LAKE FOREST, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2025): Today, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department released a Critical Incident Video depicting the deputy-involved shooting that occurred on August 7, 2025, in Lake Forest, Calif. 

The Critical Incident Video is available for viewing at https://youtu.be/N5Wkj4RisGI. 

In order to foster greater public trust with the community we serve, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will publish Critical Incident Videos about incidents in which the actions of department members in the performance of their duties are likely to have a significant impact on the Department, community, citizens, or any other person, and/or incidents involving the use of deadly force or force resulting in serious physical injury. 

Critical Incident Videos offer a clear and concise overview of the incident with relevant video, audio, photographs and information to give context to what occurred preceding, during and immediately after a critical incident. The videos will contain the factual circumstances as they are known at the time. No conclusions will be drawn about whether or not deputies acted in a manner consistent with our policies, and in accordance with the law, until all facts are known and the investigations are complete. 

Per protocol, the investigation of the deputy-involved shooting will be handled by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. 

Laguna Hills, Calif. (Sep. 20, 2025): A multi-agency officer-involved shooting occurred in Laguna Hills in the early morning of Saturday, Sept. 20. 

On Friday, Sept. 19, around 9:53 p.m., the Carlsbad Police Department responded to a call of shots fired in the 2300 block of Rising Glen Way. Carlsbad officers located a female with gunshot wounds and determined she was dead. The shooting victim's vehicle was stolen from the scene by the male suspect. The relationship between the victim and suspect is not known. 

At 12:18 a.m., the Laguna Beach Police Department received a notification from a license plate reader at El Toro Road and Laguna Canyon Road that the vehicle was entering their city. At 12:55 a.m. officers from the Newport Beach Police Department spotted the stolen vehicle near Newport Coast and Pacific Coast Highway. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle. The suspect did not stop for officers, and a pursuit began. During the pursuit, an Irvine Police K-9 unit joined to assist. 

The pursuit continued to the Interstate 5 Southbound, where the suspect exited at El Toro Road. After traveling through a business complex, the suspect's vehicle exited at Regional Center and drove northbound on El Toro Road. The suspect stopped his vehicle in the lanes of traffic, just south of Avenida De La Carlota, exited his vehicle and immediately began firing at the approaching police vehicles. Multiple officers returned gunfire. 

The suspect continued east towards the In-N-Out at 24001 Avenida de La Carlota, continuing to fire at officers. Multiple police vehicles were struck with bullets. After being struck by gunfire, he fell to the ground in the restaurant's parking lot and continued to fire at officers. 

Once the shooting ended, officers approached the suspect and began to render medical attention. He was transported to Mission Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The identity of the suspect, who is an adult male, is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

No officers were injured during the incident. 

The Orange County Sheriff's Department Homicide Unit is handling the attempted murder of the police officers. The Orange County District Attorney's Office is investigating the officer-involved shooting.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has photos or videos of the incident is 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.

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In February of 2022, deputies were involved in an officer involved shooting in the city of Lake Forest.  The case was investigated by the Orange County District Attorney's Office and no criminal charges were filed.  The officer involved shooting was determined to be within policy.

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/OIS/OIS.22-004537.zip

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In January of 2018,  a deputy was 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. 

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/SF-Unreasonable%20or%20Excessive%20Force/SF%20of%20Excessive%20Force%2018-030.zip

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• Read more about 18-030 Use of Force

In April of 2017, deputies were involved in a use of force at the Central Men's Jail in Santa Ana.  The use of force was determined to be outside of policy with policy violations addressed and discipline issued. 

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/SF-Unreasonable%20or%20Excessive%20Force/SF%20of%20Excessive%20Force%2017-056.zip

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• Read more about 17-056 Use of Force

In October of 2016, a deputy was involved in a use of force at the Central Women's Jail in Santa Ana.  The use of force was determined to be outside of policy with policy violations addressed and discipline issued. 

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/SF-Unreasonable%20or%20Excessive%20Force/SF%20of%20Excessive%20Force%2016-149.zip

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• Read more about 16-149 Use of Force

Laguna Hills, Calif. (Sept.14, 2025): – Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra officers on patrol Tuesday, September 16, in the City of Laguna Hills looking specifically for violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders. 

The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common factor, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.

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.

Motorcyclists

• Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.
• Consider adding reflective tape to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Always keep your lights on, 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.

SANTA ANA, Calif. (Sept. 19, 2025): – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is joining law enforcement agencies, public health departments and other community organizations to raise awareness about the importance of keeping children in the correct car seat for their age and size.

During Child Passenger Safety Week, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department encourages all parents and caregivers to make sure their children are riding safely by using the correct car seats, booster seats and properly fitted seat belts. This annual campaign takes place from September 21-27.

“Every child deserves to travel safely,” Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Ishii said. “During Child Passenger Safety Week, we urge all parents and caregivers to know for sure that their children are in the right seats and that those seats are installed correctly. Keeping a child in the right seat for their age and size can make all the difference in a crash.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of car seats (46%) are misused. Properly installed car seats have been shown to reduce fatal injury crashes by 71% for infants under a year old and by 54% for toddlers ages 1 through 4.

California law requires all children under 2 years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child is 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. Once a child reaches these milestones, all children under the age of 8 years old are still required to be secured in a car seat or booster seat, in the back seat. Children 8 and older, or who are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be secured by a safety belt.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to keep children in the proper rear or forward-facing seat as long as possible and use the “Five-Step Test” to determine if their child is big enough to safely use a seat belt without a booster seat.

To schedule a free child safety seat inspection, contact your local CHP Area Office.

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. 

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