects of alcohol so they can make smart decisions about how they get home,” Orange County Sheriff Department’s Regional Traffic Bureau Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “It only takes a few drinks to impair, and that’s why it is important that people know their limits.”

The average cost of a first-time DUI offense is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties. Plan ahead and avoid the risk of a DUI by designating a sober driver.

Funding for the “Know Your Limit” program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

• Read more about In-Custody Death – August 12, 2025

On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, an inmate who was housed at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange died while in custody. The decedent, David N. Alcazar, was in custody for PC 422 Criminal Threats, PC 646.9(a) Stalking, and PC 594(b)(2)(A) Vandalism. The decedent's manner and means of death are awaiting final determination by the Orange County Coroner.

Unincorporated Anaheim, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2025):  Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators have arrested four suspects on suspicion of killing a 48-year-old male. 

On Sunday, June 22, 2025, at around 12:57 a.m., deputies responded to the 8000 block of Katella Ave. in unincorporated Anaheim near 99 Bottles & Cocktails following a report of a shooting. They arrived and found a male adult victim with a gunshot wound. The victim, Salvador Ramirez, 48, from Fountain Valley, was working as a security guard at 99 Bottles & Cocktails when the shooting occurred. He was taken to the hospital and later died. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, investigators arrested David Anthony Ortega (44), Rene Jose Juarez Jr. (37), Max Maestas (54) and Robert Allen Duncan (43), all from Los Angeles, for murder. 

This investigation is ongoing. If anyone knows additional details that may assist investigators, they are asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or https://www.ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers

Dana Point, Calif. (Aug. 13, 2025): On Wednesday, Aug. 13th, 2025, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victim’s Detail (SVD) investigators arrested Michael Joseph Duran, 44, Aliso Viejo, following allegations he had a sexual relationship with a minor female between 2024-2025. 

In Aug. 2025, SVD investigators were contacted by a mandated reporter who believed an inappropriate relationship was ongoing between Duran and a minor victim. The victim was subsequently contacted, and an investigation ensued.  The victim alleged that Duran, while working as a high school assistant basketball coach at Dana Hills High School, groomed and had a sexual relationship with her. 

During the investigation, SVD investigators learned that Duran is involved as a coach with a basketball club in San Juan Capistrano known as SOCAL FINS.

Duran was booked into Orange County Jail for Oral Copulation with a minor under the age of 18. 

Due to Duran’s position as a basketball coach of minor females, SVD investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with additional information or who believes they were a victim is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Detail at (714) 647-7419 or (714) 647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS or at ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers. 

ORANGE, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2025) – On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, an inmate who was housed at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange died.

The 60-year-old inmate, David N. Alcazar, was booked by the Huntington Beach Police Department on August 9, 2025, for PC 422 Criminal Threats, PC 646.9(a) Stalking and PC 594(b)(2)(A) Vandalism. 

On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Alcazar was found on the first floor of a barracks suffering from injuries from an apparent suicide attempt. Deputies and correctional medical staff attempted life-saving measures. The inmate was transported via ambulance to a local area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. 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.

Costa Mesa, Calif. – (Aug 11th, 2025):  On Aug 13th, 2025, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will visit The Orange County Fair Grounds to educate Fairgoers on the importance of monitoring how much they drink and to “know your limit.” The “Know Your Limit” campaign will be from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm at the Orange County Fair, specifically focusing on beer gardens, food and alcohol vendors, and craft beer events.

The “Know Your Limit” program raises awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving and is an interactive way to show how much, or little, it can take to reach the legal limit to operate a vehicle. Officers will ask customers how many drinks they have consumed and whether they believe they are still able to drive safely. Officers will then invite volunteers to take a breathalyzer test to see if they are able to guess their blood alcohol content (BAC). Customers are provided information on alcohol intake and average BAC levels.

It is illegal for anyone 21 or older to drive with a BAC of .08% or higher.

According to the California Driver Handbook, it takes two drinks consumed within one hour by a woman between 120-160 pounds and three drinks by a man between 180-220 pounds to be over the legal limit of .08%. One drink is based on 1.5 oz. of liquor (40% alcohol), 12 oz. of beer (4.5% alcohol) or a 5 oz. glass of wine (12% alcohol). The BAC lowers at a rate of .01% for every 40 minutes between drinks.

“The goal is to help people understand the effects of alcohol so they can make smart decisions about how they get home,” Orange County Sheriff Department’s Regional Traffic Bureau Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “It only takes a few drinks to impair, and that’s why it is important that people know their limit.”

The average cost of a first-time DUI offense is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties. Plan ahead and avoid the risk of a DUI by designating a sober driver.

Funding for the “Know Your Limit” program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

As the end of summer approaches and families prepare for Labor Day celebrations, The Orange County Sheriff’s Department reminds everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. Drivers are encouraged to make responsible choices behind the wheel by never driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 12,429 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2023 — that’s one person every 42 minutes.

“We want everyone to enjoy their end-of-summer travels and Labor Day festivities, but it’s important to do so responsibly,” Traffic Bureau Sergeant Ishii said. “Driving under the influence not only puts your life at risk but also endangers everyone else on the road. Our goal is to reduce preventable crashes and save lives.”

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department offers the following tips to Go Safely:

• Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be drinking, arrange for a designated driver, use a ride-sharing service, taxi or public transportation.

• Buckle Up: Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself in the event of a crash.

• Stay Alert: Avoid distractions such as texting or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.

• Follow Speed Limits: Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.

• Watch for Pedestrians and Bicyclists: With more people enjoying outdoor activities, be extra vigilant and share the road responsibly.

• Take Breaks: If you’re traveling long distances, take regular breaks to rest and avoid fatigue.

To help keep our community safe, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have additional officers on patrol Aug. 13 through Labor Day (Sept. 1) looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The additional efforts to prevent impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

In addition to patrols, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday August 22, 2025 at an undisclosed location within the city of San Juan Capistrano.

While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and cannabis products may also impair. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.

Visit www.gosafelyca.org for more traffic safety information.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Costa Mesa, Calif. – (Aug 11th, 2025):  On Aug 13th, 2025, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will visit The Orange County Fair Grounds to educate Fairgoers on the importance of monitoring how much they drink and to “know your limit.” The “Know Your Limit” campaign will be from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm at the Orange County Fair, specifically focusing on beer gardens, food and alcohol vendors, and craft beer events.

The “Know Your Limit” program raises awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving and is an interactive way to show how much, or little, it can take to reach the legal limit to operate a vehicle. Officers will ask customers how many drinks they have consumed and whether they believe they are still able to drive safely. Officers will then invite volunteers to take a breathalyzer test to see if they are able to guess their blood alcohol content (BAC). Customers are provided information on alcohol intake and average BAC levels.

It is illegal for anyone 21 or older to drive with a BAC of .08% or higher.

According to the California Driver Handbook, it takes two drinks consumed within one hour by a woman between 120-160 pounds and three drinks by a man between 180-220 pounds to be over the legal limit of .08%. One drink is based on 1.5 oz. of liquor (40% alcohol), 12 oz. of beer (4.5% alcohol) or a 5 oz. glass of wine (12% alcohol). The BAC lowers at a rate of .01% for every 40 minutes between drinks.

“The goal is to help people understand the effects of alcohol so they can make smart decisions about how they get home,” Orange County Sheriff Department’s Regional Traffic Bureau Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “It only takes a few drinks to impair, and that’s why it is important that people know their limit.”

The average cost of a first-time DUI offense is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties. Plan ahead and avoid the risk of a DUI by designating a sober driver.

Funding for the “Know Your Limit” program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.