Briefly In Public Safety
Woman reports email scheme
A 73-year-old Laguna Beach woman was allegedly conned out of $5,000 over a three-day period, after receiving an e-mail from a friend who claimed to have been robbed in London and in need of help, according to Sgt. Louise Callus.
The friend’s email addresses had been compromised, Callus said. The report was made at 1:57 p.m. Nov. 11 in the 100 block of San Tropez Court.
*
Business window shot out again
A large window at a fast-food restaurant in the 1200 block of South Coast Highway was shot out with a BB gun at 7:36 p.m. Nov. 12, Callus said.
It was the second time in a week that the restaurant was targeted. There were no injuries, and no known suspects or motive.
*
Cyclist struck by vehicle
A 70-year-old bicyclist was taken to the hospital with scrapes and bruises after colliding with a vehicle at Cypress Drive and Poplar Street at 12:29 p.m. Saturday, Callus said.
The bicyclist, a male, was allegedly riding in the wrong direction when the vehicle made a turn.
*
Disturbance leads to teen’s arrest
A Laguna Beach teenager was arrested on suspicion of interfering with the arrest of her mother after an altercation between officers and three people at 3:02 a.m. Sunday in the 200 block of North Coast Highway, Callus said.
Officers responded to the location on a report of people making a disturbance, and located four allegedly intoxicated people nearby.
“Three of the subjects were adult members of one family: mother, son and daughter. The family members became argumentative and verbally abusive towards the officers,” Callus alleged.
The son allegedly charged an officer, and was put on the ground, whereupon the mother attempted to intervene, Callus said. The mother was also put on the ground, at which point the daughter allegedly charged an officer in an attempt to rescue her mother, and she was taken to the ground by police.
The daughter, Karly Mac, 18, was arrested on suspicion of lynching, a felony, which is described as “The taking by means of a riot of any person from the lawful custody of any peace officer.”
She was held on $20,000 bail, according to police records.
The mother and son were arrested on suspicion of obstructing an officer. A fourth person who was present during the incident was released at the scene.
*
Burrito theft lands man in jail
A homeless man was arrested on multiple warrants after he allegedly stole a burrito from a market in the 100 block of North Coast Highway at 5:13 a.m. Sunday, Callus said.
After police responded to the report of a theft, the suspect was taken to county jail.
*
Intruder accused of posing as resident
A 31-year-old Costa Mesa man was arrested on suspicion of burglary after he was found inside a home in the 300 block of Myrtle Street at 4:11 p.m. Sunday, Callus said.
The resident came home to find William Bear St. Clair in his home, wearing his clothes, Callus alleged. St. Clair had also allegedly eaten some of the resident’s food and had opened his mail. When the police arrived, St. Clair claimed to be the resident, using the resident’s name and also had the resident’s passport in his possession. He was held on $50,000 bail.
*
DUI suspect crashes after stop
A man suspected of driving under the influence crashed his car — twice — after being pulled over by police.
Officer Tony White spotted the vehicle near Broadway Street and South Coast Highway Saturday at about 11:30 p.m., said Sgt. George Ramos of the Laguna Beach Police Department.
Christian Aparicio, 42, drove into a gas station parking lot as he was being pulled over.
White stopped behind the vehicle and walked over to driver’s side door. At the same time, Aparicio exited the car, but had apparently left the car in reverse.
The car backed into the officer’s patrol car, crashing into the grill. Aparicio jumped back into the car to stop it, but instead put it in drive. The car sped forward and crashed into a pole directly in front of it. No one was injured.
Aparicio was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Video of the incident was released by police.