FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sgt. Dennis Breckner – Public Information Officer
DBreckner@ocsd.org | C: 714-904-7042

The Sheriff’s Department Working to Curb Distracted Driving

STANTON, Ca. (February 15, 2021) – Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.

On Thursday, February 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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sgt. Dennis Breckner – Public Information Officer
DBreckner@ocsd.org | C: 714-904-7042

The Sheriff’s Department Working to Curb Distracted Driving

STANTON, Ca. (February 13, 2021) – Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.

On Tuesday, February 16, 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.
###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sgt. Dennis Breckner – Public Information Officer
DBreckner@ocsd.org | C: 714-904-7042

The Sheriff’s Department Working to Curb Distracted Driving

STANTON, Ca. (February 6, 2021) – Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.

On Tuesday, February 9, 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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sgt. Dennis Breckner – Public Information Officer
DBreckner@ocsd.org | C: 714-904-7042

Mitigation efforts prove successful in decreasing the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Orange County Jail

SANTA ANA, Ca. (February 5, 2021): The Sheriff’s Department has seen a dramatic reduction in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the Orange County Jail system in the last month as a result of the department’s robust mitigation efforts. On January 5, 2021, 1,109 general population inmates were COVID-19 positive. As of the morning of February 5, 2021, nine general population inmates are COVID-19 positive.

“Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be challenging for everyone, and the Orange County Jail system has not been immune from this challenge,” said Don Barnes, Sheriff-Coroner. “Although in December we saw an outbreak in our facilities, we remained steadfast with our strict health and safety protocols, which have proven to be successful throughout the year. This has been accomplished without releasing serious and violent offenders who may pose a danger to Orange County residents.”

Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Custody Operations Division and the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Corrections Health Services (CHS) have worked collaboratively to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within the Orange County Jail system. These mitigation efforts include regular temperature checks of staff and inmates, mandatory masks for staff and inmates, regular testing, diligent hygiene and cleaning practices, release of low level sentenced offenders, pausing public visiting and halting non-essential services.

“We are confident that our efforts will result in the continued successful mitigation of COVID-19 in our jails,” Barnes said. “We will continue to meet the challenges of navigating this pandemic with the health and safety of our staff, contract partners and inmates remaining our top priority.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public Affairs Director Carrie Braun
CBraun@ocsd.org | C: 714-904-7042

OCSD to hold DUI checkpoint in San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano, Ca. (February 16, 2021) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, February 19, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of San Juan Capistrano.

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 2018, 1,235 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.

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An attempted traffic stop led to a multi-city pursuit ending with the arrest of two suspects who were driving an unreported stolen vehicle.

 At about 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of San Juan Creek and Valle roads in the city of San Juan Capistrano.

 The driver failed to yield, leading the deputies on a pursuit. The driver entered the 5 freeway northbound and exited in the city of Mission Viejo, driving for several miles before pulling into a neighborhood and exiting the vehicle.

 The suspects attempted to run and jumped into the backyard of a residence at the 22000 block of Calle Azorin, but deputies were able to quickly detain them.

 Christopher Dalessandri, 28, was arrested on suspicion of three felonies; wanton disregard for safety, receiving a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest, and three drug-related misdemeanors. He is being held on $50,000 bail and is expected to appear in court of Feb. 1.

 Danielle Castillo, 28, was arrested on suspicion of felony resisting arresting and receiving a stolen vehicle, and three misdemeanor drug charges. She is being held on $20,000 bail and is expected to appear in court Feb. 1.

FOR  DECEMBER 2021 BOND FIRE EVACUATION INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT  www.ocsheriff.gov/bondfire.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public Affairs Director Carrie Braun
CBraun@ocsd.org | C: 714-904-7042

Voluntary Evacuation Warning issued for Bond Fire burn area

SANTA ANA, Ca. (January 28, 2021): Effective Thursday, January 28 at 8:00 AM, an Evacuation Warning (Voluntary) for the Bond Fire burn area has been issued by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department due to potential flooding and debris flows. The Evacuation Warning is for homes located within Silverado Canyon, Williams Canyon and Modjeska Canyon.

The National Weather Service warns that significant rainfall is expected Thursday night through Friday morning, with a Flash Flood Watch currently in effect through 4:00 PM Friday. Heavy rain, subsequent flooding and debris flows are possible. Evacuation routes can quickly become impassable due to mud, debris or flooding.
Any person with disabilities and those with access and/or functional needs requiring evacuation assistance should call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch at 714-647-7000.

Any person needing assistance with animal or large animal evacuations should call Orange County Animal Care 714-935-6848.

To report storm-related issues with a County road or flood control channel, call the Orange County Public Works Storm Center 714-955-0200 during standard business hours and 714-955-0333 during Flash Flood events and emergencies when OC Public Works’ Department Operations Center is activated.

If you need to report a life-threatening emergency, dial 9-1-1.

Evacuation Areas
 Silverado Canyon - Evacuation Warning (Voluntary)
 Williams Canyon - Evacuation Warning (Voluntary)
 Modjeska Canyon - Evacuation Warning (Voluntary)

Road Closures starting at 7:00 PM on Thursday, January 28
 Santiago Canyon Road is open to residents only east of the 241/261 interchange
 Santiago Canyon Road is open to residents only north of Ridgeline Rd.

See map for detailed depictions of the evacuated areas- www.ocsheriff.gov/bondfire 

Sheltering
Residents are encouraged to leave early and make their own arrangements for alternate shelter with friends, family or at a local hotel.

If upon evacuation residents are unable to find shelter on their own, the American Red Cross will be establishing a Temporary Evacuation Point (TEP) at 2:00 PM at El Modena High School - 3920 East Spring Street, Orange CA 92869. 

The TEP is the location where you will be offered resources and coordination to support you with:

o Information about the event as available

o Water and a snack as available

o Assistance locating safe shelter*  

You will not exit your vehicle, unless to use the restroom, to avoid community transmission of COVID-19 *Please anticipate a long wait for sheltering assistance. You may be in your vehicle for up to several hours, so please bring comfort and personal items as appropriate.

Residents are encouraged to check regularly for updates on Facebook and Twitter at:

@OCSheriff
@OCFA_PIO (Twitter)
@OCPublicWorks

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Protecting your personal information online is critically important, which means familiarizing yourself with the latest ways criminals are looking to target and scam their victims.  This Data Privacy Day, we want to caution our community about a commonly reported scam, known as the “romance scam,” and equip you with information you need to prevent it.

The Sheriff’s Department’s Economic Crimes Detail investigates these types of cases and although specific details may vary, the general concept is always the same. Investigator David Wise shared a recent case that highlights how this scam works.

In December 2019, Jazmine began communicating with Scott on social media.  Scott portrayed himself to be a successful businessman involved in offshore oil drilling.  Scott told Jazmine he was required to travel to exotic locations across the globe and displayed several pictures on his social media profiles as evidence. 

After several months of communication via direct message, email, and text message, Jazmine believed she was in a long-distance relationship with Scott.  Not long after the dating relationship began, Scott asked Jazmine for money to support his business aspirations.  Scott requested the money in the form of gift cards and suggested several deadlines he had to meet, which resulted in the sense of urgency. 

Jazmine believed in Scott and began sending him money.  After a few additional months, Jazmine and Scott planned to meet face to face; however, the day before they were supposed to meet, Jazmine received an email from Scott stating he was in a traffic accident and sustained severe injuries.  Scott sent Jazmine several supporting documents that included large medical bills.  When Jazmine became suspicious, she began to receive emails from Scott's physician. 

Jazmine ultimately reported this incident to the Sheriff's Department and estimated she sent Scott approximately $250,000.  Jazmine said most of the money was paid for from a second mortgage she took out on her home. 

“Although financial crimes investigators can retrieve digital evidence in cases like this, suspects in these types of crimes frequently live outside the United States,” said Investigator Wise. “As a result, locating the suspect and recovering lost monies can be difficult.  The best way to combat these types of crimes is through a healthy dose of suspicion and curiosity. Scams result from a combination of familiarity, a sense of urgency, and the offer of a return on investment.”

What to look for:

• A sense of urgency
• The offer of a return on an investment
• A request of payment in the form of a gift card, wire transfer or cash when you have never met the requestor.

How to prevent it:

• Talk with trusted friends, family or mentors about the request
• Use Google “reverse image search” feature to check the validity of photos posted to a person’s social media pages
• Speak with a bank manager before initiating any transaction       

Investigator Wise points out there are variations of this type of crime, including the IRS tax scam, law enforcement warrant scam, Social Security Number verification scam, and investment opportunity scams. 

“Remember, situations involving familiarity, an emotional event or connection, a sense of urgency, and some return combined with nontraditional money exchange, such as gift cards or wire transfers, are almost always fraud,” he said. “Decisions should not be made in isolation.” 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public Affairs Director Carrie Braun
CBraun@ocsd.org | C: 714-904-7042

OCSD to hold DUI checkpoint in Rancho Santa Margarita

Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca. (February 5, 2021) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, February 5, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Rancho Santa Margarita.

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 2018, 1,235 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.
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