Drivers are urged to keep their eyes forward and hands on the wheel

SANTA ANA, Calif. (Apr. 1, 2026) – April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department wants to remind drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward and hands on the wheel. Distractions like checking a phone, using the in-dash touchscreen or car phone app, adjusting the radio, or eating can have devastating consequences.

“Distracted driving continues to put everyone on the road at risk,” Traffic Bureau Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, lives can change forever. We’re reminding our community that safety starts with each of us. Put the phone down, limit distractions, and help people get home safely.”

According to the 2025 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 71.4% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving, caused by texting or checking a phone, was their biggest safety concern. In 2023, there were 158 people killed in distracted driving crashes in California, a 6.8 percent increase from the previous year. The numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to determine if distraction was a factor in a crash.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or other electronic device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving can result in a fine, and if a driver violates the hands-free law a second time within 36 months of a previous conviction for the same offense, an additional point will be added to their record.

Follow these simple steps to stay focused and protect everyone on the road:

• Put your phone away: Silence notifications and store your phone where you can’t reach it while driving.

• Plan ahead: Set your GPS, adjust mirrors and finish any tasks before you start driving.

• Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road: Avoid eating, grooming or adjusting controls while driving.

• Be a role model: Show your passengers, especially young drivers, that focused driving is the norm.

• Speak up: If you’re a passenger and see the driver distracted, kindly remind them to stay focused.

• Pull over if necessary: If something urgent comes up, stop and park in a safe place before responding.

Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Laguna Hills, Calif. (April 8th, 2026): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, April 10th, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Laguna Hills.

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.

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 

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Ca. (March 9, 2026): Captain Terrance Burton has been selected as the Chief of Police Services for the City of San Juan Capistrano. He begins his new assignment on Friday, March 20.

“I’m deeply honored to serve this community and to lead the dedicated personnel who are committed to its safety,” Captain Burton said. “I look forward to working together to strengthen our partnerships and continue providing exceptional service.”

Captain Burton joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2006 as a Sheriff’s Special Officer before becoming a deputy in 2007. He was first assigned to the Theo Lacy Jail Facility in custody operations before serving the city of Laguna Hills as a patrol deputy. 

In 2014, Captain Burton was assigned to the Tactical Training Center, serving as an instructor teaching critical skills and tactics for deputy sheriffs. Captain Burton then transferred to the Strategy Accountability Focus and Evaluation (SAFE) Division, conducting investigations into department complaints. 

Captain Burton promoted to investigator in 2017 and was assigned to the Custody Intelligence Unit, monitoring gang activity and investigating crime in the Orange County Jail. 

In 2020, Captain Burton became a sergeant at the Intake and Release Center, managing custody operations and supervising the Jail Compliance and Training Team. He returned to SAFE as a supervisor in 2022, working internal affairs and serving on the Administrative Response Team for critical incidents. 

Captain Burton was assigned to San Clemente Police Services as a sergeant in 2023, supervising and mentoring patrol deputies. In 2024, he joined the Sandra Hutchens Regional Law Enforcement Training Center as a sergeant responsible for leading the Correctional Services Assistant Academy and the Deputy Sheriff Trainee Pre-Academy. Most recently, Captain Burton served as a lieutenant for the James A. Musick Facility, overseeing operations for the jail facility. 

Captain Burton has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, Long Beach. 

When not working, Captain Burton enjoys traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, attending live sporting events, and participating in church services.

MISSION VIEJO, Ca. (March 9, 2026): Captain Jonathan Larson has been selected as the Chief of Police Services for the City of Mission Viejo. He begins his new assignment on Friday, March 20.

“Bringing my experience to this team is both an honor and a responsibility that I take seriously,” Captain Larson said. “I look forward to serving alongside the dedicated team that works hard every day to provide exceptional policing services to the city of Mission Viejo.”

Captain Larson joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2006 and first served in custody operations before being assigned to patrol in the city of San Juan Capistrano in 2012.

In 2014, he was assigned to the Special Investigations Bureau’s South Gang Enforcement Team, where he was regarded as a countywide expert in criminal street gang investigations. In 2018, Captain Larson joined the North Narcotics team, investigating narcotics sales operations and human trafficking offenses. 

Captain Larson then took his investigative skills to the OC Sheriff Homicide Bureau, where he served for three years and also assumed an ancillary duty as an investigator for the Child Abduction Response Team. 

In 2022, Captain Larson promoted to sergeant and served in the Central Men’s Jail before being assigned to the Special Services Bureau at the Intake Release Center, managing daily operations for the classification of incarcerated persons. 

Later that year, Captain Larson was assigned as a patrol operations sergeant for the city of San Juan Capistrano before being selected to serve as the San Juan Capistrano Administrative Sergeant, overseeing operations and special events planning. 

In 2024, Captain Larson served as the Operations Support and Intelligence Division Sergeant at the Real Time Operations Center, where he managed the Crime Analysis Unit and the deputies assigned to providing support for in-field personnel to respond swiftly and safely to crimes in progress or developing incidents. Captain Larson was then promoted to lieutenant in 2026 where he most recently served as watch commander for the Intake and Release Center. 

Captain Larson has a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management and Security from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Purdue University. 

He has earned much recognition over the years, including being named the 2025 National Real Time Crime Center Region of the Year California Working Group Leader, the 2018 Orange County Gang Investigator of the Year, and the 2013 Elks Lodge Deputy of the Year, among additional accolades. 

When not working, Captain Larson enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing golf, and going to the beach. 

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SANTA ANA, Calif. (March 4, 2026): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday celebrated the promotion of 26 personnel, including two new commanders, in a ceremony held at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy.  

“This is always an exciting time of year as we express gratitude for those who dedicated their lives to service and wish them the best in a well-earned retirement, while welcoming new leaders to carry the mission forward,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “Our two newest commanders serve with integrity and humility, bringing a wealth of experience that will positively influence their teams and this department as a whole.” 

The promotion ceremony also included welcoming 6 lieutenants, 8 sergeants and 10 investigators to new ranks. All personnel will begin their new assignments on Friday, March 6. 

Commander Jack Ackerman 

Commander Jack Ackerman joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1998 and served in custody operations, patrol operations and as an arrest and control techniques instructor at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy. 

He promoted to investigator in 2013 and worked a variety of assignments, including general investigations and homicide, where he was nationally and regionally recognized for his investigative work on several high-profile cases, including the 2018 Aliso Viejo bombing and the 2018 Blaze Bernstein homicide. 

When he promoted to sergeant in 2020, Commander Ackerman worked in custody operations and then as the investigative sergeant, overseeing cybercrime and computer forensics. He then served as the Homicide Detail sergeant for two years, leading the investigative response on a variety of cases, including the 2022 Presbyterian Church and the 2023 Trabuco Canyon mass shooting incidents. 

Commander Ackerman promoted to lieutenant in 2023 before being assigned as a captain with the Court Operations Division. Most recently, he served a s the captain for Southwest Operations, overseeing southwest investigations and policing services for the city of Laguna Woods.  

Commander Ryan Pierce 

Commander Ryan Pierce joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1999 and was assigned to the Theo Lacy Facility before promoting to patrol in 2007, serving North Operations and the city of Stanton. 

In 2010, Commander Pierce was assigned as a Recruit Training Officer at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy, mentoring recruits and preparing them to serve their communities. 

He then was selected for the Special Weapons and Tactics team and Tactical Apprehension Team, conducting undercover operations and counter-surveillance operations. 

Commander Pierce promoted to sergeant in 2014 and first served in custody operations before being assigned as the range sergeant, supervising operations for the department’s firearms training facilities. 

In 2018, Commander Pierce was promoted to lieutenant and was assigned as the watch commander and administrative lieutenant for the Theo Lacy Facility. He then became the Department Commander in 2020, overseeing department-wide operations and calls for service. 

In 2022, he was selected as the Academy Commander, overseeing the daily operations of the Orange County Sheriff’s regional Training Academy. 

Most recently, Commander Pierce served as the Chief of Police Services for the city of Stanton, providing public safety services to the city’s approximately 40,000 residents. 

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STANTON, Ca. (March 3 , 2026): Captain Matt Stafford has been selected as the Chief of Police Services for the City of Stanton. He begins his new assignment on Friday, March 6.

“I’m honored to stand beside the men and women who deliver exceptional service to the great city of Stanton,” Captain Stafford said. “I appreciate the opportunity to bring my experience and leadership to support and strengthen this dedicated team.”

Captain Stafford joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2004 and served in custody operations where, early in his career, he began laying the foundation for his investigative expertise. He served in multiple ancillary assignments, including as a certified drug recognition expert and on the Central Men’s Jail gang team. 

When he promoted to patrol operations in the city of Lake Forest in 2010, Captain Stafford earned several specialty assignments, including becoming a Field Training Officer, and working on the Special Enforcement Team and the South Directed Enforcement Team.

Captain Stafford became an investigator in 2015 and worked a variety of assignments, including general investigations for the city of Aliso Viejo, the Regional Narcotics Suppression Program, and the South Narcotics Detail. 

After promoting to sergeant in 2020, Captain Stafford worked at the Central Men’s Jail before serving as supervisor for the North Narcotics, VICE and Human Trafficking teams. Under his leadership, the team was recognized for the California Narcotics Officers’ Association Street Level Case of the Year. 

Captain Stafford was promoted to lieutenant in 2025, overseeing daily operations at the James A. Musick Facility. Most recently, he served as the Court Operations Division Captain for the Central Justice Center, managing law enforcement operations at the court. 

Captain Stafford has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from California State University, Fullerton, and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Chapman University. 

When not working, Captain Stafford enjoys golfing and spending time with his family.

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Irvine, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2026) – On Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, an inmate housed at the James A. Musick Facility in Irvine died. 

A 54-year-old female inmate was booked by the Anaheim Police Department on Feb. 26, 2026, for H&S 11377-Possession of a Controlled Substance and H&S 11364 Possession of Unlawful Paraphernalia.

On Feb. 27, while housed at the James A. Musick Facility, the inmate was found unresponsive. Deputies and County Medical Services personnel attempted life-saving measures. Members of the Orange County Fire Authority pronounced her deceased. Preliminarily, there are no suspicious circumstances. A final cause of death will be determined following an independent autopsy and toxicology. The name of the decedent is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification

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.  

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In March of 2022, deputies were involved in a use of force in the city of Yorba Linda.  The use of force was determined to be within policy.

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/UOF/UOF.22-007278.zip

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In November of 2019, deputies were involved in a use of force in the City of Lake Forest. The Use of Force was determined to be within policy.  

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/UOF/UOF.19-042308.zip

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On Sunday, February 22, 2026, an inmate who was housed at the Theo Lacy Facility died while in custody. The decedent, Edson Israel Rosasmedrano, was in custody for VC 10851 (Vehicle Theft) PC 496c(a) (Possessing/Receiving a Stolen Vehicle) and PC 148 (Obstructing Resisting a Peace Officer). The decedent’s manner and means of death are awaiting final determination following an independent autopsy and toxicology.