NIBRS
Document
Sheriff’s Department Working to Curb Distracted Driving in Lake Forest
Lake Forest, Ca. (December 16, 2023): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.
On Monday, December 18, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.
Distracted driving comes in many forms, but cell phones remain the top distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,450 people were killed in 2016 due to distracted drivers. A 2018 observational survey by Fresno State and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) found nearly 5 percent of California drivers were using their phone illegally behind the wheel, either by talking on or using their phone without a hands-free device.
In this day and age, it is natural instinct to answer the phone or read a text, but the focus for drivers should be on the road. Other distractions include eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, or reaching for an object on the floor.
If you have an important phone call or need to reprogram your navigation system, pull over to a safe parking place. To resist the urge of using your phone, either silence it or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this distracted driving enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation Planned for Dana Point
Dana Point, Ca. (December 12, 2023): – 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, December 14, 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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Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation Planned for Yorba Linda
Yorba Linda, Ca. (December 11, 2023): – 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 Wednesday, December 13, 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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Sheriff’s Department Working to Curb Distracted Driving in Laguna Woods
Laguna Woods, Ca. (December 6, 2023): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.
On Friday, December 8, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.
Distracted driving comes in many forms, but cell phones remain the top distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,450 people were killed in 2016 due to distracted drivers. A 2018 observational survey by Fresno State and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) found nearly 5 percent of California drivers were using their phone illegally behind the wheel, either by talking on or using their phone without a hands-free device.
In this day and age, it is natural instinct to answer the phone or read a text, but the focus for drivers should be on the road. Other distractions include eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, or reaching for an object on the floor.
If you have an important phone call or need to reprogram your navigation system, pull over to a safe parking place. To resist the urge of using your phone, either silence it or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this distracted driving enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
###
OCSD to conduct Motorcycle Safety Enforcement in Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo, Ca. (December 1, 2023): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Friday, December 1, in the city of Mission Viejo 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. ###
John Doe homicide victim identified after 49 years
SANTA ANA, Ca. (Nov. 28, 2023) – A John Doe homicide victim discovered 49 years ago in unincorporated Laguna Hills, present-day Aliso Viejo, has been identified through investigative genetic genealogy.
On September 14, 1974, two subjects were off-roading on a fire road when they discovered a deceased male over the side of the trail. He was estimated to have died 3-5 days prior to his discovery. His death was initially determined to be accidental due to alcohol and diazepam intoxication.
Information was released to the press in the hope that someone would come forward with sufficient information to assist in establishing John Doe’s identity. His fingerprint classification was submitted to the Criminal Identification and Investigation Division in Sacramento, CA, the Federal Bureau of Identification and Canadian authorities with negative results. After several weeks of efforts to establish his identity, John Doe was interred at El Toro Memorial Park in an unmarked grave. Efforts were made over the years to establish his identity.
In 1980, OCSD Homicide investigators noted there were other deaths in 1978 due to alcohol and diazepam intoxication in Southern California, including Orange County. These deaths were classified as homicides. Over the years, multiple young men were found deceased throughout Orange County and Southern California, including several within a few miles of where John Doe’s remains were discovered.
In May 1983, Randy Steven Kraft, later known as the “Scorecard Killer”, was arrested for murder after a California Highway Patrol officer conducted a traffic stop on Kraft. In the front passenger seat of Kraft’s vehicle was a deceased male, identified as Terry Lee Gambrel. Around his feet were several empty beer bottles and an open prescription bottle of Lorazepam tablets.
In the trunk of Kraft’s vehicle was a coded list believed to be upwards of 67 victims of Kraft’s. In May 1989, Kraft was convicted of 16 murders and sentenced to death. An additional 10 murders Kraft was suspected of committing were not filed by the Orange County District Attorney. He remains incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison. John Doe has long been thought to be an early victim of Randy Kraft.
In November 2022, OCSD investigators submitted tissue samples for John Doe to Othram Laboratories, a private forensic biotechnology company, to develop a DNA profile. In February 2023, the DNA profile was received by OCSD’s Cold Case Team. The Cold Case team is
comprised of two investigators who are trained in the application of investigative genetic genealogy. John Doe’s DNA profile was uploaded into a law enforcement-approved genealogy database and investigators began building his family tree.
In October 2023, after months of work, investigators identified the possible grandparents of John Doe. Investigators contacted a granddaughter of this couple, who told investigators she had not seen her 17-year-old brother since April of 1974. Investigators traveled to Kansas City, MO, to obtain a DNA sample from a woman believed to be the mother of John Doe. Her DNA sample was used to positively identify the decedent as Michael Ray Schlicht of Cedar Rapids, IA.
Family members have been notified and are in the process of having a headstone installed to mark his final resting place.
Sheriff’s Department investigators now turn their focus to investigating Schlicht’s homicide case. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or crimestoppers.org.
Attempted homicide suspect arrested in Mission Viejo
MISSION VIEJO, Ca. (Nov. 22, 2023): Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies have arrested a man on suspicion of stabbing a 48-year-old Amazon employee.
At 9:23 a.m. on Nov. 21, deputies were dispatched to the 25000 block of Jeronimo Road regarding a report of a stabbing at the Amazon facility. On arrival, the deputies entered the facility, located the female victim and immediately began lifesaving measures. Additional deputies located the suspect in the parking lot and detained him. A knife was recovered at the scene.
Orange County Fire Authority’s response allowed the victim to be rapidly transported to a nearby hospital. The victim suffered multiple stab wounds to her upper torso and is in critical condition.
The suspect, Andrew Ariel Alfaro, 29, of Santa Ana, was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of attempted murder.
Alfaro, a delivery associate, was employed by a delivery service partner that delivers packages on behalf of Amazon. The relationship between Alfaro and the victim and the reason he attacked her is still under investigation.
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.
OCSD to conduct Motorcycle Safety Enforcement in Rancho Santa Margarita
Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca. (November 22, 2023): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Friday, November 24, in the city of Rancho Santa Margarita 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. ###
OCSD to conduct Motorcycle Safety Enforcement in San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, Ca. (November 28, 2023): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Thursday, November 30, in the city of Rancho Santa Margarita 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. ###