SANTA ANA, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2026)– The Orange County Sheriff's Department will launch the first phase of its Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program in October 2026, bringing a new public safety resource to the contract cities of Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, and Stanton. The program utilizes Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to respond to calls for service and critical incidents, providing deputies with real-time information that can support safer and more informed responses.

The DFR program is designed as a reactive public safety tool that enhances situational awareness during emergency incidents. In many cases, UAVs can arrive before or alongside patrol personnel, providing critical information about conditions on scene and helping responding deputies make informed decisions before they arrive. The UAVs will also be available to assist with incidents in portions of neighboring contract cities when operationally appropriate. 

"Drone as a First Responder is an incredible advancement in public safety technology," said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. "By providing real-time information, DFR helps us improve safety, deploy resources more effectively, and ensure our deputies have the best possible information when responding to calls for service in our community."

DFR is intended to supplement, not replace, existing first responder services. Deputies, dispatchers, and other emergency personnel remain central to every response. UAVs are unarmed, operated by FAA-certified Department personnel, and deployed only for authorized public safety purposes in accordance with Department policy. 

DFR aircraft may be deployed to assist with calls for service, missing persons, and critical or hazardous incidents. Information provided from UAVs can help deputies identify safer approaches to a scene, assess potential threats, and better coordinate emergency responses. UAV video may also assist with scene documentation and investigations. 

Transparency and responsible technology use are key components of the DFR program. Public information, including flight reporting information, will be available at https://ocsheriff.gov/dfr

The October launch represents Phase 1 of a broader vision to expand DFR capabilities throughout the Orange County Sheriff's Department service area in future phases, strengthening regional emergency response and enhancing safety across the communities served by the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

ORANGE, Calif. (Oct. 19, 2026): On Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, an inmate who was housed at the Theo Lacy Facility died at a local hospital.

The 47-year-old male inmate was booked by the Westminster Police Department on Sept. 25, 2026, on a warrant for arrest for H&S 11377(a) Possession of a Controlled Substance.

On Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, the inmate was transported by ambulance to a local hospital after suffering a medical emergency. He was pronounced deceased at the hospital on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. The final cause of death will be determined following an independent autopsy and toxicology. The decedent's name is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification. 

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, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2026) – 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. 

“We are grateful for the support provided through this grant, which gives us additional resources to focus on traffic safety and reduce dangerous driving behaviors,” Traffic Bureau Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “Our goal is to use education, awareness, and enforcement to prevent crashes, protect vulnerable road users, and help make our community’s 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 driving 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 to detect and evaluate impairment levels in suspected impaired drivers: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

“Traffic safety begins with everyday decisions,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “When we address the risky driving behaviors that put everyone on the road in danger, including speeding, distraction, and impairment, we can prevent crashes and save lives. By supporting enforcement efforts and educating communities, we’re helping to  build a safety culture where looking out for others and safe travel behaviors are the norm.”

The grant program runs through September 2027.

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

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Teen driver safety depends on parent and guardian action

SANTA ANA, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2026) – Safe driving starts long before anyone gets behind the wheel. This National Teen Driver Safety Week, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department encourages parents and guardians to discuss safe driving habits with their teens before handing over the keys. 

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2024, there were 2,320 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver. That same year, 496 people were killed in crashes on California roads involving drivers aged 20 or younger. 

Teens should understand the dangers of risky driving behaviors, like speeding, texting while driving, not wearing a seat belt and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“Meaningful conversations at home can help shape the choices teens make on the road,” Traffic Bureau Sergeant Ishii said. “Parents and guardians who talk about distractions, speeding and impairment give teens the tools to navigate real‑world risks and steer them toward safer habits every time they drive.”

Teens are also encouraged to use free, mobile-friendly resources from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), including the free, mobile-friendly California Quick Reference Driver's Handbook, educational videos and the Teen Driver Roadmap, a step-by-step video guide for teens and their parents to help them prepare to get behind the wheel safely.

The Office of Traffic Safety offers the following tips to support teen drivers:

• Learn about California’s provisional licensing law and Graduated Driver Licensing laws, which places restrictions on passengers and nighttime driving during the first year a teen has a license. 

• Lead by example: Every time you're behind the wheel, it is a chance to model safe driving habits and talk about it with your teen. 

• Establish safe driving behaviors that are not only expected, but also the law. This includes no phone use while driving, eliminating distractions from friends, always following the posted speed limit and always buckling up.

• Friends, family members, parents and guardians can create a teen driving contract to outline specific driving guidelines.

• Speak up for safety: Encourage your teen to say something as a passenger if the driver is speeding, distracted, not wearing their seat belt or otherwise driving unsafely.

Teens, parents, educators, mentors and California drivers can also practice safe driving behaviors in realistic situations on the new, free, web-based driving simulation, The Road Ahead, at TheRoadAhead.GoSafelyCA.org. Additionally, there is a user guide that provides an overview for how to get started and how to facilitate discussions about the game experience. The user guide is available online.

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

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On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, an inmate who was housed at the Intake Release Center died at a local hospital.
The 61-year-old inmate, Roderick Kent Jerro, out of the city of Orange, was booked by the Orange Police Department on Tuesday, June 17, 2026, for PC 273.5(a) Domestic Battery, PC 30305(a)(1) Prohibited Person in Possession of Firearm, and VC 2800.2(a) Evading Law Enforcement.The final cause of death will be determined following an independent autopsy and toxicology.

On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, an inmate who was housed at the Theo Lacy Facility died at a local hospital.
The 61-year-old inmate, Manuel Moreno, of Yorba Linda, was booked by the Placentia Police Department on Dec. 11, 2025, for PC 69 (Resisting arrest), PC 422 (Criminal Threats), PC 148 (Obstructing/Delaying a Peace Officer) PC 135 (Destruction of Evidence), and H&S 11364 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia).The manner and means of death are awaiting final determination following an independent autopsy and toxicology. 

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2026): On Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, at approximately 8:10 p.m., deputies responded to the area of Calle Santa Barbara and Los Rios Street in the city of San Juan Capistrano after witnesses reported seeing a subject on the ground, suffering from multiple stab wounds.

When deputies arrived, they located one adult male with multiple stab wounds.  He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The victim was identified as Valentin Onofre Martinez, 31, of San Juan Capistrano.

Last night, several subjects were detained at the scene.  The Sheriff’s Homicide and Gang Enforcement Team (GET) continue to investigate.

The Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Sheriff’s Dispatch at 714-647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS, or online at www.ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers.

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On October 8th, 2018, a Deputy was involved in a use force, which was determined to be outside of policy.  The deputy received discipline.

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/SF-Unreasonable%20or%20Excessive%20Force/SF%20of%20Excessive%20Force.18-177.zip

Please note that due to the size of the files, and depending on download speeds, it could take several minutes for the files to open.

Between July and August of 2022, deputies were discovered to have been involved in behavior indicative of prejudice or discrimination.  The several deputies were terminated from employment and two received discipline.

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/SF-Prejudice%20or%20Discrimination/SF%20of%20Prejudice%20or%20Discrim.22-163.zip

Please note that due to the size of the files, and depending on download speeds, it could take several minutes for the files to open.

Help our community champion safe trips to school

SANTA ANA, Calif. (Oct. 06, 2026): This October 7, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department encourages schools, families and students to join in this year’s National Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day to support and reinforce healthy and safe travel habits for children heading to and from school. 

“This annual event is a reminder that students biking and walking to school safely is a shared commitment,” Traffic Bureau Sergeant Ishii said. “It also reinforces the need for drivers to slow down, stay alert and look out for children using crosswalks, sidewalks and bike lanes to get to school. Every safe choice helps protect students who rely on these routes every day.”

With increased foot and bike traffic, it’s important to stay alert not just this National Walk, Bike and Roll Day, but every day. Drivers should be prepared to stop for school buses and children crossing the street, and slow down in school zones. 

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department offers tips for students who walk, bike or roll to school:

• Plan your route on roads with sidewalks or paths away from heavy vehicle traffic. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. 

• If you are riding a bike, always ride on the right side of the road in the same direction as vehicles. 

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet when riding or rolling.

• Use crosswalks at stop signs or signals. If there are unmarked crosswalks, cross at corners on streets. 

• Always look left-right-left before crossing the street. 

• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. Never assume a driver sees you.

• Be visible. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight when it’s dark.

• Stay alert. Avoid electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.

Schools are encouraged to register at walkbiketoschool.org as a way of tracking participation and showing support for active, healthy, and safe transportation. 

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

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