MISSION VIEJO, Ca. (Mar. 5, 2025): – The Sheriff’s Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On Friday, March 7, deputies will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation. 

Deputies will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers. 

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed are up nearly 25 percent over the past five years. 

People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org. 

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

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Dana Point, Ca. (Mar. 5, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Friday, March 7, in the city of Dana Point looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes. 

With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, many road users are going places without the same protections as drivers. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants. 

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

Motorcyclist:

•           Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing

•           Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you

•           Keep your lights on at all times, 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, or between large vehicles like big rigs and motor homes

All motorcycle riders, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com or by calling 1-877 RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411). Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. ###

Lake Forest, Ca. (Mar. 12, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, Mar. 14, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Lake Forest.

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.

In 2019, 1,066 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads.

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 Administration.

• Read more about In-Custody Death - February 21, 2025

On Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, an inmate who was housed at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana died at OC Global Medical Center in Santa Ana. The inmate, Juan Vasquez Pulido, 38, no known residence, was booked into jail on Feb. 5, 2025, by the Anaheim Police Department for drug related offenses. The same day, Pulido was the victim of an assault by another inmate while on the booking loop of the Intake Release Center. On Feb. 21, Pulido died while at the hospital. The decedent's manner and means of death are awaiting final determination by the Orange County Coroner.

SANTA ANA, Ca. (Feb. 21, 2025) – On Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, an inmate who was housed at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana died at a local hospital.

The inmate, Juan Vasquez Pulido, 38, no known residence, was booked into jail on Feb. 5, 2025, by the Anaheim Police Department for drug related offenses. The same day, Pulido was the victim of an assault by another inmate, Irving Josue Morales, 23, while on the booking loop of the Intake Release Center.

The assault occurred in a holding cell while both inmates were waiting to be housed. Deputies located Pulido unconscious in the holding cell and provided medical aid before he was transported to the hospital by paramedics. At the hospital, Pulido was placed into a medically-induced coma. On Feb. 21, Pulido died while at the hospital.

Initially, Morales was charged with CPC 664/187 – Attempted Murder. However, as a result of Pulido’s death, additional charges for Morales may be considered by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

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, Ca. (Feb. 20, 2025): Orange County Sheriff’s investigators are seeking information after uncovering new leads in the homicide of Maritza Glean Grimmett.

Maritza, long-referred to as Jane Doe, was positively identified in March 2024, reinvigorating investigative efforts to solve her decades-old homicide.

Investigators have identified two persons of interest in the case: Maritza’s ex-husband, Howard Grimmett, and his current wife, Isabel “Terry” Cruz-Grimmett. They are also seeking additional information from the public that may help solve Maritza’s murder.
Maritza’s remains were discovered in April 1983 in a culvert in the area of Canada and Old Trabuco roads in what is now the city of Lake Forest.

Investigators shared multiple forensic renderings over the years and also worked with private and federal partners in an attempt to identify Maritza. Despite years of investigative genealogy, media outreach and social media posts, she remained unidentified for more than 40 years.

Investigators were able to establish a distant genetic relative who in November 2023 suggested posting Maritza’s forensic rendering to a Facebook group dedicated to identifying missing women from the 1970s and 1980s.

A month later, a woman contacted investigators saying she believed the photographs could be her missing mother. In March 2024, investigators positively identified Maritza and began piecing together her story.

They learned that Maritza, a Panamanian native, married US Marine Howard Grimmett in the summer of 1978 and gave birth to a daughter. In late 1978, the family moved to the United States and lived in Columbus, Ohio then in Millington, Tenn.

In July 1979, the couple began divorce proceedings and Howard later married Isabel “Terry” Cruz. Howard Grimmett subsequently moved to California, leaving Maritza in Tennessee. Maritza told her sister she was going to California and her family never heard from her again.

Investigators are actively investigating Maritza’s homicide and are interested in any details that might help establish how and when Maritza arrived in California. They also are interested in speaking with former military service members who may have seen Maritza at the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station between late 1979 and April 1983.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to email the cold case homicide team at 714-647-7055 or coldcase@ocsheriff.gov. Anonymous tips may be submitted to OC Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org. To read more about Maritza’s story visit the OC Sheriff’s Cold Case Website at ocsheriff.gov/coldcases.

SAN CLEMENTE, Ca. (Feb. 11, 2025): Captain Justin Chevalier has been selected as the new Chief of San Clemente Police Services, assuming command on Friday, Feb. 7.

“I am humbled and honored to step into this role and continue serving the San Clemente community with dedication and professionalism,” Captain Chevalier said. “My goal is to strengthen public safety, foster community partnerships, and ensure that our city remains a safe and welcoming place for all.”

Captain Chevalier brings nearly two decades of law enforcement experience with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, having served in diverse assignments across custody operations, court operations, patrol, and investigations. His career began with patrol in San Clemente, where he developed a deep understanding of the city's unique public safety needs. He later served on the South Gang Enforcement Team, focusing on gang suppression through strategic enforcement, intelligence gathering, and proactive community engagement.

In 2017, Captain Chevalier promoted to investigator within the Special Investigations Bureau – Special Operations Unit, where he led complex investigations in collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies. His leadership continued as a sergeant in multiple assignments, including Custody Operations, Yorba Linda Police Services, and the Special Investigations Bureau, where he managed cutting-edge technology-based investigations and oversaw critical law enforcement programs.

Most recently, Captain Chevalier served as Watch Commander at the James Musick Facility, overseeing daily operations, leading teams of sergeants and deputies, and managing facility logistics. His breadth of experience, combined with his leadership and strategic planning skills, makes him well-suited to lead San Clemente Police Services.

Captain Chevalier holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Phoenix. He has earned numerous law enforcement certifications, including homicide and narcotics investigations and incident command systems.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Captain Chevalier enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, working out, and supporting his children in their sports and activities.

• Read more about In-Custody Death - February 9, 2025

On Sunday, February 9, 2025, an Orange County Jail inmate housed in the Correctional Medical Services wing of a local hospital died while inside custody. The decedent, a 72-year-old Asian male was in-custody for CPC 664/187 – Attempted murder, CPC 451(a) – Arson causing great bodily injury, CPC 451(b) – Arson to inhabited structure/dwelling, and CPC 451(a)(1) – Aggravated arson with a prior. The decedent's manner and means of death are awaiting final determination by the Orange County Coroner.

ORANGE, Ca. (Feb. 10, 2025) – On Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, an inmate housed in the Correctional Medical Services wing of a local hospital died. 

The 72-year-old inmate was booked into jail on Mar. 9, 2019, by the Westminster Police Department for CPC 664/187 – Attempted murder, CPC 451(a) – Arson causing great bodily injury, CPC 451(b) – Arson to inhabited structure/dwelling, and CPC 451(a)(1) – Aggravated arson with a prior.  His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Orange County Coroner’s Division. 

On Sept. 9, 2022, it was determined the inmate needed to be transported to the hospital for further medical treatment where he remained hospitalized until Feb. 9. On Feb. 9, at approximately 9:17 a.m., he was pronounced deceased.  Preliminarily, there are no suspicious circumstances.  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.  

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• Read more about In-Custody Death - February 1, 2025

On Saturday, February 1, 2025, an Orange County Jail inmate housed at the Intake Release Center in Module J died while inside custody. The decedent, 44-year-old Christopher Joseph Donnelly of Anaheim, was a white male in-custody for a probation violation. The decedent's manner and means of death are awaiting final determination by the Orange County Coroner.