In October of 2016, deputies were involved in a use of force at the Central Women's Jail in Santa Ana. The use of force was determined to be outside of policy with policy violations addressed and discipline issued.
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Santa Ana, Ca. (June 14, 2024): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has identified a Jane Doe homicide victim whose remains were recovered more than 41 years ago.
In April 1983, children discovered a human skull in a culvert while playing in the area of Canada and Old Trabuco roads in what is now the city of Lake Forest. An excavation was performed and approximately 70 percent of a female’s human remains were recovered.
An anthropology examination showed the victim was a black or mixed-race female, 18-24 years old, 5’3 to 5’6 with a slight build, and a distinctive gold tooth. Efforts to identify the victim over the years were unsuccessful.
In 2022, a DNA sample from Jane Doe was submitted to Othram Laboratories in cooperation with the National Missing and Unidentified Person System (NamUs), who provided the funding for the DNA extraction and testing, and a genetic profile was successfully obtained. OCSD’s Cold Case investigators began conducting investigative genetic genealogy in partnership with the FBI’s Regional Genealogy Team. After years of work, a direct family line for the Jane Doe was unable to be identified. In addition, multiple forensic renderings of Jane Doe were released over the years.
In late 2023, investigators contacted a distant genetic relative of the victim, who suggested Jane Doe’s forensic renderings be posted to a Facebook group for Jane Does and missing women from the 1970s and 1980s. Approximately one month after the posting, a woman contacted investigators and said she believed the Lake Forest Jane Doe could be her missing mother.
Maritza Glean Grimmett, a Panamanian native, married a US Marine in the summer of 1978 and gave birth to a daughter. In late 1978, the family moved to the US. The family resided in Columbus, Ohio and Millington, Tennessee in late 1978 through mid-1979. In July 1979, the couple began divorce proceedings. Maritza told her sister she was going to California. Her family never heard from her again.
Maritza’s relatives submitted DNA samples and Jane Doe was positively identified as Maritza Glean Grimmett, who was 20 years old at the time of her disappearance.
Investigators are actively investigating Maritza’s homicide. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Investigator Bob Taft at 714-647-7045 or coldcase@ocsheriff.gov. Anonymous tips may be submitted to OC Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers.
2019
2022
Maritza Glean Grimmett
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LAKE FOREST, Ca. (May 21, 2024): The city of Lake Forest has selected Captain David Pultz as their new Chief of Police Services.
“I am humbled to be selected and serve alongside an incredible team in Lake Forest,” Captain Pultz said. “Having worked in multiple demanding and dynamic units throughout my career, I look forward to bringing that experience to the city.”
Captain Pultz joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1998 and first worked in three of the department’s jail facilities – James A. Musick, Theo Lacy and the Intake Release Center. In 2007, he served in Patrol Operations for the city of Rancho Santa Margarita and then the city of San Clemente, where he was named Deputy of The Year.
He was selected for the Special Investigation Bureau’s South Gang Enforcement Team in 2011 and served nearly four years leading investigations into various gangs.
Captain Pultz promoted to investigator in 2015 and worked a variety of assignments, including the Professional Standards Division as a background investigator, the North Vice and Narcotics Detail and Special Operations, running dignitary protection and conducting criminal investigations.
In 2019, he was promoted to sergeant and worked for the Special Services Bureau, Patrol Operations in Mission Viejo and led the South Directed Enforcement Team, among other assignments.
Most recently, Captain Pultz served as a lieutenant at the Intake Release Center, overseeing the operational authority and safety of inmates and personnel.
Captain Pultz began his assignment as Lake Forest Chief of Police Services on May 17.
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LAGUNA HILLS, Ca. (June 25, 2024): – 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 Thursday, June 27, 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. (June 22, 2024): – 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 Monday, June 24, 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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LAGUNA WOODS, Ca. (June 19, 2024): – 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, June 21, 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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Laguna Hills, Ca. (May 18, 2024): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Monday, May 20, in the city of Laguna Hills 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. ###
STANTON, Ca. (June 3, 2024): On Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 7:49 p.m., a man reported to Sheriff’s Dispatch he shot a male who was assaulting a woman in the 7100 block of Custer Way in the city of Stanton. When deputies arrived, they located a 20-year-old Hispanic male suffering from a gunshot wound. Deputies immediately began performing life saving measures. Moments later, they were relieved by the Orange County Fire Authority who transported the man to a local trauma center.
The man who reported the shooting remained at the incident’s location, was interviewed by Sheriff’s investigators, and later released at the scene. It is believed the man is a rideshare driver who was in the area dropping off a passenger at the time of the incident.
The woman who was assaulted, was treated at the scene by the Orange County Fire Authority for injuries sustained during the assault.
The 20-year-old male suspect is currently being treated at a local hospital where he is listed in critical but stable condition. He may face charges pending further investigation.
The Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Sheriff’s Dispatch at 714-647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or online at www.ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers.
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STANTON, Ca. (May 25, 2024): – 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 Monday, May 27, 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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SAN CLEMENTE, CA. (August 9, 2024): On Sunday, August 11, 2024, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have deputies out at the San Clemente Music Fiesta educating the public on how to monitor their alcohol intake and “Know Your Limit.”
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” campaign will be from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the San Clemente Music Fiesta located in the city of San Clemente.
During this time, deputies will ask patrons how many drinks they have consumed and whether they believe it is safe to drive. Deputies will then invite volunteers to take a breathalyzer test to see if they are able to guess their blood alcohol content (BAC). Deputies will provide information on the impacts of alcohol on one’s ability to drive, and the consequences of a DUI.
“The goal is to help people understand the effects of alcohol so they can make smart decisions about how they get home,” Sergeant Kyle Ishii said, “It only takes a single drink to impair, and that’s why it is important people know their limit.”
A person’s height, weight, food intake, drug and/or medication use and how much they drink over a time period are all factors that affect their BAC. 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. 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 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.
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