ORANGE, Ca. (September 25, 2024) – On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, an inmate housed at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange died.
48-year-old Jason Castillo of Anaheim was booked into jail on September 22, 2024, by the Anaheim Police Department for CPC 1203.2 – Probation Violation and CPC 4573.8 – Possessing Drugs/Paraphernalia in Prison/Jail.
On the evening of September 24, Castillo was found unresponsive in his cell. Deputies and correctional medical staff attempted life-saving measures. He was pronounced deceased at the Theo Lacy Facility at approximately 7:30 p.m. Castillo had one cellmate at the time of his passing, but his death does not appear to be suspicious. 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.
Santa Ana, Ca. (September 9, 2024): At a ceremony in Washington D.C. on Sept. 4, 2024, the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) recognized the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) as a “center of innovation.”
OCSD was acknowledged for its collaboration and behavioral health care practices. The NIC regarded the Orange County Jails as a model for improving reentry outcomes.
Sheriff Don Barnes received the NIC recognition applauding OCSD’s exemplary commitment to advance behavioral health initiatives and collaborate with various agencies and community service providers to promote recovery, rehabilitation, and continuity of care for incarcerated persons upon release.
OCSD will partner with NIC to advance public safety by enhancing correctional policies and practices in jurisdictions across the country.
“This honor is the result of the trailblazing efforts of OCSD’s Custody Operations and Executive Command Staff to identify systemic opportunities to improve public safety,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “Our goal is to connect inmates within our jails, and upon release, with appropriate foundational tools for success with the intention to reduce recidivism. The revolving door between the jails and community needs to end, and I am proud to play a significant role in this endeavor.”
In 2019, Sheriff Barnes pledged to address challenges facing the jails and operate one of the nation’s best jail systems. Since that time, numerous efforts have been made to bring collaborative partners such as Orange County Health Care Agency, the Orange County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, OC Probation, OC Social Services, Cal Optima, Kaiser Permanente, Project Kinship, and other community service providers together to enhance the well-being of incarcerated individuals.
As part of the recognition letter, Holly Busby, Acting Director of the NIC acknowledged the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s solutions-oriented approach.
“The outcomes you have achieved speak to the power of collaboration and the importance of working together to address shared goals and objectives in service of public safety,” she said.
“I am very proud of this recognition, but it does not mean our work is done,” said Sheriff Barnes. “This is the beginning of our commitment and partnership with NIC to assist other jurisdictions across the country by sharing OCSD’s innovative and promising practices in the field of corrections.”
Mission Viejo, Ca. (October 16, 2024): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, Oct. 18, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Mission Viejo.
DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with deputies checking drivers for proper licensing.
The Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.
In 2019, 1,066 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads.
The Sheriff’s Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:
Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who are drinking and how they are getting home.
Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Sheriff’s Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In September of 2020, deputies were involved in an officer involved shooting in the city of Stanton. The case was investigated by the Orange County District Attorney's Office and no criminal charges were filed. The officer involved shooting was determined to be within policy.
Please note that due to the size of the files, and depending on download speeds, it could take several minutes for the files to open.
In October of 2017, deputies were involved in a use of force at the Central Men'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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In July of 2022, deputies were involved in a use of force at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana. The use of force was determined to be within policy.
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Santa Ana, Ca.(September 12, 2024): During Child Passenger Safety Week, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department encourages all parents and caregivers to make sure their children are riding safely by using the correct car seats, booster seats and properly fitted seat belts. This annual campaign takes place from September 15-21 and aims to raise awareness about the importance of car seat safety and proper installation.
“Every child deserves to travel safely,” Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “During Child Passenger Safety Week, we urge all parents and caregivers to take a few minutes to double-check their child’s car seat. Keeping a child in the right seat for their age and size can make all the difference in a crash.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of car seats (46%) are misused. Properly installed car seats have been shown to reduce fatal injury crashes by 71% for infants under a year old and by 54% for toddlers ages 1 through 4.
California law requires all children under 2 years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child is 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. Once a child reaches these milestones, all children under the age of 8 years are still required to be secured in a car seat or booster seat. Children under the age of 8 may not ride in the front seat unless the vehicle is not equipped with a rear, forward-facing seat. Children 8 and older, or who are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be wearing a properly fitted safety belt.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to keep children in the proper rear or forward-facing seat as long as possible and use the “Five-Step Test” to determine if their child is big enough to safely use a seat belt without a booster seat.
Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Santa Ana, Ca (August 29, 2024): September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By always taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.
According to projections from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,318 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2023. In California alone, pedestrian deaths make up more than 27 percent of all traffic-related fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures on our roads.
“Every step we take towards greater pedestrian safety is a step towards saving lives," Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. "We want to remind everyone that safety begins with you, whether you're behind the wheel or on foot. Small actions, like slowing down, putting away distractions and yielding at crosswalks, can make a life-saving difference.”
To promote the safety of people walking, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will conduct traffic safety operations throughout September focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of pedestrians at risk. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield and running stop signs or signals.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department offers safe driving and walking tips, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking.
Drivers
Do not speed, and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
Never drive impaired.
Pedestrians
Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic.
Watch for approaching vehicles and practice due care crossing the street. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – consider wearing bright colors, reflective material, or use a flashlight when practical.
Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busier streets with higher speed limits.
Share your thoughts about pedestrian safety by participating in the Go Safely Movement, a call-to-action traffic safety survey from the California Office of Traffic Safety. Take the survey at gosafelyca.org.
Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
On March 3, 2023, 33-year-old Ryan Barnette from Garden Grove, CA who was housed at the Intake Release Center in Holding Cell PM9 died at OC Global Medical Center. At the time, Barnette was awaiting arraignment.
Dana Point, Ca. (August 26, 2024): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Saturday, August 24, in the city of Dana Point 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. ###
