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Homicide Investigators Arrest Suspects

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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

Orange County Sheriff’s Investigators Seek Additional Victims After Arrest

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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. 

In-Custody Death of an Inmate from the Theo Lacy Facility

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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.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Reminds Drivers to Keep the Final Days of Summer Fun, Not Fatal

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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.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department Visits Local Fairgrounds to Educate the Public on How to “Know Your Limit”

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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.

Deputy-Involved Shooting in Lake Forest

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Lake Forest, Calif. (Aug. 9, 2025): On Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, a deputy-involved shooting occurred in a commercial parking lot in Lake Forest.

On Thursday, August 7, 2025, deputies were notified of an incident involving the suspect, Ethan Chase Mull, 34, who was involved in a domestic violence incident. The incident was a domestic incident between Mull and a family member that occurred the prior day, August 6. Deputies also found that Mull had felony warrants for his arrest. These warrants included charges for theft, weapons, and narcotics-related offenses. 

At around 3 p.m., deputies located the suspect at a retail store in the area of El Toro Road and Trabuco Road in Lake Forest. When Mull exited the store, deputies attempted to detain him. Mull pointed a loaded handgun at deputies, and a deputy-involved shooting occurred involving one deputy.

Mull was struck and provided medical aid at the scene. He was transported to a local area hospital by the Orange County Fire Authority.

During the incident, a deputy was bitten by a police K9. The deputy received treatment and was released from the hospital. No other deputies were injured.

Per protocol, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office will handle the investigation of the deputy-involved shooting. Relevant audio and video from the incident will be released in accordance with the law and in consultation with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department Visit Local Music Festival to Educate the Public on How to “Know Your Limit”

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SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (Aug 8, 2024): On Sunday, Aug 10, 2024, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will visit The San Clemente "Music Fiesta" to educate Festival goers on the importance of monitoring how much they drink and to “know your limit.” The “Know Your Limit” campaign will be from 11:00am to 9:00pm at the the San Clemente "Music Fiesta" specifically focusing near beer gardens, food and alcohol vendors, and craft beer events.

The “Know Your Limit” program is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving, and how little it takes to reach the legal limit to drive a vehicle. It is illegal for anyone 21 or older to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher.

 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 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.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department Enforcement Operation

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Dana Point, Calif. (Sept. 03, 2025). – Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra officers on patrol Friday, September 5th, in the City of Dana Point 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.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department Enforcement Operation

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Mission Viejo, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2025): Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra officers on patrol Saturday, August 23, in the City of Mission Viejo 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.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department Enforcement Operation

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Laguna Hills, Calif. (Aug. 13, 2025): Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra officers on patrol Friday, August 15, 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.
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