On an otherwise slow Friday night, Sgt. Matt Rowe – head of FPD’s gang unit – stood in his office, preparing paperwork on a case when the call rang throughout the station: “245 (Aggravated Assault) on an officer.  Subject last seen on foot at Walnut and Highland.” At Walnut and Highla

Capts. George Crum and Lorraine Jones thanked Fullerton Police officers Wednesday for their professionalism and outstanding crime-fighting work during a monthly crime strategy meeting in the police station’s mural room. Lt. Alex Bastreri kicked off the monthly meeting by congratulatin

Police Chief Dan Hughes wants to make sure he makes the best possible decisions when it comes to police officer discipline. When it comes to use-of-force and in-custody death investigations, he also wants the outcome to match the evidence. In an unprecedented move, he’s hired an indep

  For most, the summer after graduating high school is about senior trips and planning for the next phase of their education.  For Caitlin Lyle, this summer has been about fighting for her life. Shortly after graduating from Troy High School, doctors informed Lyle that she had be

Fullerton Police Department invites you to attend Please join the Fullerton Police Department, Fullerton Joint Union High School District, Fullerton Elementary School District and the Fullerton Council PTA Thursday September 19, 2012 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM The Fullerton Community Center –

On a recent afternoon, Sgt. Jeff Stuart lectured two teen-agers about the dangers of drug abuse before loading them into his patrol car and hauling them to jail. A 22-year veteran police officer, Stuart has become something of an expert communicator – whether he’s dissuading teens fro

Police officers sometimes keep patrol cars idling during heat spells to keep equipment such as laptops cool, police officials said today. They aren’t being intentionally wasteful, though Sgt. Jeff Stuart said he understands how residents might come to that conclusion. “Should any of t

Authorities say an alleged thief was taken into custody peacefully Sunday morning after a lengthy standoff in the 2500 block of Fender Ave. Fullerton Police were called to the area around 6:10 am, after Edgar España, 24, of Costa Mesa, was confronted for allegedly stealing an electron

Residents regularly send in letters of gratitude to police officials, and Chief Dan Hughes shared some of the comments in a newsletter that was published last month. “All feedback helps make us better,” he said. “And the positive ones are great reminders of why we work here – to

Fullerton Police Department officials are recruiting retirees to help them tend to tasks that would otherwise require the work of employees. In the field, the volunteers, called Retired Senior Volunteer Police, wear uniforms, drive patrol cars and handle parking enforcement, traffic c

By Bill Rams The Facebook post elicited a big response. “Great news!!” wrote Terry McAninch. “Be safe!” “Welcome back. Amazing recovery,” wrote Fran P. Willingham. The reason for the exclamations: Fullerton Police Officer James Boline, shot four times during a traffic stop in March, r

Early Tuesday morning, at 2:02, Fullerton Fire Department requested assistance from Fullerton Police Department in response to an alleged burglary and arson, officials say. The suspects – still unknown at this point – entered an administrative office by smashing a plate-glass door and

FPD sat down with Ofc. Carin Wright, Patrol Division – weekend day shift – to talk about her experience as a new hire in the department.  Tell us about your background before joining FPD: After obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo University, I started my law e

Employees of Fullerton Police Department evacuated their offices Wednesday evening after a bomb threat was called in at 5:32. Dispatch received a call from someone claiming there was a bomb in the department and that it would explode in 10 minutes if not found, officials say. As a pre

Fullerton Police honored two local security guards this week who put themselves in harm’s way to ensure an arrest.  On April 27 at 1:46 a.m., Officer Nick Rosner was patrolling the downtown area when Jose Covaruvias grabbed him and was preparing to fight.  Rosner was then punched in t

At Fullerton Police Department’s recent monthly crime strategy meeting, officials reported a prolonged spike in auto burglaries throughout parts of the city.  “These meetings are part of the advent of intelligence-led policing.  We continually work to be as efficient as possible in th

Cash registers are usually among the first places thieves look when burglarizing a business. Police arrested a Moreno Valley man and woman Aug. 2 who looked for their loot in the bathroom. David and Racheal Magar, 40 and 38, of Moreno Valley, were arrested on suspicion of burglarizing

By Anthony F. Irwin A man was arrested last week on suspicion of using young children to con people into giving donations to the Boys & Girls Club. Police say Francisco Ayala, 38, has been using 13 children – ages 10-13 – to trick people into believing they would be donating to th

By Bill Rams A growing mob of punks kicked over portable bathrooms, smashed newspaper racks and used a toppled stop sign to smash through a bike shop window last week on Main Street in Huntington Beach. The Fullerton Police Department sent a handful of officers to assist, and they hel

New Payment Scam Targets Southern California Edison Customers The Fullerton Police Department is cautioning Southern California Edison customers to be aware of a new scam that involves callers posing as SCE employees and demanding immediate payment for allegedly past-due bills. The ca

  A man had been taken to St. Jude Hospital as he was considered potentially harmful to himself.  After evaluation by the Psychiatric Evaluation Team, a hold was placed and transportation to College Hospital was arranged. The man decided he did not want to go, however, and fled f

July 18  Corporal Ryan Warner and Officer Timothy Gibert made the best of a DUI traffic stop Thursday night during the Farmer’s Market at 200 block of East Wilshire Avenue. A woman named Tiffany called the watch commander to commend both officers on their polite and professional treat

Wednesday A knife-point robbery occurred at a McDonald’s parking lot on South Lemon – inside the jurisdiction of Anaheim PD. Three suspects involved fled southbound on Lemon until they crashed their vehicle near the 91 freeway.  They then fled the crash site westbound on foot.  Soon t

Officers responded to the Starbucks at Harbor and Chapman Tuesday regarding a transient detained by two guys.  The man being confronted had stolen a cell phone and iPod from customers in the coffee shop, police said.  When responding officers arrived on the scene, the stolen property

Officers responded to the 200 block of N. Raymond Avenue Saturday at 5:48 PM regarding a possible stabbing.  The victim reported that Raymond Philhart arrived at the house looking for his adult son, who Philhart said was a drug addict.  Philhart allegedly pulled a knife and slashed at

Wednesday Fullerton and Brea Police Departments worked together to handle an arson late Wednesday night. Officers were dispatched to 3229 Associated Road regarding trees and bush that had been lit on fire by a male transient that night.  Witnesses reported the male had a dark beard an

At 4:17 PM, a victim reported a Grand Theft, as her housekeeper had stolen nearly $25,000 in cashed checks written to herself from the victim’s account, and that the maid was currently at the victim’s residence. The suspect was detained and arrested for forgery and grand theft b

Families from Fullerton’s Rock Harbor Church visited the Department to thank Officers and other personnel for their service Saturday evening.  Brownies, cookies, and other goodies were served with hand-written thank you notes to the men and women responsible for keeping the peace in t

Officers were dispatched to the north alley of 1119 W. Porter Avenue Tuesday night at 9:53 p.m., regarding a suspicious male in possession of what looked like a handgun.  The suspect reportedly tucked the gun into his waistband before entering the Fresh and Easy grocery store. Officer

Busy holiday weekend  Any holiday brings its share of challenges, but a weekend involving the first legal fireworks in two-plus decades?  Fullerton Police Department was busy. July 3 At around 3:15 PM, Wednesday afternoon, Officers responded to a report of a possible stabbing in the 6

By Anthony F. Irwin A 30-year-old missing person case recently solved by two retired officers at the Fullerton Police Department could result in a death sentence for the man accused of carrying out the bone-chilling murder.  Tom Basham and Ed Contreras have a combined 60 years of poli

A new ordinance – 3183 – was set in place that allows Fullerton residents to use “safe and sane” fireworks for the first time in 22 years in the city. FPD has released these sensible guidelines taken directly from the new City Ordinance.  By following these guidelines, the Police Depa

By Anthony F. Irwin Officer Michael Greene and his Field Training Officer Josh Earnest conducted a vehicle stop at 1100 N. Lemon St. and discovered the driver with several questionable objects. A search through Monique Flores’ (29) vehicle uncovered a switchblade knife, methamphetamin

The Fullerton Police Department is looking to its community to multiply its eyes around the city. Recently, anonymous tips led to the successful arrest of two local subjects, one a recently deported felon. Jonathan Flores, an active Fullerton gang member had been deported “a few years

By Anthony F. Irwin The sergeant steeled himself as he raced to the storage facility on West Commonwealth, where a man was threatening to kill himself. “I had an idea what I was about to see so I prepared myself with gloves and anything I might need before I arrived on the scene,” rec

By Anthony F. Irwin Members of the Retired Senior Volunteer Police – RSVP, for short – work alongside the Fullerton Police Department to address tasks that don’t necessarily require a sworn officer. Thus freeing up those officers to work as efficiently as possible. In addition to perf

By Anthony F. Irwin Downtown restaurant owners and representatives of the Fullerton Police Department gathered this week to continue discussions on how to more efficiently keep their patrons and employees safe.  This weekend, security guards are expected to don bright yellow “security

The Fullerton Police Department always is striving to operate more efficiently. When it comes to crime analysis, Tamara Otley is shouldering the load. When she isn’t crunching numbers for FPD, she serves as treasurer for the International Association of Crime Analysts, an organization

By Anthony F. Irwin More than 300 people gathered inside Fullerton Community Center last week to celebrate police officer acts of heroism. These kinds of ceremonies were not previously annual but, upon Chief Dan Hughes’ appointment, a priority was made to hold this event once a year,

By Anthony F. Irwin When a suspect attempted to run from arresting officers, Fullerton resident Kurtis Lucero put himself in harm’s way, “body checking” him and detaining him until officers caught up. For his courage, he was given a police department Service Award last week, which are

Police arrested two car thieves Monday night in separate cases. At 9:24 PM, Officer Lloyd White conducted a traffic stop for an alleged vehicle code violation.  The driver and passenger, Mia Robbins and Christine Ayoub, respectively, were also accompanied by a child, Robbins’ six year

By Anthony F. Irwin Thirty-one new and newly promoted employees were introduced last week in front of an audience of more than 300 people at the department’s promotions and awards ceremony. “This is not simply a job.  For us, it’s a calling.  Earning your position symbolizes the trust

This is one R.S.V.P. that should be easy to make. The Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol – R.S.V.P. for short – is looking for recruits. The program, launched in 1994 by Maureen Becerra, serves the dual purpose of allowing retired residents to give back to the city while also improving e

More than 300 people packed the Community Center last week (today) to honor police employees and volunteers who earned promotions, saved lives and made other contributions to public safety. One moment stood out. Multiple gunshots rang out over the audio system, then an officer’s voice

By Anthony F. Irwin A female transient was detained earlier this week after using the garage door opener in an unlocked car to gain entry and attempt to burglarize a Wilshire Blvd home. The suspect fled when confronted by the home  owner but was located by responding units. She was ar

Survey police officers, and they’ll tell you it can, at times, be a thankless job. Drivers typically aren’t thrilled when they get pulled over for speeding. Fighting family members generally aren’t at their best when neighbors call to complain about the noise. And mo

By Anthony F. Irwin The Fullerton Police Department has teamed up with the school district and parks and recreation officials to dissuade young people from joining gangs or doing drugs. Called Fullerton Lifting Youth (FLY), the program was founded by Sgt. Mike MacDonald, who passed aw

By Anthony F. Irwin Fullerton Police officers served dinner, drinks and dessert to hundreds of Heroes Bar & Grill customers last week, raising about $4,000 for the Special Olympics of Orange County. The amount was more than triple the $1,200 raised at last year’s Tip-A-Cop e

By Anthony F. Irwin One month removed from the first meeting devoted to improving safety in Downtown Fullerton owners from every major restaurant and bar reconvened to discuss how to further the progress they have already made. Owners agreed to have security guards wear bright yellow

The most violent type of crime, referred to in law enforcement as “Part One,” dropped nearly five percent from March to April in Fullerton and is down three percent compared to April of 2012, police officials said Wednesday. Part one crimes include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, a

A baby girl might have died, if not for the quick action of Fullerton Police Cpl. Robert Kirk and Officer Hazel Rios. They weren’t the only FPD officers who were heroic in 2012. Cpl. Mike Bova saved the life of a woman who was trapped in a fiery car after a collision. And Cpls. Alan V

By Anthony F. Irwin Police Chief Dan Hughes was surprised this week to find a group of about 50 young children outside the police station. The YMCA and Boys and Girls Club members stopped by to thank officers.  Waving “thank you” signs, one child called officers “the coolest and nices

The police department invited crime analysts and police leaders from throughout Southern California to hear a presentation last week about new software that allows officers and residents the opportunity to track incidents – criminal or otherwise – around the city, region and nation. R

This story was posted on OCRegister.com on 5/1/13. Technology and social media tools offer police departments and residents an unprecedented opportunity to share information. “We can’t do it alone,” said Fullerton Police Chief Dan Hughes. “Engaging residents an

In an effort to protect her 6-year-old granddaughter, a grandmother confronted then pushed a man Sunday night who had forced himself into a bathroom, police said. The incident occurred at a business in the 1800 block of Orangethorpe Avenue. The suspect fled, police said. — ‘Huff

The package in the gutter had some wrapping paper on it. Det. Robert Barnes pulled over and surmised the dinosaur and anatomy books must be gifts for a young child. A call crackled over the radio. The mystery would have to wait. Barnes scooped the books into his patrol car and sped aw

A federal grand jury this week cleared three police officers in a case involving a man whose cellphone was knocked out of his hands when he was arrested. The eight-member jury, which included two Fullerton residents, reached the unanimous verdict in about two hours, said Dana Fox, an

Two Sunny Hills High School students were robbed Tuesday afternoon at knifepoint in a greenbelt near the school, police said. The suspects stole their cell phones, then ran away. They were last seen running toward homes in Amerige Heights.  – Two arrested after family dispute tu

The American Legion Post 29 recognized Fullerton Police Cpl. John DeCaprio for Outstanding Public Service last week during its annual Police and Fire Appreciation Luncheon. DeCaprio has been with the Fullerton Police Department for more than 25 years and is currently assigned as one o

The Fullerton Police Department will be participating in the Nation Prescription Drug Take Back Day, on Saturday, April 27, 2013. The hours will be from 10am to 2pm. This is a free, anonymous service being offered to the public, no questions asked. Fullerton Police Sgt. Jeff Stuart sa

The Police Department played a role in helping the Special Olympics of Orange County raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in April and will support two fund-raising events for the charity in May. On April 14, Officer Billy Phu, Community Services Officer Juanita Juarez and Police Ch

The Fullerton Police Department announced a new service Monday that allows residents to view crime on a map, alerts residents about crime in their neighborhood, alerts the public in real-time as crimes occur and allows users to provide anonymous tips. The mapping service includes info

Business in downtown Fullerton is booming. Thousands of people flock from all over Southern California for the food and atmosphere – and to have a good time. Police officials want to keep it that way. They invited about 100 restaurant and bar owners to the community center last

Police arrested a gang member on suspicion of elder abuse Tuesday morning after he allegedly shoved his 78-year-old grandmother. Arrested on suspicion of elder abuse was Joshua “Dizzy” Garcia, 31. His grandmother was not seriously injured. — Police and city officials helped a ho

Two officers arrested a man Friday morning on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine, burglary tools, counterfeit money and prescription medication after a short foot pursuit. Police also returned some of the stolen property to an Anaheim resident who had been burglarized. “This was

They may have a reputation for hard partying, but last week members of a Cal State Fullerton fraternity helped police arrest a woman who was allegedly partying too hard. The woman crashed her Volkswagen Jetta into a fence in front of the frat house in the 1900 block of State College B

The Police Department warned residents today to be on guard for burglars posing as utility workers. “The burglar contacts an unsuspecting resident and tells them he is with a utility company and the company will be doing work in their backyard,” Sgt. Jeff Stuart said. The ruse continu

Cpl. Hugo Garcia is more than a cop. He’s a father. And when he responded to a vehicle break-in call at Hillcrest Park Saturday, he put those fatherly skills to work after meeting a distraught eight-year-old boy. Garcia reached into his own wallet and gave the boy $25 in cash. Later t

Community Services Officer Juanita Juarez can add another title to her name: Woman of Distinction. She was among 40 women recognized today by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva for her contributions to the City of Fullerton. A police employee since 1986, Juarez oversees several high pro

The City of Fullerton is happy to announce the hiring of a new Chief of Police. During the January 15, City Council meeting, Captain Dan Hughes was appointed Chief of Police in a unanimous 5-0 vote. Hughes had been the Acting-Chief the past year.Fullerton City Manager, Joe Felz commen

The police department recently honored an officer who saved a woman from a burning car and two others who revived a baby. Cpl. Mike Bova earned the lifesaving medal for pulling a woman, trapped underneath a windshield, from the burning car. The woman had been involved in a collision i

The police department today announced the promotion of two captains, three lieutenants, six sergeants, 12 corporals and the appointment of dozens of officers, dispatchers and other employees and volunteers. Named to captain are George Crum and Lorraine Jones; the lieutenants are John