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 been struck with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and must immediately begin treatment.  Friends and family stood in support of the young woman, who would have otherwise been preparing for her first semester at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

As more people heard her story, encouragement and sponsorship increased throughout the city.  Monday was FPD’s turn.

Lyle was supposed to begin her collegiate studies but instead had to undertake her third stage of chemotherapy and needed a ride.  FPD rose to the occasion with the Bearcat, – the department’s armored vehicle – and two patrol cars.

Fullerton’s Fire Department has started selling shirts around the city and several businesses in the downtown district have volunteered to participate in “The Downtown Pink Out,” taking place Sunday, October 13.

“Having personally lost a sister to cancer and with an officer’s wife fighting currently, we are absolutely sympathetic to Caitlin’s situation.  We are all better people after having spent even a few short hours around such a strong young woman,” said Sgt. Jeff Stuart.

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 – Grand Hall

340 W. Commonwealth Avenue. Fullerton, A 92832

Topics include:

-          Troubling youth drug trends

-          Legal and illegal substance commonly abused

-          How to identify drugs and tell if your kids are high

-          The extreme danger of polydrug use abuse

-          Indicators that your child may be at risk

-          Resources available for families

This presentation is designed to educate parents with the current trends adolescents are using to obtain, conceal and abuse illegal and prescription narcotics.  As adolescent culture has changed, so has the pressures they are experiencing.  The best way to help protect our children is to be educated about the warning signs that the need help, as well as the tragic consequences of failing to recognize these signs.

– Chief Dan Hughes

*This presentation is for adults only

*Spanish and Korean interpretation services will be available.

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 from snorting Vicodin or sharing with millions of television viewers the dangers of being a police officer after a suspect shot one of his colleagues.

If you ask Stuart, the department’s public information officer, “effective communication is key to effective policing.”

It’s an art he started to fine-tune nearly 20 years ago, when he found himself on the stand during the O.J. Simpson murder trial and later on national television news broadcasts.

Working as a deputy in the Los Angeles County Jail, Stuart saw Simpson slam down the jailhouse phone and yell “I didn’t mean to do it! I’m sorry!” during a visit from NFL star-turned ordained minister Rosey Grier during a visit.

Grier’s response: “You gotta come clean, man! You gotta tell somebody!”

A judge disallowed Stuart’s testimony, one of the more controversial rulings during the so-called Trial of the Century, even though he also ruled Simpson had waived any clergyman-penitent privilege.

“Jeff is great with the media,” says police Chief Dan Hughes.  “And he’s played an important role in improving our transparency and communication with the public, which has been a big contributor in our efforts to build and maintain trust.”

Before becoming public-information officer, Stuart worked eight and a half years in FPD’s gang unit.

Working with then Senator Dick Ackerman (R – Fullerton), Stuart wrote a new section that added sentencing enhancements for identity theft and weapons charges to the Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention (STEP) act, designed to stem the explosion of gangs.  In that process, Stuart testified in front of the State Senate as gang expert in support of the legislation.

His contributions led to him being named the 2006 Orange County Gang Investigators Association’s member of the year.

He also played a role in writing the legislation and leading the implementation of Fullerton’s gang injunction, which forbids gang members from wearing certain clothing or congregating within designated areas of the city.

“The injunctions have been a major tool in minimizing gang-related criminal activity, and that was Jeff’s work,” says current gang Sgt. Matt Rowe.

Stuart enjoyed his time working gangs, but says working as public information officer has presented him – and the department – with the biggest challenge and opportunity of his career. He’s established excellent relationships with reporters, has created a Facebook page with nearly 1,000 fans and manages a news site that features his colleagues; he’s overseeing the redesign of the department’s website and is ensuring the public receives timely and thorough access to public information.

Sgt. Stuart’s current responsibilities coincide with a funny story he told about his own adolescence.  In high school, he got the nickname “Hollywood” after an LASD deputy noticed the fancy clothes he was wearing.  Now, the uniform and badge may have replaced the fancy clothes, but Stuart is prepared for more camera time.

“We’ve been through a lot over the past two years,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud of the job we’ve done to improve accountability and transparency and the commitment we’ve made to do the best job we possibly can communicating with the public. We’ve taken the tragedy and used it as an opportunity to make ourselves better.”

 

 

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 the equipment in a patrol car – computers, radios, light switches – overheat, the department would have to pay thousands of dollars to fix or, more likely, replace them,” he said.

Officers are also concerned about battery power.

“Lights, radios, and computer all drain the vehicles’ batteries when gas isn’t being used.  Batteries cost about $200 to replace, not to mention the time wasted waiting for the car to be towed,” says Stuart.

Officials also worry about time lost waiting for computers to reboot should they run out of battery while running on their own.

“Those computers run 24/7 and are typically connected to a different source for energy.  Those batteries are rarely replaced because of the cost, and, as such, the computers don’t last long on their own,” says watch commander Lt. Andrew Goodrich.

Sgt. Stuart also explains that the equipment in patrol cars is also connected to GPS, allowing watch commanders and dispatch to know where officers are at all times during a shift.

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 electronic tablet.  The victim was able to track the tablet’s location, and he confronted España, who reportedly pulled two handguns on the victim and fled in a silver Acura.

Due to roadwork on Placentia Ave, España hit a dead end and ran into a nearby business, where he barricaded himself as numerous police agencies responded.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Cal State Fullerton, Buena Park, Placentia, and Anaheim Police departments assisted Fullerton PD, with the stand-off lasting approximately five hours.

George Avila, 31, of Santa Ana was also arrested in the process.  Both were arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property and brandishing a firearm.

Police also found a loaded handgun believed to be the one used by España, along with rifle ammunition, and a half-pound bag of methamphetamine in the building where España was holed-up, officials said.

In other news…

Monday

Cpl. Robert Kirk and Sgt. Jason Schoen persuaded a suicidal woman to surrender after she threatened to jump from a bridge at Hillcrest Park Monday afternoon. .

Later that evening, two members of a Fullerton gang were arrested on suspicion of shoplifting.  Officials say they had burglarized the same store up to seven times over the past few weeks but that those incidents were not reported by the business.

According to Sgt. Stuart, a former gang detective and expert, “It is not uncommon for victims to be reluctant when it comes to reporting gang crimes.  They fear retaliation from the gang. This reluctance allows the gang to continue their criminal activities”

Wednesday

FPD Retired Senior Volunteers (RSVPs) assisted the Placentia Police Department in their search for a missing adult by passing out fliers with her information.  Shameca Lewis, 22, was eventually found alive Friday in Switzer Falls of Angeles National Forest, 10 days after being reported missing.

 

 

 

 

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 make Fullerton an even better place to live.”

Below is a sampling:

“Chief Hughes, on behalf of Special Olympics we want to thank you and your officers for your recent participation in the 2013 Law Enforcement Torch Run. It was great to see your men and women take the time to come out and run for and with our athletes. The Torch is a symbol of pride and shines a light to our partnership with Law Enforcement.”

- David Armendariz, MA Director OC Region ~ Michael Schwartz Volunteers and Special Events Manager

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

“Officer Contino, it seems a thank you is not enough to express how thankful I am that you and Officer Haid were with me through a very painful time. My heart is breaking, and you were there to ease my pain by going above and beyond anything I ever expected. My girls and I will remember your kindness & empathy forever. God Bless you! “

- Pearl Miller, Fullerton Resident

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

“Chief Hughes, Capt. Jones, Capt. Crum, and Sgt. T. Rios – Good Morning, last night I had the pleasure of working with Cpl. John Ema for the DV ride along program. I sincerely think you have some of the most upstanding, professional and amazing police officers. John along with his partners, Brian Bybee and Ryan O’Neil were not only amazing with people out in the community, but also personable, fun and easy to be around. They embraced my presence and utilized me as if I was just a natural part of the team.

I am truly honored to do this work and having the experience last night reminds me (again) that police officers don’t get enough positive commendations. I wanted to take the time to thank them for being amazing & all of you for your leadership, trust & partnership.”

- Heather Williams, Program Director & CRT Coordinator-CSP, Victim Assistance Programs

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

“Chief Hughes, I wanted to let you know some of the things I learned in the past 3 days sitting on oral boards. I now know what circumstance an officer can enter a home of a suspected domestic violence situation. That there is a new case law that requires a warrant to force a blood draw from someone who is refusing. I can also recite the FPD Mission Statement (in short RAP). But what has stuck with me is the caliber of people your officers are. What a great job you all have done in selecting, coaching, grooming such exemplary people to represent our (your) police department; some more than others, but overall great leadership qualities. You should be so very proud of each of them. Lorraine & George among the best! We heard from one after another credit you to the transformation of the FPD. They all greatly respect you and are committed to the department’s objectives to Respond promptly with a caring Attitude and have a Presence in the community. I also learned that our town can be very scary, we have stabbings, shootings (of officers, what?), and gangs oh my. Most importantly, I learned that we have a great police force out there protecting our City. I hope that as more citizens have the opportunity to participate in these kinds of interviews/activities they will see and feel the same way I do. Well done!”

- Annette Magdaleno, HR Kimberly-Clark Corporation – Fullerton Mill

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

“Dear Capt. Crum, last night I had the pleasure of riding with and observing Officers Joshua Earnest and Sonny Siliceo. I was extremely impressed with these officers. They were obviously well trained. They were extremely professional throughout the evening. But more than that, they displayed genuine politeness while contacting and interacting with the individuals in your community. Both citizens and suspects were treated with respect and dignity. These officers are undoubtedly garnering the respect of the community that they serve.”

- Amy Sanson, OC Deputy District Attorney

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

“Sgt. Kim, Thank you for all of your help in connecting me to the right individual in helping me recover for my loss of two broken windows on my Honda Accord. You don’t know how much this has helped my mom and I. We very much appreciate everything you’ve done.”

 

- Tanya Lenardson, Fullerton Resident

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 control and other duties to assist the police department.

Ellie Grainger and Akira “Aki” Tanaka are one of several pairs that work together.  They specialize in vacation checks: surveying homes whose owners are not home.

“We have a list of houses whose owners requested FPD keep an eye on for a number of reasons,” says Tanaka, a retired acoustical engineer.  “We show up, ring the doorbell, check doors, pick up any fliers and newspapers, and look for signs of attempted entry.”

Tanaka said if they notice something out of the ordinary they’ll first call for backup from a uniformed officer, answer questions that aid the officer and wait until the area is cleared before moving on to the next home.

While making their rounds Aki says he and his partner also drive through high-risk areas to report any suspicious activity back to the department.  While they do not contact any suspects, FPD values the extra set of eyes in such communities.

“RSVPs serve several purposes,” says Sgt. Jeff Stuart, “They’re obviously an extra set of eyes.  But, by increasing our visible presence, it aids in suppression of criminal activity and puts residents at ease to know there is some form of its police department around.”

Barbara Giasone, another member of RSVP, says her time spent with the elderly in the “Caring Neighbors” program is extremely rewarding.

“In the past year of working in the program, we’ve met some truly interesting and inspirational people who are really just looking for someone to share their stories with,” says Giasone.

She is joined by five other volunteers in the program, which works with St. Jude to visit elderly patients who do not have friends or family that live nearby to visit regularly.

Laree Miner, another volunteer in Caring Neighbors says she gets more from the visits than those she meets: “To alleviate their loneliness and feel their gratitude… It’s truly a gift from God.”

Anyone interested in joining Fullerton’s RSVP unit can contact Sgt. Stuart at [email protected] or Juanita Juarez at (714)738-6836 or [email protected].

By Bill Rams

The Facebook post elicited a big response.

“Great news!!” wrote Terry McAninch. “Be safe!”

The reason for the exclamations: Fullerton Police Officer James Boline, shot four times during a traffic stop in March, returned to full duty earlier this month.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome one of our own back to work,” the post said.

The Facebook post generated 673 likes, dozens of excited comments and 16 shares.

Just six months ago, Boline, 32, was shot in the chest at point blank range as he approached a vehicle he had pulled over for a minor traffic violation.

His bulletproof vest saved his life, police said. But he was also shot in the leg and arm.

Boline demonstrated remarkable toughness in the moments and months following the shooting.

“Shots fired. Officer down. Code three,” Boline said seconds after the shooting, only a hint of distress in his voice.

He called in an accurate description of the suspects, which eventually played an important role in their arrests.

His speedy recovery has been extraordinary and an inspiration to his colleagues and their families.

Only two months after the shooting, on April 16, he returned to the police department for the first time. He was in uniform for the department’s annual photo shoot.

His presence provided a morale boost. Dozens of his colleagues approached him with hugs.

Then, in June, hundreds of colleagues, family members and community leaders gave him a two-minute standing ovation during the department’s annual awards. Boline was presented with a Medal of Bravery.

“We train and prepare for moments like these – moments you hope will never come,” said Police Chief Dan Hughes. “There wasn’t a person connected to the police department who wasn’t deeply affected by the shooting. It’s a testament to his toughness, preparation and our training that he’s been able to bounce back so quickly.”

Boline has kept an otherwise low profile as he’s returned to health. He’s shied away from the limelight, declining interview and speaking requests.

Instead, he’s focused on his job, which involves keeping Fullerton residents safe.

That’s something all Fullerton residents should like.

You can join the conversation by following Fullerton Police Department on Facebook.

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, once inside, set fire to a desk and smashed two display cases inside the office.

Authorities say information continues to come in as the investigation continues but welcome any and all information that may assist in finding the perpetrators.

Anyone with information can send an anonymous tip using this link: Send An Anonymous Tip.

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 enforcement career in 1994. I attended the Allan Hancock Police Academy and was hired by the Santa Maria Police Department. Two years later, I laterally transferred to the Simi Valley Police Department, so that I could obtain my Master’s Degree from California Lutheran University. I spent nine years as an officer and Senior Officer with SVPD. After working a variety of assignments, I decided to apply to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) as a Special Agent and was accepted and assigned to the Los Angeles Regional Office, Major Crimes Team. In 2012, I was hired by the Fullerton Police Department and am currently working day watch patrol.

 Why did you want a career with the Fullerton Police Department?

Approximately four years ago, while working as a Special Agent for the DOJ, Bureau of Investigation and Intelligence, I was working a joint serial rapist case in conjunction with Arizona authorities, in the City of Fullerton. This case gave me the opportunity to work with a variety of Fullerton Police Department (FPD) officers. It was at this time that I recognized FPD’s professionalism, willingness to work with other law enforcement agencies and enthusiasm for the job.

Approximately eighteen months ago, due to the budget cuts imposed upon the California Division of Law Enforcement, I was among a substantial number of special agents looking for new employment. Having had prior municipal law enforcement experience, I was able to use this “twist of fate” to my advantage when I learned FPD was hiring lateral police officers.

When have you been most proud to be a member of FPD?

In the last year, I have enjoyed working patrol and having direct contact with the citizens of this community. I quickly learned that Fullerton is a busy city with a diverse population and a variety of assigned calls for service. My time here has been a positive experience in which I have been able to serve and assist the community with their civil and crime related issues. There are many incidents that come to mind when I think about being proud of FPD, but the most prominent one was an officer involved shooting incident. The officers involved in the incident handled themselves professionally and with diligence and confidence. Furthermore, FPD’s supervisors and administrative staff responded immediately to where the involved officers were and ensured all participants were provided support and appropriate assistance.

What are some things you like to do when you’re off duty?

I am a bit of an “adrenaline junkie”. I enjoy various adventuresome, outdoor activities and travel. To mention a few: scuba diving, white water rafting, volleyball, running, and water sports. When I am not trying new adventures, I prefer to spend time with my close knit family and pets. Every year I try to accomplish a new challenge, and this year it will be hiking Half Dome in Yosemite!

In conclusion, I am the product of a law enforcement family and it is an honor and privilege to continue the tradition of protecting and serving the public. I am a lucky girl to be able to pursue this tradition in the City of Fullerton and while wearing FPD’s patch on my arm.

 

 

 

 

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 precaution, everyone in the building was evacuated to the back parking lot until the offices were deemed safe.  DET (Directed Enforcement Team), the gangs and narcotics units, and several cadets searched for anything suspicious and found nothing on the premises.

“Calls like yesterday’s are extremely rare and typically don’t produce much of anything in terms of actual danger,” says Sgt. Jeff Stuart.  “That being said, whenever we receive a bomb threat, we absolutely must treat it with the utmost vigilance because it only takes one time.”

Officials from FPD warn against future false bomb threats due to the disruption they cause throughout the department.  There are ways to catch anyone making these types of phone calls and those caught face felony and, potentially, federal charges, according to authorities.

 

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 the face by Jose’s brother, Victor, officials say.  Officer Jose Paez tackled Victor Covaruvias as a crowd began to gather around the scrum.

Officials say Coy Collins, a bouncer at Bourbon Street, hopped the patio fence and pushed back the gathering crowd to give the officers ample space to handle the situation.  Daniel Carpio, also of Bourbon Street, assisted in handcuffing the Corvaruvias brothers.

Both brothers were arrested on suspicion of resisting arrest, assault, and battery.

“Actions like those taken by Mr. Collins and Mr. Carpio exemplify the extra mile everyone must go to ensure a safe environment for patrons in the downtown district,” says Lt. Andrew Goodrich.

Goodrich has been working with restaurant owners in developing the Downtown Restaurant Association, to help ensure that customers have a safe and enjoyable time when they visit downtown merchants.

Says Goodrich: “As we continue to build a working relationship with bar owners in the area, we can look back on that night to find our potential in working side-by-side.”

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 the way we deal with crime. These meetings only further those efforts,” says Sgt. Jeff Stuart.

Theft from vehicles

Although down more than 50% percent from the previous month, thefts from vehicles are up nearly 70%when compared to the yearly totals for the same time last year.

No pattern could be gathered from month-to-month totals – but every month has seen a jump compared to last year.  Officials noted that the monthly average has increased from 28 to 48, one of the largest surges in recent memory.

Vehicle burglaries

Auto burglaries are down 24% currently but the month-to-month progress has consistently declined from the 55% improvement in January, to 43% in April, 37% in May, and 24.75% last month.

In 2012, these burglaries decreased consistently over the course of the year.  2013 has seen the opposite transpire – with 53 taking place in January, 66 in June, and 67 occurring last month.

What you should do

“We continue to reiterate to our residents the importance of locking their cars and hiding their belongings while away from their vehicles.  Valuables in the open are like bull’s-eyes for criminals,” says Stuart.

FPD has started a “Lock it, hide it, or lose it” campaign to raise awareness and encourage residents to take steps to avoid becoming a victim.  As part of the program, authorities advise residents take these steps to avoid becoming a victim:

-        Always lock your car, regardless of how long you might be away from it.

-        If you plan on leaving anything in the vehicle, make sure to hide it from plain view.

-        If you must hide something in the vehicle, do so, before you get to your destination.  Thieves watch the lots for their victims.

-        Make sure windows are closed – even a crack can attract the wrong set of eyes.

-        If your car has an alarm system, test to make sure it’s enabled at all times.

-        If you notice suspicious behavior in a parking lot, immediately contact the parking lot security (if available) or dial 911 to report the crime.

-        GPS devices are easy targets as most drivers leave them on their dashboard when away from their vehicle.  Remember to hide them just as you would a phone or other device.

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 parts from toilets in 20-30 businesses throughout Southern California, including five in Fullerton.

Police say they unhinged valves from toilets, then sold the copper pipes on the black market.

“I thought I had seen it all,” said Sgt. Jeff Stuart. “But a dirty toilet? I hope they washed their hands.”

The couple, who were under surveillance by Fullerton detectives, were arrested in in San Bernardino on Aug. 2,  during the commission of three additional thefts, and just a day after they allegedly removed valves from bathrooms at Chuck E. Cheese, El Pollo Loco, and Carter Bowl in Fullerton.

Police were aided by an astute witness who snapped a photograph of the suspect vehicle’s license plate.

In other News…

Thursday

FPD’s Homeless Unit, AKA Delta, was sent to Sunny Hills High School to address a transient situation near the campus.  Ofcs. John DeCaprio and Mike McCaskill team up in response to increased complaints of homeless presence.

Friday

Police had a busy night in the downtown district as approximately 20 arrests were made and several fights broke out that night and early Saturday morning.

Saturday

Cpl. David MacShane was patrolling the area surrounding the Akua motel on the 1000 block of E. Orangethorpe Ave. when he noticed a suspicious man dart into one of the rooms.

MacShane asked the manager about who was renting that room and ran a record check on the names provided.  He found they were on probation and that one had a search and seizure condition as part of their parole.

MacShane then requested backup for a probation search and eventually located five suspects who were in probation of various illegal drugs.  All five were booked on a variety of felony and misdemeanor drug law violations.

 

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 the Boys & Girls Club while instead pocketing the money – estimated to be at least $3,900 in just this incident.

He was arrested on suspicion of Child Neglect. He was arrested and transported to Orange County Jail, where he was later cited and released.  He has a court date of September 6^th.

Cpl Jon Radus and Ofc. Michael Green responded to call in the 1000 block of E. Bastanchury Rd. regarding an 11-year-old girl that had been selling candy for approximately five hours.  They learned that she was actually from Santa Ana and had been dropped off by Ayala hours prior.

Ayala had apparently instructed her to tell customers she was raising money for the Boys & Girls Club only to instead give the money directly to him.  He promised the kids that he’d share a third of the profits with them, police say.

As the officers were preparing to leave the scene with the girl, Ayala arrived with three more kids, all around the same age as the child currently with Green and Radus.

Upon further investigation, officers learned that Ayala had employed 13 children and was dropping them off at shopping centers in Fullerton, La Habra, and Brea.

Other officers assisted in finding the remaining children from around the different cities, bringing them back to FPD and eventually releasing them to their parents.  All the parents believed their children were in Santa Ana the entire time.

Sgt. Jeff Stuart says warning residents about this type of crime is tricky because, “You don’t want to tell people they shouldn’t donate, and you don’t want them to grill children that could simply be volunteering.”

“Calls like these frustrate officers as much as any because this man is profiting off the good nature of Fullerton’s community,” he said.

He said a few non-intrusive steps can be taken to avoid situations like these:

• Always look for official signage or clothing from whatever charitable foundation children claim to represent.
• Charitable foundations rarely assign lone children to corners for liability reasons.
• Candy or any product sold by a charitable foundation typically has some sort of symbol representing the foundation either on the box or product, itself.

 

In other news…

Thursday

FPD’s Homeless Unit, AKA Delta, was sent to Sunny Hills High School to address a transient situation near the campus.  Ofcs. John DeCaprio and Mike McCaskill have teamed up in response to an increase in complaints of the homeless presence.

Friday

Police had a busy night in the downtown district as approximately 20 arrests were made and several fights broke out that night and early Saturday morning.

Saturday

Cpl. David MacShane was patrolling the area surrounding the Akua Motel on the 1000 block of E. Orangethorpe Ave. when he noticed a suspicious man dart into one of the rooms.

MacShane asked the manager about who was renting that room and ran a record check on the names provided.  He found they were on probation and that one had a search and seizure condition as part of their parole.

MacShane then requested backup for a probation search and eventually located five suspects who were in probation of various illegal drugs.  All five were booked on a variety of felony and misdemeanor drug law violations.

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 helped ensure the melee didn’t escalate into a full-blown riot on the final day of the U.S. Open of Surfing, one of Orange County’s marquee events.

As I watched the violence and vandalism unfold on newscasts and social media, I thought about all the work Lt. Andrew Goodrich and his team have done to enhance public safety in Downtown Fullerton, which draws a similar demographic to its bars and restaurants every weekend.

The images on the news were eerily similar to some Goodrich recently shared with about 100 Fullerton bar owners and managers. Fistfights, graffiti, drunken driving and occasional random acts of stupidity are, sadly, an unfortunate outgrowth of the popularity of the Downtown area, where 54 businesses with liquor licenses operate within six blocks.

On weekends, closing time can be particularly volatile.

But there’s good news. A true community partnership is emerging between police and bar and restaurant owners who are working together to address the challenges of getting thousands of people home safely in the middle of the night.

For the past four months, Goodrich and his team have met with Downtown merchants, and together they have found some creative ways to discourage bad behavior.

Among the latest innovations: At 1:30 a.m. on Thursday-Saturday mornings, security guards from each business wear bright yellow jackets and stand outside their establishments. An evil-doer is less likely to pick a fight or spray graffiti because of the large security presence.

Bar owners are also more vigilant about expelling drunken trouble-makers and are working on a system to notify their neighbors to ensure they aren’t served alcohol at the next establishment. Soon, it will be easier to find a taxi, and those who hail one might be rewarded with dining discounts.

There’s a policing cliché that goes something like this: “If you can predict it, you can prevent it.”

Of course, Goodrich will tell you he can’t guarantee that what happened in Huntington Beach won’t happen in Fullerton.

But he’s not taking any chances. And most bar owners agree that a safe downtown is good for business.

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 callers threaten that if payment is not made immediately, customers risk having their electric service disconnected. The callers have demanded that payment be made through a prepaid cash card, PayPal or Green Dot cards.

Customers suspecting a fraudulent call should ask for the caller’s name, department and business phone number. If the caller refuses to provide this information, customers should terminate the call and report the incident immediately to the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6700 or SCE at (800) 655-4555.

As of July 23, 2013, two businesses in Fullerton have been victims of this scam, in each case, paying $1000 dollars, but SCE reports that losses in the service region that includes Fullerton are approaching close to $200,000 dollars.

Southern California Edison and the Fullerton Police Department would like to remind customers:

• An SCE employee will never ask for money in person.

• Never reveal your credit card, ATM or calling card numbers (or PIN numbers) to anyone.

• SCE employees will never request that you leave your residence at a specific time for a utility-related cause. If you receive a request like this, call the Fullerton Police Department, as this could be a set up for a burglary.

• Generally, SCE employees will never show up at your residence without an appointment. Be suspicious of anyone who shows up, asking to check an appliance or suggesting that there may be some other electrical problem inside your residence.

• SCE employees and their contractors carry identification and will provide it upon request, including their department and phone number, when asked.

The Fullerton Police Department also reminds residents to ask for identification in the event that a stranger comes to the door or calls, claiming to be a utility worker. In most cases, home visits by utility workers are pre-scheduled by the customer and appointments are typically confirmed prior to the visit. If there are ever any concerns about the validity of the visit, have the utility worker wait outside until their identity can be verified.

Southern California Edison provides residents with safety tips and advice at their website, in the safety tips section at www.sce.com/safety.

 

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 from the hospital.  FPD spent several hours searching but could not locate him.  A critical missing report has been filed and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has been notified as he lives in Rowland Heights.

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 treatment of the suspect.  She also commented on the officers taking the time to explain to explain to the subject’s children what was going on – later offering stickers.

Officer Gibert also accompanied Community Service Officer Wells on a call from Temple Baptist Church at 1601 W. Malvern to pick up cookies children from the church made for the Department.

Over 50 children took pictures and were given stickers when the officers arrived at the church.  Everyone involved was greatly appreciative of the other’s efforts.

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 thereafter, Sergeant Jason Sheon noticed a suspicious man enter the Burger King on South Harbor and, with further investigation, found him to be one of the three suspects.

The two Departments are now working together to find the remaining suspects.

Later, a simple traffic stop turned into multiple arrests on several charges.

Corporal David Becerra conducted the stop at the 91 freeway and Magnolia Avenue and, after a thorough investigation, arrested all three of the car’s occupants for differing charges – including warrants, drugs, and weapon violations.

Finally, Officers responded to the 600 block of Williamson Avenue regarding three taggers spray painting the south wall of the building.

Jose Armando Garcia – age 20 and a known gang member – was eventually located and arrested on possession of burglary tools, vandalism, and an injunction violation.