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My 2020 COVID-19 Time Capsule

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Suspect in two Aliso Creek trail incidents linked through DNA, Investigators seek community help to ID

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ALISO VIEJO, Ca. (April 16, 2020)- Using DNA technology, OrangeCounty Sheriff’s Department investigators have linked the suspect from two separate kidnapping and assault incidents that occurred along the Aliso Creektrail in the city of Aliso Viejo, and are seeking the community’s help to identify the suspect.

The most recent incident occurred on Thursday, April 2, 2020 when deputies responded to Woodfield Park after a woman reported a man grabbed her from behind and forced her into the bushes off the hiking trail, just east of the baseball fields. The victim, a female in her 30s, fought back and screamed for help, and the suspect fled the area. The suspect is described as a man is his mid-30s, with dark eyes and little-to-no hair, with a muscular build, wearing a black shirt, black shorts and tennis shoes.

On January 20, 2020 a sexual assault occurred in the same area. A 22-year-old woman reported that while she was skateboarding at Woodfield Park, an unknown man attempted to talk to her then unexpectedly grabbed the victim, who fought and screamed during the incident. 

Working with the Orange County Crime Lab, suspect DNA was collected from both victims. This week, Investigators were notified that the suspect DNA profiles matched, and that the suspect in both incidents is the same individual but does not match DNA in existing law enforcement databases.

“With this new information, it’s vital that this individual is identified and doesn’t have the opportunity to attack again,” said OrangeCounty Sheriff Don Barnes. “While our investigators continue their tireless attempts to identify this suspect, we implore the community to come forward if they have any information to share.”

Following both incidents, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department set up a task force in an attempt to identify and arrest the suspect. A team of more than 100 Sheriff’s Department personnel ran multiple operations in the area.  In addition, investigators worked with local businesses on leads and launched a public information campaign that included social media, traditional media and text message alerts. Despite a concerted effort, the task force operations did not result in a suspect being identified. 

If you have information or may be able to identify the suspect, contact the Special Victims Detail at 714-647-7419. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

OCSD remembers retired Police Service Dog, Sando

Retired Police Service Dog, Sando

The Orange County Sheriff Department’s K9 Unit is saddened to announce the passing of retired Police Service Dog, “Sando”. 

Sando was an 11-year-old Belgian Dutch Shepherd.  He passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2020 after a long and successful career with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.  

PSD Sando was born on March 15, 2009 and was raised in Europe to become a police dog.  In January 2013, Sando became the newest member of OCSD’s K9 team.

Sando’s partner, Deputy Bill Burk, successfully completed canine handler school and the pair was certified as a team on March 1, 2013.  Throughout Sando’s career, he helped Deputy Burk by encouraging 154 felony suspects to surrender to his intimidating bark.  Sando also apprehended nine suspects who refused to surrender.  Along with his ability to locate dangerous suspects, he also assisted in narcotic sniffs and located more than 15 pounds of methamphetamine, 10 pounds of heroin, 16 pounds of cocaine, 7 pounds of marijuana and a seizure of $95,000 associated with the sales of narcotics. 

Sando was a beloved member of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the citizens of Orange County.  He performed K9 demonstrations on a regular basis and amazed thousands of children and adults with his obedience and fearless apprehensions. 

Sando retired in February 2018, when Deputy Burk promoted to the rank of sergeant.  Sando learned to love the life of being a family pet, but deep down he would always be a police dog. 

Sando will be deeply missed by his partner, Sergeant Burk, his family, the citizens of Orange County and the men and woman of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department who had the honor of working with him. 

Early release of sentenced inmates from Orange County Jail

SANTA ANA, Ca. (March 27, 2020): Communities across the United States are in the midst of an unprecedented public health crisis. As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is taking proactive steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

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Stay Cyber Safe during COVID-19

Stay Cyber-Safe during COVID-19. Us only trusted sources

We understand residents want to educate themselves with the latest and most accurate information on COVID-19 to keep themselves and their loved one’s information safe. Unfortunately, there are scammers who look to capitalize on such situations and attempt to steal or exploit personal information.  

The Sheriff’s Department has seen an increase in malicious emails, mobile applications and websites promoting fraudulent COVID-19 information. However, there are things you can do to protect your personal information.

Avoid clicking on any email, text or other digital communication that contain the following:

Messages that have CDC or COVID in the email address, but aren’t from a trusted agency

Emails that appear to be from a known source, but the body contains a link and a short message with a tone of urgency

Emails with subjects requiring “immediate action”

Third-party apps or websites that advertise they have the latest COVID-19 information

Text messages containing only a link with a title advertising important COVID-19 information

Remember: For the latest official information on COVID-19, visit trusted sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or World Health Organization. For local updates, visit the Orange County Health Care Agency at ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.

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