YORBA LINDA, Calif. (Apr. 16, 2026) – On Apr. 18, 2026, 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.

STANTON, Calif. (Apr. 11, 2026) – On Apr. 13, 2026, 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. (Apr. 9, 2026) – On Apr. 11, 2026, 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.

LAKE FOREST, (Calif. Apr. 4, 2026) – On Apr. 6, 2026, 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. (Apr. 1, 2026) – On Apr. 3, 2026, 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. (March 30, 2026): On Monday, March 30, 2026, shortly before 8 a.m., deputies patrolling the 300 block of Avenida Granada attempted to stop a U-Haul van with no license plates. The van was later discovered to have been reported stolen.

When the deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver accelerated and collided with a black SUV at the intersection of Avenida Granada and S. Ola Vista, less than a half a mile away. The driver of the SUV, Maria Ramirezahmad, 53 years old of Anaheim, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Three passengers in the SUV, all adult females, were transported to the hospital in critical condition.

The passenger of the stolen U-Haul, Gregorio Horacio Trejochavez, 56 years old of La Habra remained at the scene and was taken into custody. He was treated at the hospital and later booked at the Orange County Jail for a probation violation.

The suspect, Mathew Alexander Ronquillo, 39 years old of Cerritos, ran from deputies. A short time later, Sheriff’s Dispatch was notified about Ronquillo running across the 5 freeway. The Orange County Sheriff’s helicopter “Duke” located Ronquillo and directed deputies to his location. Ronquillo attempted to continue to run from deputies. A Sheriff’s K9 was used to apprehend Ronquillo. He was treated at the hospital and booked at the Orange County Jail for crimes related to felony evasion, felony evasion causing great bodily injury or death, felony hit and run, gross vehicular manslaughter, and possession of a stolen vehicle. 

The California Highway Patrol Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team is investigating the traffic collision. 

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the Orange County Sheriff's Department at (714) 647-7000. Anonymous tips can be sent to OC Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers.

On Friday, February 27, 2026, an inmate housed at the James A. Musick Facility died while in custody. The decedent, Tracey Ann Robinson, was in custody for H&S 11377 (Possession of a Controlled Substance) and H&S 11364 (Possession of Unlawful Paraphernalia). The manner and means of death are awaiting final determination following an independent autopsy and toxicology. 

Drivers are urged to keep their eyes forward and hands on the wheel

SANTA ANA, Calif. (Apr. 1, 2026) – April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department wants to remind drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward and hands on the wheel. Distractions like checking a phone, using the in-dash touchscreen or car phone app, adjusting the radio, or eating can have devastating consequences.

“Distracted driving continues to put everyone on the road at risk,” Traffic Bureau Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, lives can change forever. We’re reminding our community that safety starts with each of us. Put the phone down, limit distractions, and help people get home safely.”

According to the 2025 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 71.4% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving, caused by texting or checking a phone, was their biggest safety concern. In 2023, there were 158 people killed in distracted driving crashes in California, a 6.8 percent increase from the previous year. The numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to determine if 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 other electronic 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 can result in a fine, and if a driver violates the hands-free law a second time within 36 months of a previous conviction for the same offense, an additional point will be added to their 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 and park 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.

Laguna Hills, Calif. (April 8th, 2026): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, April 10th, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Laguna Hills.

DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with deputies checking drivers for proper licensing.

The Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

The Sheriff’s Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:

• Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
• See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
• Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who are drinking and how they are getting home.

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Sheriff’s Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety 

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Ca. (March 9, 2026): Captain Terrance Burton has been selected as the Chief of Police Services for the City of San Juan Capistrano. He begins his new assignment on Friday, March 20.

“I’m deeply honored to serve this community and to lead the dedicated personnel who are committed to its safety,” Captain Burton said. “I look forward to working together to strengthen our partnerships and continue providing exceptional service.”

Captain Burton joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2006 as a Sheriff’s Special Officer before becoming a deputy in 2007. He was first assigned to the Theo Lacy Jail Facility in custody operations before serving the city of Laguna Hills as a patrol deputy. 

In 2014, Captain Burton was assigned to the Tactical Training Center, serving as an instructor teaching critical skills and tactics for deputy sheriffs. Captain Burton then transferred to the Strategy Accountability Focus and Evaluation (SAFE) Division, conducting investigations into department complaints. 

Captain Burton promoted to investigator in 2017 and was assigned to the Custody Intelligence Unit, monitoring gang activity and investigating crime in the Orange County Jail. 

In 2020, Captain Burton became a sergeant at the Intake and Release Center, managing custody operations and supervising the Jail Compliance and Training Team. He returned to SAFE as a supervisor in 2022, working internal affairs and serving on the Administrative Response Team for critical incidents. 

Captain Burton was assigned to San Clemente Police Services as a sergeant in 2023, supervising and mentoring patrol deputies. In 2024, he joined the Sandra Hutchens Regional Law Enforcement Training Center as a sergeant responsible for leading the Correctional Services Assistant Academy and the Deputy Sheriff Trainee Pre-Academy. Most recently, Captain Burton served as a lieutenant for the James A. Musick Facility, overseeing operations for the jail facility. 

Captain Burton has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, Long Beach. 

When not working, Captain Burton enjoys traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, attending live sporting events, and participating in church services.