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TEN YEARS OF HANDS-FREE LAW: CHALLENGES REMAIN

SANTA ANA, Ca. (April 4, 2018) - Drivers are using their cell phones less often while driving, 10 years after “hands-free” became the law, but distracted driving remains a serious safety challenge in California.

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Thanks to RapidDNA and fast-acting Investigators a second-degree robbery suspect is behind bars

Image of Travis Allard

Thanks to RapidDNA and fast-acting Investigators a second-degree robbery suspect is behind bars! Last Wednesday, March 21 at around 6:30 a.m. Travis Allard entered Pink Ribbon Donuts in Mission Viejo. He ordered two donuts from the counter before pulling out a knife and demanding cash from the register. Once he grabbed the cash, he quickly fled the scene.

Later that same day, the stolen cash register was found in Lake Forest with blood drops on the ground and on the drawer. Orange County Sheriff Department investigators worked quickly and submitted the evidence to the OCDA Rapid DNA Program for forensic analysis. The next day, March 22, the OCDA Rapid DNA Program was able to develop a DNA profile from the crime scene sample that matched Travis Allard’s DNA profile.
The District Attorney’s office Investigators provided OCSD with suspect information and our deputies arrested Allard on March 27, in Lake Forest. Great job to all agencies involved!

Scam Smart: Selling Items Online

stay safe OC - Orange County Sheriff

Scam Smart: Selling Items Online

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is warning citizens of an internet scam targeting people looking to sell items online through sites such as Craigslist, Let Go, Offer Up or Close 5.

Here’s how it works:

• A bogus buyer reaches out to the seller with a phone call, email or text expressing interest in the for-sale item.
• The bogus buyer then explains they can’t pick up the item for one reason or another, but not to worry – they’ll arrange for movers to come and pick up the merchandise.
• The buyer cuts a check and adds a significant monetary bonus to cover the cost of the movers.
• The buyer then advises the seller to cash the check and wire the extra funds to the mover.
• The trusting seller does as advised, never to hear from the buyer again.

After a survey of their bank account, the seller soon realizes they were duped out of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars because that check was fraudulent and so were the movers they shipped the money to.

The best way to avoid this scam: Be a prudent seller. If an online transaction involves a check, cash it first and make sure it clears before sending any money or before parting with the item you are selling.

Man arrested for three felonies after attempting to defraud rental car company

If You See Something

A 22-year-old man was arrested after attempting to defraud a rental car company Sunday night.

Orange County Sheriff’s deputies at about 6 p.m. on March 11 responded to the Avis car rental desk stationed at John Wayne Airport after a manager reported a male suspect attempted to rent a Range Rover with what appeared to be invalid identification and credits cards.

After an investigation, deputies arrested the 22-year-old on suspicion of felony burglary, forgery and attempted grand theft auto.

We’re thankful the manager of Avis noticed something amiss and contacted the department immediately. His swift action led to a quick arrest.  

Remember: If you see something, say something. Call our dispatch line to report any suspicious behavior or activity:
714-647-7000

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