INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW FULLERTON POLICE DEPARTMENT’S UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) TEAM

The Fullerton Police Department has been developing its Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program for almost two years and is now ready to join the other 900 public agencies using UAS’s.

The deployment of civilian UAS will be used to assist the City of Fullerton and incident commanders on heightened situational awareness on specific incidents under strictly regulated guidelines.

The intended use for the UAS will be for critical incident management, searches for lost or missing persons, traffic collision scene documentation, support of search warrant and high risk operations as well as situational awareness to assist decision makers in understanding the nature, scale, scope of an incident and for planning and coordinating an effective response.

The UAS will not be used for routine police patrols, unlawful surveillance or to enforce traffic laws, and will not be weaponized. These devices will be deployed solely by the UAS team, which consists of a Lieutenant, a Sergeant, and 4 pilots all who are certified commercially with the FAA. The Fullerton Police UAS team and the program have been approved by the FAA, air-traffic control and the local airports.

The Fullerton Police Department is excited to further enhance its mission statement by taking advantage of the always improving technology, to be more responsive to the community and carry out the critical work by being more effective, efficient and safer for everyone. For more information please go to our website.

Alert OC is here to help you prepare and stay informed of emergencies.

On Friday, January 10, 2020, at approximately 11 AM, the mother of a female 14-year-old Sunny Hills High School (SHHS) student contacted the school to report that her daughter may have had unwanted inappropriate contact

On Thursday, January 2, 2020 at 5:59 PM, Fullerton Police Officers were dispatched to the area of Lemon Street and Santa Fe Avenue regarding a traffic collision involving a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle.

Earlier today, at approximately 3:05 pm, Fullerton Police Officers were dispatched to the area of Raymond and Orangefair Lane regarding a traffic collision involving multiple vehicles.

Fullerton PD encourages everyone attending holiday parties and gatherings where alcohol may be involved to use a designated sober driver, ride share service, or taxi service.

Fullerton PD reminds everyone who plans to drink to plan on getting a sober ride home.

On Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at approximately 2:00 AM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the Matador Cantina, 111 N. Harbor Blvd, regarding a fight that occurred outside of the bar resulting in a male that appeared to be injured and “down” near Harbor Blvd.

The Fullerton Police Department welcomed its newest staff member, Canine Companions for Independence Facility Dog, K9 Nubbin

The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year. Millions across the country will be hitting the road to meet with friends and family for Thanksgiving.

On Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at approximately 1:21 PM, a 15-year-old female and 16-year-old female were walking together

With Halloween fast approaching, the Fullerton Police Department reminds parents to be prepared and keep a close watch on their children as they go through the neighborhood collecting candy and treats.

National Teen Driver Safety Week is Oct. 20-26, and Fullerton PD is asking parents and guardians to take the time to discuss with their teen the rules of the road intended to keep them safe.

The Fullerton Police Department received a $460,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a one-year enforcement

We should all take action to prepare for emergencies and disasters that can affect our communities. Our goal is to increase the overall number of individuals, families, and communities that engage in preparedness actions at home, work, business,

In the summer of 2018, while conducting a separate investigation, the Fullerton Police Department discovered potential criminal conduct by Officer Jose Paez. Fullerton Police Department detectives

On Monday, August 19, 2019 at approximately 8:27 A.M., the Cal State Fullerton Police Department (CSUFPD) received a 9-1-1 call regarding a male down in the parking lot of Cal State Fullerton, 600 Langsdorf.

On Monday, August 19, 2019 at approximately 8:27 A.M., the Cal State Fullerton Police Department (CSUFPD) received a 9-1-1 call regarding a “male down, bleeding from the head” in the parking lot of Cal State Fullerton, 600 Langsdorf. Police officers from both the CSUFPD and Fullerton Police Department (FPD) responded immediately and they located a 57-year-old male, later identified as Steven Shek Keung CHAN, with numerous stab wounds. Officers began life-saving measures, however CHAN succumbed to his wounds and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

National Night Out - Fullerton
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Downtown Fullerton Plaza
125 E. WILSHIRE AVE.

Come Join the Fun
Activity Booths, Games, Entertainment and Food

Participating Groups

-Waymakers
-Fullerton Public Library
-Police Explorers - Post 204 -Fullerton Police R.S.V.P.
-Fullerton Parks & Recreation
-Neighborhood Watch
-OC Animal Care -Care Ambulance
-Fullerton Police Canine Association
-Fullerton Cert
-Fullerton Fire Department
-North County Swat

-And more!

On Friday, July 5, 2019 at approximately 7:03 PM, Fullerton Police Corporal Scott Flynn attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the 91 FWY which resulted in an Officer Involved Shooting (OIS).

On Friday, July 5, 2019 at approximately 7:03 PM, a Fullerton Police Officer was involved in an Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) on the 91 freeway at Kraemer in the City of Anaheim that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old female. At the time of the OIS, the 17-year-old female was in possession of a replica handgun designed to look identical to a Berretta 92 FS handgun.

On Friday, June 7, 2019 at approximately 8:36 PM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the north alley of 400 West Avenue regarding reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle in the alley.

On June 5, 2019 at approximately 3:38 pm, Fullerton Police Officers responded to a restaurant in the 200 block of E. Orangethorpe Ave regarding a robbery that had just occurred.

On Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at approximately 12 PM, undercover Fullerton Police Detectives were conducting surveillance at a business in Fullerton, a Dog Kennel/Boarding Facility in the 100 block of W. Walnut Ave, regarding possible narcotics being sold from the Kennel facility.

From May 20 to June 2, the Fullerton Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers and passengers who are not buckled up, including drivers who do not secure children in child safety seats

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Fullerton Police Department will be joining law enforcement agencies statewide stopping drivers who violate California’s hands-free cell phone law.

FULLERTON, Calif. – A man charged with driving under the influence after he seriously injured 11 people in a Fullerton crash was ordered into custody today after prosecutors asked for his bail to be increased from $100,000 to $500,000.

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Three men were arrested and charged after a five-month investigation into a special circumstances gang murder in Fullerton. On March 11, 2019, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office charged Carlos Castaneda, 35, Buena Park, and Tommy Antonio Navarette, 19, Anaheim, with one felony count each of murder and street terrorism.

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by millions across the country, often culminating in parties where drinking is involved. Sadly, this leads to tragedies on our roadways because of drivers who choose to leave parties impaired.

On Monday, February 11, 2019 at approximately 5:22 PM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to a call for service in the 200 block of S. Kellog Ave. that resulted in an In-Custody Death

On Monday, February 11, 2019 at approximately 5:22 PM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the 200 block of S. Kellog Dr. regarding a 22-year-old male who was reportedly causing a disturbance in the street. The anonymous reporting party advised Fullerton Police Dispatch that the male in question was acting erratically and yelling at people as they walked by.

Text to 9-1-1 is a tool to send a text message to reach 9-1-1 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device.

The Fullerton Police Department invites YOU to join our next Citizen’s Academy, which starts February 20, 2019.

The Fullerton Police Department is excited to announce our 2018 Holiday Open House, scheduled for Sunday, December 16th, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event will include a special visit from the big man himself, Santa!

On Saturday, November 24, 2018, at approximately 5:15 pm, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the 200 block of West Orangethorpe Avenue, in regards to reports of a pedestrian being struck by a motor vehicle.

This Thanksgiving, the Fullerton Police Department is joining the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to remind people how important it is to wear a seat belt, and the potentially deadly consequences of not buckling up.

The Fullerton Police Department Reminds You to Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly

On Friday, November 16, 2018, at approximately 10:30 pm, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the area of the 2300 block of Iris Court regarding a possible stabbing of a female adult.

On Friday, November 16, 2018, at approximately 10:30 pm, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the area of the 2300 block of Iris Court regarding a possible stabbing.

On Sunday, November 4, 2018 at approximately 6:26 AM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the 900 block of Creekside Drive regarding a possible stabbing that had just occurred.

On November 1st at approximately 12:14 AM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to a call of shots fired in the area of Cameo and Pearl.

On October 31st, at approximately 12:59 PM, Fullerton PD officers responded to the 2800 block of N. Brea Blvd regarding an assault that just took place in a parking structure in the area.

The Fullerton Police Department has been awarded a $446,116 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long enforcement and public awareness program

On October 7, 2018 at approximately 9:16 AM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the area of Ford Ave and West Ave regarding a possible shooting that had just occurred. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim with a gunshot wound to his upper body. Officers immediately began life saving measures, and the victim was transported to a local trauma center where he was pronounced deceased.

The Fullerton Police Department has become aware of recent allegations involving the theft of political signs within the City of Fullerton, and a police report has been made regarding the thefts.

The Fullerton Police Department invites you to our first ever Trunk-Or-Treat event on Halloween from 5pm to 8pm

On Saturday, August 25, 2018, Fullerton City Manager Ken Domer named Captain Bob Dunn as Acting Chief of Police, and placed Fullerton Chief of Police David Hendricks and Captain Thomas Oliveras, Operations Division Commander, on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation...

September is California Pedestrian Safety Month

Fullerton Police reminds public that “Pedestrians Don’t Have Armor”

September is Pedestrian Safety Month and the Fullerton Police Department will be joining the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), along with other law enforcement agencies, transportation agencies and pedestrian advocates to promote public awareness aimed at pedestrian safety.

This Labor Day, and Every Day: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

As we enter the final stretch of summer, spending time at the pool or barbequing with friends and family, the Fullerton Police Department is driving home the importance of celebrating responsibly by not driving, or riding a motorcycle, impaired.

On Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at approximately 8:06 PM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the 400 block of W. Orangethorpe Ave regarding reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle.

The Fullerton Police Department is excited to announce our participation the Pink Patch Project for the third year in a row. This year, instead of selling just the stand alone patch, FPD will be selling Pink Patch key chains, available for $5.00 each. All proceeds from the sale of our Pink Patch key chains will be donated to the St Jude’s Kathryn T. McCarty Breast Center.

The Fullerton Police Department’s Traffic Bureau will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Thursday, August 2, 2018, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.

Yesterday, Fullerton Police Officers were dispatched to a grand theft report at a business in the 2700 block of W. Orangethorpe Ave. The victim told officers that she left her vehicle unlocked while she ran into a store for a short period of time

On Thursday, July 12, 2018 at approximately 10:11 PM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the 1800 block of West Orangethorpe Ave regarding reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle.

Ever wanted to Dunk-A-Cop? Join us for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 7th from 5pm to 8pm at the Downtown Plaza and you'll get your chance! Fullerton Police Officers will be waiting for you to dip them in the dunk tank!

On Friday, June 29, 2018 at approximately 1:03 AM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the 900 block of N. Placentia Ave regarding reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle.

On Saturday, July 28, 2018 at approximately 11:27 AM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the area of Harbor Blvd and Imperial Blvd regarding reports of a traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a vehicle.

Fullerton PD is excited to extend well-deserved congratulations to two more new police officers, both of whom graduated from the Orange County Sheriff's Academy tonight.

On Monday, June 25, 2018 at approximately 3:17 PM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the 3700 block of Harbor Blvd regarding a head-on traffic collision involving two vehicles.

On November 6th, 2012, Measure X was approved by Fullerton voters allowing for the discharging of “Safe & Sane” Fireworks within designated areas of the City, on private property only, between 10 AM and 10 PM ON JULY FOURTH ONLY.

Fullerton PD extends well-deserved congratulations to our three newest police officers, Officer Raj, Officer Elkabbara and Officer Flores, who all graduated from the Golden West Police Academy this morning.

With the California weather warming up the Fullerton Police Department and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) are highlighting how bicycling is a great way

As the unofficial start of summer, the Memorial Day holiday weekend is a busy time for Californians. Each year, the highways fill with families in vehicles, on their way to start their summer vacations.

The Fullerton Police Department would like to send a BIG thank you to all the supporters from our Tip-A-Cop event last night in support of Special Olympics at Heroes Bar & Grill. Our officers and their Special Olympics Athlete-partners raised over $4900, all of which goes directly to Special Olympics Southern California. The amount raised is enough to sponsor 9 athletes in their endeavors for an entire year.

On Wednesday, May 2^nd, 2018 at approximately 1:05 AM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the area of Harbor Blvd and Brea Blvd regarding a single vehicle traffic collision. The caller stated the vehicle was on fire and had possibly “rolled over” prior to officers’ arrival.

On Tuesday, April 17th, 2018 at approximately 7:11 AM, Fullerton Police Dispatch received a call of a traffic collision involving a “motorcyclist down” at W. Orangethorpe Ave and S. Courtney Ave.

TEN YEARS OF HANDS-FREE LAW: CHALLENGES REMAIN

Put Your Phone Down. Just Drive!

On Saturday, April 28th, the Fullerton Police Department will be participating in a National Drug Take Back Day.

On Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at approximately 6:01 AM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the area of Brookhurst Street and Valencia Drive regarding reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers located a 65-year-old female with significant, life threatening injuries lying in the number two lane of southbound Brookhurst Street south of Valencia Drive. Fullerton Fire responded and pronounced the female deceased at the scene.

Today we celebrate women's achievements throughout history and across nations. Happy International Women’s Day ladies! #GetItGirl #WomenOfFPD #WeAllReallyKnowWhoRunsTheShow

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. With a plethora of Irish immigrants—and many, many more St. Paddy’s Day well-wishers, the holiday is heavily celebrated by most Americans with friendly pinches, bangers n’ mash, and green beer galore. Sadly, all this merry-making can lead to dangerous driving conditions as party-goers head home.

On Monday, March 5th, 2018 at approximately 11:30 AM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to D. Russell Parks Jr. High School in Fullerton after School Administrators reported to police that they had received information about a student who was overhead threatening to “shoot up” the school the following day.

On Saturday, February 17, 2018 at approximately 2:14 PM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the 1400 block of Lombard Street regarding reports of a child being struck by a car.

Upon arrival, officers located a 6-year-old female with significant, life threatening injuries lying on the east sidewalk of Lombard Street. The 6-year-old female was immediately transported to a local trauma center where, tragically, she was pronounced deceased shortly after her arrival.

On Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at approximately 1:30 AM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to a Motel in the 1000 block of W. Commonwealth Ave regarding a stabbing that had just occurred. As officers were en-route to the call, they were advised that two victims had been stabbed multiple times by two male suspects, who had fled upon officers’ arrival.

Last night at approximately 10:00 PM, the Fullerton Police Department was contacted by a Troy High School student regarding a possible threat made to the school via Instagram Live. The student indicated that they were on a “group chat” with a number of other students when an unknown user began messaging the group, indicating that there would be violence against the school the following day, today February 1st, 2018.

On January 16th, 2018, the Fullerton Police Department released CCTV footage from a commercial theft that occurred at a Patio Furniture store in the 2800 block of Imperial Highway in Fullerton.

FPD is excited to introduce one of our newest Police Dogs, K9 Titan.

Fullerton PD extends well-deserved congratulations to our two newest police officers that graduated from the Orange County Sheriff's Academy last night.

Nobody wants strangers rummaging through their car. That is fact. Keep strangers out of your car. Hide your valuables. Lock your doors. #LockItUp #StrangersHaveCooties #SeeSomethingSaySomething

On Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 at approximately 3:59 PM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the area of Highland Ave and Valencia Drive regarding a report of shots fired.

Real or Fake?

Chief Hendricks and FPD are excited about our next Coffee with a Cop, and this time it will be on a Saturday! Come join us on Saturday, January 13th from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Starbucks, located at 505 N. State College Blvd.

On Saturday, January 6th, 2018 at approximately 9:01 PM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the 100 block of West Orangethorpe Avenue regarding a traffic collision, possibly involving a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers located a male pedestrian with significant, life threatening injuries.

On 1/3/18, Chief Hendricks was excited to swear in two new members of his management team who were both recently promoted.

On Thursday, January 4th, 2018 at approximately 5:40 PM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to a report of a traffic collision involving a vehicle striking a pedestrian in the 1700 block of West Bastanchury Road. Witnesses on scene at the time of the collision immediately began life saving measures by providing chest compressions on the male while waiting for first responders to arrive.

Yesterday, FPD officers responded to a call of a possible residential burglary that had just occurred in the 2500 block of Associated Road.

The Fullerton Police Department would like to send a BIG thank you to everyone who supported the 2017 Fullerton Pink Patch Project.

Yesterday at approximately 9:50 AM, Fullerton Police Officers were in the area of Harbor and the 91 freeway when they noticed a suspicious looking truck occupied by a driver, later identified as Jose Cipres-Olivera.

A lengthy narcotics investigation conducted by Fullerton PD Narcotics Detectives resulted in a traffic stop yesterday, with the assistance of the California Highway Patrol, in the area Lincoln and Euclid in Anaheim. The driver, identified as Antonio Ramon Lopez-Llamas (44, Los Angeles), was placed under arrest for various narcotics related charges after Detectives located 2 pounds of methamphetamine, a half ounce of cocaine, and over $7,000 in U.S. currency in his vehicle.

On Sunday, November 5, 2017 at approximately 6:50 AM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to a call in the 200 block of Valencia Mesa Drive regarding a possible dead body that was seen behind a vehicle parked on the street.

The Fullerton Police Department reminds anyone who plans on attending the Milo Yiannopoulos Speaking Event today at Cal State Fullerton

The Fullerton Police Department is now hiring for the positions of Police Officer Trainee. Join our team and become a community partner

On Wednesday, October 11th, 2017, the Fullerton Police Department was contacted regarding a possible child molestation

The Fullerton Police Department has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program of special enforcements and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic related deaths and injuries. The Fullerton Police Department will use the funding as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe and improve the quality of life through both enforcement and education

On Saturday, October 28th, the Fullerton Police Department will be participating in a National Drug Take Back Day.

The Fullerton Police Department is pleased to announce our 5th Police Department Open House, scheduled for Saturday, October 21, 2017

September is California Pedestrian Safety Month

Remember! Pedestrians Don’t Have Armor

The California Office of Traffic Safety is again announcing that September is “California Pedestrian Safety Month” which began last year in response to the rising number of pedestrians being killed and injured on California roadways.

On August 28, 2017, in front of his family, friends and his new FPD family members, Chief David Hendricks was formally sworn in

On Thursday, August 24th, 2017 at approximately 11:10 PM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of West Las Palmas regarding a possible home invasion robbery that had just occurred.

Fullerton Police Department’s “Retro” Pink Patch is available for purchase.

The end of summer is traditionally marked by the Labor Day holiday, a time for our country to reflect on the hard work of our fellow Americans. The long weekend is celebrated through picnics, pool parties, and barbecues

FPD has received information from Water Department that they were contacted by residents regarding what we believe to a scheme to get residents to leave their homes unattended

On July 17, 2017, at approximately 2:15 PM, an unidentified male suspect stole items out of a vehicle parked in the 1300 block W Hill Ave.

The suspect was observed going through the vehicle. He is described as a white

The Fullerton Police Department invites YOU to join our next Citizen’s Academy, which starts September 20, 2017.

Join us for Nation Night Out on Tuesday, August 1^st from 5pm to 8pm

On Sunday, July 2^nd, 2017 at approximately 9:15 PM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to multiple reports of a roll-over traffic collision in the area of Garnet Lane and Sapphire Road. Upon arrival, FPD officers found that a single vehicle had in fact rolled over numerous times, and a single occupant appeared to have been partially ejected from the vehicle. Officers attempted to provide medical aid to the occupant while on-scene, however, the occupant was pronounced deceased by the on-scene paramedics upon their arrival.

We recently received word of a scam involving the Fullerton Police Department business line: (714)738-6800. The reporting party who contacted FPD received a call that indicated it was from FPD's number on the caller ID

Last night, officers on DUI saturation patrols for the Fourth of July Weekend arrested a driver for DUI-Drugs.

This Fourth of July, as friends and family travel to picnics and barbecues across the country, the Fullerton Police Department, Sheriff Deputies and the California Highway Patrol, will be out stopping impaired drivers by targeting those who put lives in danger. As you prepare to drive home from the festivities, keep in mind that impairment by alcohol or drugs can be deadly Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

On Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at approximately 4:01 PM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to multiple reports of a traffic collision involving a motorcyclist down in the area of Brea Blvd and Evergreen. Upon arrival, FPD officers found that a motorcyclist had been involved in a serious traffic collision with two other vehicles, both of which remained at the scene. The motorcyclist had serious injuries, and passing motorists had stopped to perform CPR on him while they awaited ...emergency personnel to arrive.

This summer, Fullerton Police Department officers will be dispensing well-deserved Slurpee justice to good kids in Fullerton. For the 22nd year, 7-Eleven is working with local police and sheriff’s

On Saturday, June 3rd, 2017, Fullerton Police Detectives completed a 2-month long investigation into allegations that a 26-year-old male, later identified as Vincent John Conti (26, North Hollywood), was having a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl from Fullerton that he had met online.

Today Men and Women of the Fullerton Police Department participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR).

Today we said farewell to Chief David Hinig on his last day as Interim Chief with the FPD.

Today, Orange County Sheriff’s Academy Class #225 held their annual Fallen Officer Memorial Run. Each year, OCSA recruits vote on a fallen officer to dedicate their run to. This year, the recruits voted to honor one of Fullerton PD's fallen officers: Officer Jerry Hatch.

The men and women of the Fullerton Police Department would like to send a BIG thank you to all the supporters from our Tip-A-Cop event in support of Special Olympics last night at Heroes Bar & Grill .

As summer kicks off and families hit the road for vacations, the Fullerton Police Department and the California Office of Traffic Safety is reminding motorists to Click It or Ticket. Aimed at enforcing seat belt use to help keep you and your family safe, the national seat belt campaign will take place May 22 through June 4, concurrent with one of the busiest travel and holiday weekends of the year.

Fullerton PD Narcotics Detectives received an anonymous tip regarding possible narcotic activity and sales in the 200 block of W. Santa Fe. After conducting follow up investigation and surveillance, FPD Narcotics Detectives served search warrants in the 200 block of W. Santa Fe and the 200 block of Orangefair Ave in Fullerton on Thursday night, May 11th.

On May 4, 2017, the male pictured approached a residence located in the 1200 Block of W. Valencia Ave and stole a package that had recently been delivered. The suspect then fled the area.

The Fullerton Police Department and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) today call upon bicycle riders and motorists alike to be cautious during May’s National Bicycle Safety Month, and every other month during the year.

For riders and drivers, "Roll Model" means actively decreasing the risks of traffic crashes, preventable injuries and deaths. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 818 bicyclists died and over 45,000

Fullerton Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operations on May 15th, May 23rd, May 26th and May 27th in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes. They will be cracking down on both those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles who are violating traffic safety laws

Thank you to Opertation Juice Box for stopping by with a delivery of 160 juice boxes for the kids in our community!

The first question is, “What have you eaten today?”

It’s already a pivotal moment in the 30-minute to 45-minute process of evaluating a person for possible drug intoxication.

The question can help determine if a person’s impaired state is actually due to a medical condition instead of a drug. It’s a question that can save lives.

Last night at approximately 11:30 PM, Fullerton Police Officers conducted a car stop on vehicle in the area of Santa Fe and Pomona.

On May 2, 2017, Fullerton Police Detectives concluded a two week investigation about posts on an undisclosed social media site. The posts appeared to be from an adult male who was targeting male juveniles for sexual acts.

After a thorough investigation, Detectives were able to confirm that the individual posting to the social media site was in fact an adult male, and through his online conversations, the adult male made it clear that his intention was to perform sexual acts with male juveniles.

On Sunday, April 30, 2017 at approximately 6:03 AM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the 600 block of Imperial Highway regarding reports that an 18 wheeler/ Tractor/Trailer had collided into an apartment building.

Upon arrival, officers confirmed that a Volvo tractor/trailer had in fact collided into an occupied apartment complex and that no other vehicles were involved in the collision.

On Monday, April 24, 2017 at approximately 1 PM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the area of Richman and Valencia regarding suspicious circumstances.

Upon arrival, Officers met with a 16-year-old female who relayed them to that she had been walking southbound on Richman, just south of Valencia, when an unidentified male Hispanic pulled up next to her in a tan colored pickup truck.

The unidentified male Hispanic began yelling at the 16-year-old female to “Get in the car” multiple times and he then followed the female as she walked southbound in his car for a brief period. Scared, the female took out her cell phone to place a call and the male then fled.

On Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at approximately 9:52 PM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the area of Malden and Santa Fe in Downtown Fullerton regarding reports of a shooting that had just occurred. Upon arrival, officers located a 24-year-old male victim with one gunshot wound to the chest.

On February 25, 2017, the male and female suspects pictured, forced entry into a business located in the 2400 Block of E. Chapman Ave.

Officers were dispatched to the area of Gilbert and Valencia regarding a disturbance involving numerous reported gang members. The callers indicated that those involved in the altercation possessed various types of weapons including a taser and handguns, and callers reported that there were numerous shots fired.

FPD Officers arrived within four minutes of the original call and they detained a large group ...of individuals. No victims and no weapons were located at that time.

While the City of Fullerton saw one of the highest drops of property crimes in any Orange County city last year, our officers continue to proactively make an impact on the community and take criminals off the streets

On Saturday, April 8, 2017 at approximately 9:02 PM, Fullerton Police Dispatch received a report of a burglar alarm in the 500 block of Lakeside Drive. As officers arrived near the residence, they saw two males fleeing the area.

On Saturday, April 8th, 2017 at approximately 12:09 AM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the area of Raymond and Ash regarding a call of two male pedestrians being struck by a vehicle. Further reports from callers indicated that the vehicle, a black pickup truck, fled the scene southbound on Raymond and was last seen entering the 91 freeway.

Since October 2016, Officer Phan has been responsible for saving the lives of three separate people in three separate incidents.

On Monday, March 6, 2017, an unknown male and female were captured on surveillance cameras entering a parking garage in the 1500 block of Brea Blvd. removing property from several unlocked vehicles. The suspects then forced entry into the community center.

This weekend the Fullerton Police Department participated in the annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Relay race. We are happy to announce that FPD Team#138 placed third in their category. Congrats to all the runners who participated.

The Fullerton Police Department is proud to be part of a regional Special Weapons and Tactics Team, also known as the NORTH COUNTY SWAT Team. This team is comprised of several agencies, including the La Habra Police Department Brea Police Department, Placentia Police Dept.,La Palma Police Department and California State University Fullerton Police Department.

On 9/1/16 an unknown female entered a Banc of California in the City of Fullerton and attempted to negotiate a check under a false name. After being confronted by the manager the female fled the business.

The men and women of FPD would like to extend a well deserved congratulations to four of our newest officers that graduated from the Goldenwest police academy this morning.

We are pleased to welcome Officers Vega, Turner, Ramek and Carrillo to the FPD family.

You are invited to be a part of The Fullerton Collaborative 15th Annual Faces of Fullerton (#facesoffullerton) to be held Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Fullerton Plaza!

One of the school resource officers had been on the job for only three days.

The other two veteran SROs for the Fullerton PD were getting ready to attend athe Orange County Gang Investigators Association’s monthly meeting.

Then, at just after 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 1, their day took a dramatic turn.

Fullerton Police Chief David Hinig recently assured parents and administrators at Pacific Drive Elementary School that public safety, not immigration, is the FPD’s primary concern.

Since the election of President Donald Trump, families from the largely Hispanic community served by Pacific Drive have voiced an array of concerns regarding immigration enforcement.

The baby was “completely blue and completely lifeless in her arms.”

The indelible image is what stood out the most to Leonard Acosta as he looked through the peephole of his front door to see who’d been knocking and ringing the doorbell of his Fullerton home at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 30.

Alcohol. Cannabis. Ketamine. Nitrous. Spice. Bath salts.

When it comes to a police officer’s job of keeping streets safe from motorists who are driving while under the influence, it’s a continual process of education and keeping up with the latest drug trends. Not a simple feat.

On December 21^st, 2016, Fullerton Police Officers responded to an out of area hospital regarding a possible sexual assault of a 5 year old female that occurred in Fullerton

As a result of the initial investigation and subsequent follow up investigation by FPD Family Crimes Detectives, Rigoberto Arevalo Cubias (2/21/1986) has been identified as a suspect in the crime of engaging in sexual intercourse or sodomy with a child under the age of 10 years old, in violation of California Penal Code Section 288.7

On January 2, 2017 at approximately 9:30 AM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to an apartment in the 1900 block of Deerpark regarding a family dispute. The caller indicated that a male was armed with a handgun inside the residence and he was causing a disturbance and threatening the reporting party.

Fullerton Police Department employees, about 20 strong, recently spent their day off doing anything but relaxing.

The group, which included officers, reservists, cadets, a Retired Senior Volunteer (RSVP) and a jailer, turned screwdrivers and swung pick-axes. They hung drywall and put down flooring. They measured and vacuumed.

The volunteer effort, which took place Friday, Dec. 2, went toward a Habitat for Humanity project to build an energy-efficient home for a low-income military veteran.

The City of Fullerton is pleased to announce the appointment of David H. Hinig as the Interim Chief of Police. With the November 11, 2016 retirement of Chief Dan Hughes, the City sought the services of an experienced chief to assist with Department oversight while a recruitment process is conducted for a permanent chief.

The Fullerton Police Department honors retiring officers with a ritual known as the “Walk of Honor.”

Fellow officers, professional staff, friends and family of the retiree form a line along the outside walkway of the police department that proceeds left onto the Highland Avenue sidewalk and left onto Commonwealth Avenue, culminating at the flagpole, in front of the station.

The honoree leaves the station through the front door, receiving hugs, handshakes and well-wishes along the way.

The scene was horrific.

A man laying in a pool of his own blood, alongside a mangled motorcycle.

His left leg was almost severed below the knee.

That’s what Fullerton Police Cpl. Matt Wilkerson faced when responding to a call of an accident at Commonwealth and Basque Avenues on the evening of Aug. 22.

Here are some Halloween Safety Tips from the Fullerton Police Department:

- Hold a flashlight while trick or treating to help you see and for others to see you.

- Always WALK and don't run from house to house.

- Look both ways before crossing the street. Use estabilished crosswalks whenever possible.

- Walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

- Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats by strangers.

- Enter homes only if you are with a trusted adult.

- NEVER accept rides from strangers.

Most importantly, have a safe and Happy Halloween!

A routine probation check by detectives in the Fullerton Police Department’s Directed Enforcement Unit led to the discovery of $2,000 in counterfeit bills.

While the probationer wasn’t in the house at the time of the surprise visit, two males and a female were, said Det. Mike Greene, lead investigator on the case.

One of those men was Gerald Allen Neel, 51, who also happened to be on probation.

When searching the house, detectives discovered items used to manufacture counterfeit bills, Greene said, including a printer used to print the bills and liquid used to wash the bills.

Fullerton PD encourages all residents to participate in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 22nd from 9 am to 1 pm.

There’s a stretch of Nutwood Avenue, lined on both sides with single family homes – one of those blocks where everyone knows everyone and kids play with neighbors’ kids in their front yards.

But there was a problem.

A three-week long investigation by the Fullerton Police Narcotics Unit culminated with the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of 26 pound of crystal methamphetamine, 2.6 pounds of heroin and more than $17,200 in cash.

The investigation involved weeks of surveillance and seizures of narcotics and cash at four storage units in Anaheim.

The narcotics have a street value of more than $566,000, said Det. Matt Martinez, the lead investigator on the case.

September marks National Preparedness Month, urging residents and businesses to prepare for the many hazards that threaten our daily lives and sense of normalcy – most often occurring in Southern California with little to no warning.

Consider the state’s historic drought, drawing ever-increasing concern from first responders due to the elevated wildfire danger. Often disasters occur rapidly, forcing evacuations and road closures to neighborhoods. AlertOC, the County’s mass notification system, is a critical link for Fullerton residents to immediately learn of any required actions, such as evacuating their homes during an imminent fire.

Detectives in the Fullerton Police Gang Unit deal with a generations-old subculture of individuals who live by their own set of rules and protocols, mostly aimed at protecting their turf through violence and intimidation.

In order to suppress the activity, the Gang Unit may be the most multifaceted of all the FPD’s Investigative Units.

Gang Unit Detectives are investigators, street cops, enforcers of the law, mentors and confidants all wrapped into one.

Sometimes being in the right place at the right time has its benefits. The Fullerton Police Department’s Gang Unit continues to take dangerous gang members off the streets by doing just that as often as possible.

On 05/28/2004, members of the “Sexy Banging” dance crew hosted a party at the Sunny Hills Racquet Club, located at 1900 Camino Loma, Fullerton, California. The party was advertised with fliers and on an internet site; an estimated crowd of approximately 300 people went to the party location. Due to the large number people that showed up, the party was closed down by Racquet Club management. As the party was being disbursed, several fights broke out in the parking lot between various groups divided along racial lines, mainly African-Americans against Hispanics. JAMES POTTER was stabbed to death after he walked away from some of his friends in order to talk to a girl.

The investigation into the incident revealed that a gang member from the Los Angeles area may have been responsible for the stabbing of POTTER. A suspect was arrested for POTTER’s murder; however the case was subsequently dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

The Fullerton Police Department invites you to join our next Citizen’s Academy which starts September 21, 2016.

The Citizen’s Academy will provide you the opportunity to see first hand the functions of your police department. During the 10-week course, you will be exposed to the many aspects of police work in your community. Students will gain an overall knowledge of the Fullerton Police Department, how we are organized, how we serve the community, and whom the people are that respond when citizens call.

Fullerton Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a BB or pellet gun vandal who they say has “wreaked havoc in the Fullerton area over the past few months,” shattering windows in vehicles, businesses and homes.

The incidents have occurred citywide and mostly during overnight hours, Sgt. Jon Radus said.

Fifteen incidents were reported this weekend, Radus said, and 85 since June.

“Shots fired!”

“Officer down!”

The words resonated through Fullerton Police Lead Dispatcher Tina Ortega’s headset, frenetically reported by an officer whose traffic stop deteriorated into gunfire.

Still sober, and thanking the Fullerton PD for helping to end 45 years of drug, alcohol abuse

By Greg Hardesty

Peering through reading glasses, the college student flipped to a page to silently read along as a classmate read a section aloud.

Bill Easton listened intently, the picture of a serious student soaking up knowledge.

Prior to a couple of years ago, the only thing Easton was interested in soaking up was toxins — a never-ending stream of drugs to satisfy his only real desire:

To get — and remain — high.

This Labor Day, Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Fullerton Police Department Shows Zero Tolerance In Its Goal To End Drunk Driving

This Labor Day weekend, families and friends will be celebrating the end of the summer. Sadly, this festive time has also become a dangerous time for America’s roads, as many drunk drivers get behind the wheel after celebrating. For this reason, the Fullerton Police Department is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to stop drunk drivers and help save lives. The high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs August 19-September 5, 2016. During this period, local law enforcement will show zero tolerance for drunk driving. Increased national messaging about the dangers of driving drunk, coupled with sobriety checkpoints and increased officers working DUI Saturation Patrols on the road, aim to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roads.

Fullerton Police Chief Dan Hughes went through it.

So did Capt. John Siko.

So did a handful of 10 detectives, half of the department’s 20 sergeants and numerous rank-and-file officers.

We’re talking about the Fullerton Police Department’s Cadet program, where close to 60 percent of the agency’s sworn officers got their first real exposure to a law enforcement career.

Working closely with sworn personnel, cadets generally range in age from 18 to 23 and cycle through several units, taking on tasks that include record keeping, processing traffic citations, finger printing, evidence storage and taking reports.

FPD’s Homeless Liaison team again comes to the aid of a homeless person in a pinch

By Greg Hardesty

Score another win for the Fullerton PD’s Homeless Liaison team.

The four officers on the unit help get homeless people the resources they need --- even going to such lengths as paying for bus rides across country to deliver them to relatives or friends willing to take them in.

And so it went Tuesday, Aug. 2.

Fullerton PD engages with community at annual National Night Out

By BTB Staff

Games, displays and snacks were just part of the fun Tuesday night at the Fullerton PD’s annual National Night Out, held at Independence Park.

Joining the FPD this year on Aug. 2 were representatives from the Fullerton Public Library, the Fullerton Explorers, Fullerton RSVPs, Fullerton Neighborhood Watch, Fullerton Fire Dept., AAA, and the City of Fullerton.

***UPDATED INFORMATION*** During the course of our investigation, investigators have received information from several witnesses stating there was possibly an eyewitness to the collision who was driving a red vehicle similar to an Acura Integra, or possibly a Honda Accord. This witness was seen leaving the scene prior to police arrival. Investigators believe this witness has vital information regarding the cause of this collision. We are asking this witness, or anyone knowing this witness, to contact the Fullerton Police Department Traffic Bureau at (714) 738-5313 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.

DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint Planned

The Fullerton Police Department Traffic Bureau will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Thursday, August 11, 2016, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely. DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

Award-winning Fullerton school resource officer has knack for connecting with teens

By Lou Ponsi

When you’re a police officer and your beat is a high school campus, your interactions with students might be the difference in re-directing a kid off the wrong path and onto the right one.

That opportunity to impact impressionable young lives is what Cpl. Gabby Soto, 33, a school resource officer (SRO) with the Fullerton Police Department, loves most.

The Fullerton Police Department is now hiring for Police Officer Trainee and Lateral Police Officer positions. We are accepting applications until August 7^th at 11:59 PM for the position of Police Officer Trainee. Please go to www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fullerton to submit your application.

Motorists traveling in both directions on the 91 Freeway will be forever reminded of the ultimate sacrifice made by Fullerton Police Det. Tommy De La Rosa.

Signs have been placed along the eastbound 91 at the Interstate 5 interchange and westbound 91 at Magnolia Avenue declaring those segments of roadway the “Fullerton Police Detective Tommy De La Rosa Memorial Interchange.”

Fullerton Police Department’s has a new PIO, one of a series of personnel changes implemented to create a more well-rounded department

By Lou Ponsi

Sgt. Jon Radus has had a variety of assignments during his 13-year career with the Fullerton Police Department.

His next one will begin Monday, July 18, when Radus becomes FPD’s new public information officer.

On 07-12-16 at 09:58 AM, officers were dispatched to the 300 block of North Pomona Avenue regarding a male transient interacting with children at the park and touching them inappropriately with a plastic flower.

Pokemon Go gamers on their smartphones were in the park navigating the game app when they were made aware of KELLS by another group of gamers also playing the Pokemon Go game on their phones. Gamers and witnesses detained KELLS until officers arrived.

CHP officer, who was slain in Fullerton 20 years ago, is remembered

By Lou Ponsi

Family members of peace officers who die in the line of duty have something in common, retired California Highway Patrol Sgt. Don Burt Sr. said Wednesday, July 13.

They want their loved one to never be forgotten.

Property Crimes detectives handle multitudes of cases, many presenting extreme challenges.

Lou Ponsi

Whether it’s your car, your dog, your watch or your identity, if it gets stolen, the detectives in the Fullerton Police Department’s Property Crimes Unit will work the case.

Headed by Sgt. Mike Hines, the unit handles cases that involve stealing or destroying property, includes auto theft, high tech crimes, commercial and residential burglaries , embezzlement, arson, vandalism, internet fraud and identity theft.

The Fullerton Police Department is encouraging Pokemon Go players to do so responsibly. Make sure that you are not distracted to the point disregarding safety while driving and while walking. Put down that phone and look both ways when crossing the street. And, do not try to catch Pikachu or any other Pokemon Go character on private property.

#PokemonGo #PokemonGoResponsibly #DontPokemonGoDistracted #DontPokemonAndDrive

Join us for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 2nd at Independence Park located at 801 W. Valencia Ave. from 4:30 PM to 7: 30 PM.

This year, the Fullerton Public Library, the Fullerton Explorers, Fullerton RSVP's, Fullerton Neighborhood Watch, Independence Park of Fullerton, Fullerton Fire Department, Fullerton Firefighters and the City of Fullerton, CA Government, are excited to have The Home Depot, Drug Free World, Disaster Preparedness Information, Keep OC Safe, Playground on the Go and Ncadd-OC National Council On Alcoholism and Drug Dependence... will be joining us.

FPD will have three K9's Rotar, Jax and Mueller on hand along with the Fullerton CERT and Friends of North County SWAT Foundation.

Please contact CSO Juanita Juarez for additional information at (714) 738-6836.

Fullerton PD honors its first fallen officer, Jerry Hatch, with relatives, former colleagues

By Lou Ponsi

Fullerton Police Officer Jerry Hatch, badge No. 499, never will be forgotten.

Police Chief Dan Hughes wanted the family of the fallen officer to know that.

This Fullerton officer donated her bone marrow to a stranger, and she’d do it again

By Lou Ponsi

In April 2016, Fullerton Police Officer Hazel Rios subjected herself to bone marrow extraction surgery, a procedure that involved four incisions in her lower back, an overnight stay in the hospital and a painful period of recovery.

She would do it again in a heartbeat.

On 07-03-16 at 10:52 PM, officers from the California Highway Patrol contacted FPD requesting assistance with an officer involved shooting that had just occurred in the 100 block of N. Pritchard Ave. CHP officers were working an undercover operation in the County of Los Angeles and followed the suspect vehicle into the City of Fullerton.

As CHP officers attempted to stop the truck on Pritchard north of Gregory, the truck made a U-turn and drove directly into the path of the officers. Both officers engaged the vehicle and an officer involved shooting occurred.

Unfortunately, the driver succumbed to his injuries on scene. The passenger was struck in the arm and was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released. No officers were injured.

The identification of the suspect is being withheld pending notification of the family by the Orange County Coroner’s Office.

The Fullerton Police Department is assisting CHP with the criminal portion of the investigation and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the shooting portion of the investigation.

The Fullerton Police Department is encouraging anyone with information on this shooting to contact the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6800. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS.

DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint Planned

The Fullerton Police Department Traffic Bureau will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Thursday, July 14, 2016, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely. DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public

FPD’s Community Services Bureau thrives at strengthening police-community relations

By Greg Hardesty

The cadet had just handed over paperwork --- application, waiver form --- to the man at the counter who had requested a ridealong when Fullerton Police Chief Dan Hughes walked by, rushing to get to an appointment.

On June 23rd, 2016 at approximately 10:50 AM, a home in the 2600 block of Coronado Drive was burglarized. Later that day, the homeowner returned to the location and discovered jewelry and small electronics had been taken from the home. The loss was estimated at approximately $ 47,000.00.

Video retrieved from the home’s surveillance system shows two males at the residence at 10:50 AM. The first male is seen knocking on the front door and ringing the doorbell several times. He leaves the view of the camera and returns with another male wearing a hooded sweatshirt.

If you know these suspects or have information about this burglary, please contact Detective B. Rebert at (714) 738-6785. If you have information about this burglary and would like to remain anonymous, please contact Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS. rmation about her whereabouts, please contact the Property Crimes Bureau of the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-5336.

On July 3, 2016 at approximately 7:08 p.m., officers responded to Euclid Street and Lakeview Circle to reports of a vehicle that ran off the roadway and collided into a tree. When they arrived they found a white 2005 Nissan Maxima up against a tree, fully engulfed in flames. Witnesses reported the driver was still trapped inside the vehicle.

The Fullerton Fire Department extinguished the flames at which point the driver was found deceased in the vehicle. The driver has not been identified at this time.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation at this time. Anyone with information about the collision is encouraged to contact the Fullerton Police Traffic Bureau at (714) 738-5313.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or to their website at www.occrimestoppers.org.

Diligence is key for members of the Fullerton PD’s Crimes Persons Unit

By Lou Ponsi

A man is found bludgeoned to death in his Fullerton apartment.

The decomposed body of a woman who’d been missing from her Fullerton apartment for six days is discovered off a dirt road near Victorville

Here are some of the biggest headline-grabbing cases in Fullerton PD history

By Lou Ponsi

From a murder case that led to the first-ever execution ordered by an Orange County court to the killing of a Major League ballplayer and two friends at the hands of reckless a drunk driver, the Fullerton Police Department has investigated some headline-grabbing murder cases over its 112-year history.

The Fullerton Police Department is asking for assistance in identifying a suspect involved in several incidents of identity theft and grand theft.

From February 19^th thru February 22^nd, 2016 a male described as White, approximately 5’-9” to 6’-0”, 65-80 years of age, 180 to 190 pounds, professionally dressed with grey hair entered several banks and withdrew funds in excess of $180,000.00.

In one of the Los Angeles County cases in the summer of 2015, the suspect was believed to have been driving a BMW SUV, gold in color.

The funds were fraudulently obtained by the suspect using forged driver’s licenses and social security cards that he had in his possession. The funds were withdrawn from victims’ bank accounts in San Diego County and Los Angeles County.

Fullerton PD is asking anyone that recognizes the male in to contact Detective G. Johnson at (714) 738-6880 or via email at gjohnson@fullertonpd.org.

Fullerton PD celebrates its finest, as well as residents who stepped up to help community

By Lou Ponsi

Close to 500 people packed the Fullerton Community Center on Thursday, June 2 as Fullerton Police Chief Dan Hughes recognized FPD employees who saved lives — both on and off the job.

The chief also honored employees and everyday citizens who contributed time and resources to make the department better equipped to serve the community.

The city’s top cop also singled out officers who’ve earned promotions and welcomed newly sworn officers, civilians and professional staff.

“The challenge we had with recognizing individual efforts at an awards ceremony like this, is that each and every day, our personnel do amazing things to make our community better,” Hughes said. “Our police department is in a really strong position for the present challenges and those to come in the future.”

Subject: Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Traffic Collision

Date: June 15, 2016

Contact: Sergeant Hamel at khamel@fullertonpd.org

On June 14, 2016 at approximately 10:18 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Lemon St. and Valencia Dr. to reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle. When they arrived they found a 21 year old female lying in the westbound lanes of Valencia Dr. with severe injuries. She was transported to UCI Medical Center by the paramedics where she was pronounced deceased.

A preliminary investigation shows that the female pedestrian was struck by a red Toyota Tacoma while she was crossing Valencia Dr. It is unknown at this time if the pedestrian was within the crosswalk when she was struck. The 39 year old male driver of the Toyota remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation. He was not injured during the collision. Alcohol or drugs does not appear to be a factor in the collision.

The collision is still under investigation at this time. Anyone with information about the collision is encouraged to contact the Fullerton Police Traffic Bureau at (714) 738-5313.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS.

Members of FPD’s Professional Standards Bureau take job of hiring, training seriously

By Greg Hardesty

Professional Standards Bureau – Training and Personnel doesn’t sound like the most exciting gig for a cop.

But this critical unit at the Fullerton PD serves as the gatekeeper of everyone who gets hired and who doesn’t — from sworn officers to cadets to professional staff members. The unit also is in charge of making sure all FPD employees are up to date on a dizzying amount of regularly required training.

It’s a huge and important job.

Meet Bill Wallis, the retired Fullerton cop who just can’t seem to walk away from agency

By Lou Ponsi

Bill Wallis had experienced most everything a police officer can experience throughout his decades-long career with the Fullerton Police Department.

He tangled with a trio of combatant Marines his first day on patrol, walked a beat downtown, helped contain riots in Hillcrest Park and was a member of the FPD’s first SWAT team.

Fullerton PD has a torch for the Special Olympics, and agency proves it on annual run

By Lou Ponsi

For Special Olympics swimmer Joey Valliere, 31, of Fullerton, the Fullerton Police Department’s 5-mile leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run was a way to get in better shape for the upcoming Summer Games.

For the 30 or so members of the Fullerton Police Department who ran along with Valliere and two of his Special Olympics teammates Friday, the trek was a way to celebrate the athletes themselves.

This team at the Fullerton PD fills one of the agency’s key roles: molding new officers

By Greg Hardesty

Spend time with someone in a car for 12 hours, and you get to know him or her.

Do it three times a week for a month or longer, and you really get to know each other.

Sure, field training officers (FTOs) may be skilled in the art of shooting the breeze with their partners while on patrol.

But their importance to a police agency can’t be overstated.

On May 28th, 2016 at approximately 2:20 AM, officers responded to a local area hospital regarding a stabbing victim in the emergency room.

The victim, a male in his 20's was fatally stabbed after an altercation occurred with an unknown male during an illegal street race in the 1400 block of Manhattan.

The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of the family by the Orange County Coroner's Office.

If anyone has any information pertinent to the investigation, we ask that they contact

Detective Magliano at (714) 738-6753 or Sergeant Rowe at (714) 738-6776.

Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Orange County Crime Stoppers (855) TIP-OCCS or www.occrimestoppers.org.

Join us for surviving an active intruder event workshop in partnership with the Fullerton Neighborhood Watch Association and the City of Fullerton.

This informative training is hosted as part of the FNWA meeting and will be held in Fullerton City Council Chambers on Thursday, June 02 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

For questions or additional information, please contact CSO Juanita Juarez at (714) 738-6836; there is no RSVP required for this event.

New “Coast to Coast” Seat Belt Enforcement Effort

Aims to Increase Click It or Ticket Participation, Save Lives

From May 23 to June 5, 2016, local law enforcement personnel will participate in the national Click It or Ticket campaign in an effort to save lives through increased seat belt use. This education enforcement period comes ahead of the Memorial Day holiday, one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

Katherine the bravest: Fullerton Police host vigil for Katherine King, 7, as she fights on

By Lou Ponsi

The wicker basket that was placed on a table in the courtyard of the Fullerton Police Station on Friday evening was filled with handwritten messages for 7-year old Katie King and her family.

“We love you Katie & family. We hold you in our hearts and are thinking of you often.”

“Katie, you are the strongest person I know. Sending you lots of hugs and kisses.”

“Stay strong. Don’t give up.”

“Katie, we love you!”

UPDATE-Package thief in custody

On April 8^th, 2016, FPD requested the assistance of the community thru social media in identifying a female suspect involved in a package theft from the 200 block of Altura Drive. The package theft occurred during the last week of March 2016.

The involved female suspect was described as being in her 20’s with blond hair. She had been seen wearing blue jeans, a white tee shirt, and a dark colored jacket. The vehicle she arrived in to commit the theft had been described as a light colored four door sedan.

Based on information received by our social media community, we were able to identify the package thief as Brianna Graves (28) of Irvine. Ms. Graves appeared in Harbor Court yesterday for an unrelated package theft case in another City.

We are grateful for your assistance in identifying Ms. Graves. We are grateful for your continued support of our department and your efforts in assisting us to solve this theft case.

Detectives on Fullerton PD’s Family Crimes Unit say grueling cases come with rewards

By Lou Ponsi-Behind the Badge

“It was a bloody mess.”

Cpl. Cynthia Hines recalls the scene of her first major investigation as a detective in the Fullerton Police Department’s Family Crime Unit.

The unit probes all suspected cases of domestic violence, sexual assaults involving children or adults, child neglect and missing children.

Hines had been with the Family Crimes Unit about three months when called, along with her partner, to an upscale home to investigate a suspected incident of domestic violence.

After 28 years, ride is over for FPD detective who began career as a fresh-faced surfer dude

By Greg Hardesty

Laid-back surfer dude.

That’s the impression a Fullerton PD higher-up got when he first set eyes on Matt Malone who, at 24, walked into the PD one day in March 1998 — the saltwater barely washed out of his blonde locks — and told the officer he wanted to become a cop.

“Is this really what you want to do?” the officer asked Malone. “You seem to be a relaxed, chill kind of dude.”

That Malone was – and remains.

Reminder-Join us for Tip A Cop benefiting Special Olympics Southern California and Special Olympics Southern California - Orange County.

Members of FPD will be on hand tomorrow at Heroes Bar & Grill in Fullerton from 4:00 PM-8:00 PM; we look forward to seeing you!

The Fullerton Police Department and Chief Dan Hughes are pleased to announce our latest efforts to connect with our community and share recent crime information. Our crime analysis unit has created this video overview of recent crime information and community events. We need your help to keep our City of Fullerton a wonderful place to live, work and play.

Chief Dan Hughes invites you to join him along with your neighbors residing near Nicolas Jr. High School for an informative evening of dialogue on Tuesday, May 10^th at 7:00 PM in the multi-purpose room of Nicolas Jr. High.

Fullerton PD personnel and Chief Dan Hughes want your feedback at one of many planned community meeting for residents and community members. This initial meeting will focus on those residing near Nicolas Jr. High to discuss topics including crime trends, gang graffiti, drug activity, and other issues brought up by those working, living, playing and going to school in this area.

We want our community members to know what their police department is doing to address crime trends and we want to partner with our community in order to proactively address issues that may be affecting your or your family.

We welcome ideas and input as we work towards solutions that improve the quality of life in your area.

Nearly 3,000 residents ‘love’ Fullerton at the city’s annual service day; other cities join in

By Marc Ballon

Genesis Osuna gave up her entire Saturday morning to assemble bicycles to be donated to area foster care children.

For the 19-year-old Cal State Fullerton freshman, her participation in the 3^rd annual Love Fullerton service day was personal.

Fullerton PD detective helps bring justice to victims of property crimes

By Jessica Peralta

When many of us hear about detective work, we think violent crimes and homicides. But there’s another detective team at the Fullerton Police Department handling something that affects many of us quite directly: our property.

For Det. Josh Earnest, who joined the Property Crimes Unit 1 1/2 years ago, the job is a mix of working fraud cases, surveillance detail and jumping on any other cases involving property – including arson and vandalism.

“I just wanted to learn the other side of police work,” says Earnest. “I worked in patrol for eight years.”

Fullerton police have arrested a male believed to be involved in several incidents of indecent exposure in the northeast area of town near Fullerton College and Fullerton High School, Fullerton.

On April 26^th, 2016 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M., a male who is not being identified at this time was arrested for three separate incidents of indecent exposure where he exposed himself to young ladies in the area of Fullerton High School and Fullerton College.

In each case, the suspect drove alongside the victim(s) and asked them questions while exposing himself and masturbating. The suspect would then immediately flee the area.

None of the victims were injured in the assault.

In all cases, the suspect is described as a male driving a newer model white Sedan.

Detectives believe there are additional victims and the investigation is on-going. A photo of the suspect is not being released at this time.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Detective C. Wright of the Fullerton Police Department Family Crimes Unit at (714) 738-6754.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or to their website at www.crimestoppers.org.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become synonymous with festive fiestas and salty margaritas. Historically, the fifth of May commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the “Franco-Mexican War”, but present-day celebrations often lead to drunk driving—and there’s no victory in that.

If you are planning to party this Cinco de Mayo, keep this number in mind: 343 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes over the Cinco de Mayo holiday weekend in 2014. Of those 343 people who lost their lives, 34 percent (116) died in drunk-driving crashes. The drivers in those crashes weren’t just a little drunk. Sadly, almost one out of five (17%) of all the drivers in fatal crashes that weekend had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .15 % or higher—almost two times the legal limit in every state.

On Saturday, thousands in Fullerton and throughout North O.C. will ‘love’ their cities

By Marc Ballon

“Love Fullerton,” a citywide service day that brings together local churches, businesses, schools, police, firefighters and residents, is one of Dan Hughes’ favorite days.

Fullerton Police Chief Dan Hughes, a city native, considers giving back to the place that has given him so much not just a duty but also an honor.

On Saturday, April 30, Hughes will join nearly 3,000 people at the third-annual Love Fullerton. That morning, volunteers will take part in any number of 75 city projects, ranging from feeding the homeless to cleaning up trash in parks, from planting shrubs on the Brea Boulevard median to painting schools. Up to 60 members of the Fullerton Police Department, Hughes said, are expected to volunteer their time.

By Greg Hardesty

The young couple sat at the table with their 11-month-old son, listening to a presentation that would spook any parent.

Sandy Hook.

Virginia Tech.

Columbine.

For the month ending March 31st, 2016 violent crimes including but not limited to robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault, have decreased over 16% in comparison to this same time last year (2015).

Also, property crimes, including but not limited to vehicle burglary, theft from vehicle, and motor vehicle theft, decreased over 10% in comparison to this same time last year (2015).

FPD personnel remind our community members to secure valuables when leaving vehicles unattended.

Also, be aware that opportunists may be encouraged to take items in plain view. Please lock and secure your valuables at all times.

FPD reminds everyone to remain vigilant and aware of suspicious activity, if you "see something, say something" and call (714) 738-6700.

Got Drugs?

Bring your unused or expired medication to the Fullerton Police Department for safe disposal on Saturday, April 30th, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

In partnership with U.S. Department of Justice and CSP, FPD personnel will be on site to collect your unused or expired medications on the Highland side of the police department.

A simple, convenient drive-thru style collection will be available to safely dispose of medications.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday on the Highland side of the PD (located at 237 West Commonwealth Avenue).

*Syringes will not be accepted; please contact your local waste management provider or your healthcare provider for information regarding safe syringe disposal.

Are you concerned that a loved one or friend may have a tendency to wander from familiar surroundings without anyone’s knowledge?

Police officers often respond to callers requesting help in locating loved ones, and Fullerton’s Return Home Registry helps to combat this issue.

REMINDER-The Fullerton Police Department would like to invite you to attend “Active Intruder Awareness Training”.

The City of Fullerton and the Fullerton Police Department are taking a proactive approach to empowering individuals with an “Active Intruder Awareness Training,” on Thursday, April 14, from 6-7:15 p.m. at the Fullerton Community Center. The Fullerton Community Center is located at 340 W. Commonwealth Ave.

Members of the public are invited to attend this very important training. Topics will include a history of active intruder events, mitigating risks in schools and the workplace, and response strategies in the event of intrusion.

The training is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

A panel discussion featuring a question and answer session will take place at the conclusion of the presentation.

For more information, please contact Sergeant K. Hamel at khamel@fullertonpd.org or call (714) 738-6838.

Shoot or don’t shoot: Tac City Airsoft invites citizens to take law enforcement challenge

Residents can get a first-hand experience of the kinds of split-second decisions police are faced with as part of an airsoft event to show appreciation for law enforcement in Orange County.

Fullerton’s Tac City Airsoft on Saturday will host its inaugural Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to raise money for the Boys & Girls Club of Fullerton and give residents an opportunity to interact with local officers.

“We have not been happy with the negative output regarding law enforcement in the media,” said Tac City general manager Bryan Hall. “The owner wanted to give law enforcement an opportunity to interact with the public in a positive manner.

10 Fullerton PD officers recognized for number of DUI arrests they made in 2015

By Greg Hardesty

One driver got arrested a day before the DUI pin ceremony. He was driving on the wrong side of the road and had no clue, Fullerton PD Corp. Eric Bridges said.

Another motorist suspected of driving under the influence was brutally honest when, during an arrest in 2015, Corp. Ryan Warner asked her what she was under the influence of.

“Three margaritas,” the woman answered.

Drunk driving is no laughing matter — each year, nearly 10,000 people are killed in alcohol-related crashes in the U.S.

Fullerton homeless liaison officer comes to the aid of widow abandoned by her friends

By Greg Hardesty

Whoever Susan Garber’s so-called “friends” are in Orange County, they definitely are giving any enemies she may have a run for their money.

In March, the Arizona woman’s husband died unexpectedly.

Garber, who is 64, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.

She desperately needed help.

Some “friends” in Orange County told her to come out and they would take care of her and let her stay with them, but they abandoned her, according to Fullerton PD Officer Cary Tong, who heard Garber’s story Sunday afternoon when he met her at a church.

Garber arrived in O.C. on March 8 but ended up on the street, thanks to her uncaring friends, Tong said.

Luckily, Garber found shelter at the Army National Guard Armory in Santa Ana.

On “dark nights” when members of the Army National Guard need to use the facility, those staying at the armory have to find shelter elsewhere.

That’s where EvFree Fullerton (First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton) comes in.

Tong was working overtime at the church Sunday, April 3, when he met Garber and heard her story.

“I started calling around to see what services were available to help her, but it was Sunday, so many were closed,” said Tong, one of four officers on the FPD’s Homeless Liaison Unit.

Tong persisted, making calls late into Sunday night past midnight until he found a board-and-care facility in Anaheim that agreed to take Garber in.

“She was ecstatic,” Tong said.

As for Tong, the cop said he was just doing his job.

“It’s always nice when something turns out right,” Tong said.

Fullerton PD’s CSI team helps put the crime scene puzzle together with detailed work

By Jessica Peralta-Behind the Badge

It was in Dawn B. Scruggs’ third year as a police dispatcher at Fullerton Police Department that she started getting curious about CSI.

Having already worked for Hawthorne Police Department as a police and fire dispatcher for eight years, she had and still has the utmost respect for police dispatchers as “the heartbeat of the department,” but she wanted to know the outcome of those calls and see them through the justice system.

“Since I have such a healthy interest in justice and seeing the puzzle come together, I needed more,” says Scruggs, now a forensic specialist II who has been working in Fullerton PD’s CSI department since 2002.

“I don’t want to be in the position where I have to arrest the bad guy,” Scruggs says. “But I did want to see everything.”

She found the perfect fit in crime scene investigation.

On March 31^st, 2016 at approximately 1:15 PM a package was stolen off of a porch from a home in the 200 block of Altura Drive. The suspect and her vehicle were captured on the homeowner’s surveillance cameras.

The female suspect appears to be in her 20’s with blond hair. She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a white tee shirt, and a dark colored jacket. The vehicle she arrived in has been described as a light colored four door sedan.

If you know this suspect or have information about her whereabouts, please contact the Property Crimes Bureau of the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-5336. Or, if you would like to remain anonymous please call Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.

Orange County GRIP three-day soccer camp helps at-risk youth choose right over wrong

By Jessica Peralta

Even as the fourth- through eighth-graders enthusiastically asked questions of Orange County Blues FC’s soccer team members, it was clear what the Fullerton and Buena Park students actually wanted to do: kick the ball past the players at the net.

They got their chance at the end of the team’s presentation and enjoyed kicking at their soccer role models.

“They really get into it,” said Shannon Back, a deputy district attorney with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office assigned to the Orange County Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership (OC GRIP) unit, as she watched the children during GRIP’s soccer camp hosted at Cal State Fullerton March 28-30.

FULLERTON PD JOINS NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO END DISTRACTED DRIVING

Distracted driving is such an important safety issue that April is recognized as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. In California, Police, Sheriff and CHP officials are joining the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), as well as law enforcement throughout the country, to focus on education and enforcement.

The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving in an attempt to change behavior and save lives, not just in April but also year-round. The Fullerton Police Department will join statewide “Zero Tolerance” enforcement campaigns on April 7th and 20th when all agencies will be especially vigilant for distracted drivers. Although the purpose of the campaigns is not to write as many citations as possible, sometimes citations are necessary for drivers to understand the importance of focusing on their driving.

On March 28^th, 2016 at approximately 10:00 PM a Fullerton Police officer stopped a subject on a bicycle in the 400 block of West Orangethorpe Avenue for an equipment violation.

As the officer was talking with the subject, the subject fled on foot away from the officer leaving his bicycle at the scene.

The subject ran into the eastbound lanes of West Orangethorpe Avenue and was struck by a passing vehicle traveling eastbound. The vehicle continued eastbound on Orangethorpe Avenue and did not stop after the collision. The vehicle has been described as a dark colored sedan.

The subject sustained significant injuries and was taken to a local trauma center in critical condition.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Hazel Rios of the Fullerton Police Department traffic bureau at (714) 738-6812. For those with information that wish to remain anonymous, please contact Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.

Congratulations to FPD Team #116 on finishing the Baker 2 Vegas Relay. Runners finished in 17 hours, 50 Minutes and 29 Seconds and placed 8th in their category.

A special thank you to the support staff who helped make everything go smoothly.

See you next year Las Vegas!!!!

Routine stop in Fullerton leads to discovery of an auto theft ‘chop shop’ at Norwalk home

By Greg Hardesty

As a commercial and hazardous material enforcement officer at the Fullerton PD, Scott Marple’s job is to look for trucks and large rigs for such violations as worn-out brakes, drivers using non-authorized truck routes and vehicles that exceeded length and weight limits.

On the afternoon of Jan. 18, with less than two hours to go on his shift, Marple was driving around the Orangethorpe Avenue and State College Boulevard area in his marked black-and-white pick-up.

It wasn’t a large commercial vehicle that caught his eye – rather, a mid-’90s red Jeep.

No plates.

On March 12th, 2016, members of the Fullerton Police Department participated in a statewide Shoulder Tap Operation in conjunction with the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.

The operation was conducted at establishments which sell alcohol. The focus of the operation was to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors throughout the City of Fullerton.

The operation resulted in 10 citations issued to subjects furnishing alcohol to minors and 2 subjects were arrested for narcotic related offenses.

#ABC #ShoulderTap #DontBuyForMinors #21andOver #FPD

Reservists in the police force: a symbiotic relationship for these two Fullerton officers

By Jessica Peralta

When Bunnath Phot became a Marine Corps reservist in 2012, he was looking for a little direction.

“At that time,” says Phot, “I really didn’t know what to do and I thought something like that would help me be more responsible and to figure out what I wanted to do with my life.”

It did.

Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

Keep the streets safe this St. Patrick’s Day! Don’t drink and drive.

As one of the country’s most popular holidays, St. Patrick’s Day has long celebrated the roots of 34.2 million Americans with Irish ancestry, and many more who just want to partake in the festivities. This year, if you’ll be drinking alcohol, remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

Tragically, March 17th has become one of the nation’s deadliest holidays. In fact, from 2010 to 2014, almost three-fourths of the drunk-driving fatalities during this holiday period involved drivers who were well above the .08 limit, with 266 drunk-driving fatalities nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Fullerton PD's ECHO Unit patrols streets during weekends when revelers abound

By Marc Ballon

Early Sunday morning, March 6. Time: 1:15 a.m. Place: Downtown Fullerton.

Walking the streets amid a throng of booze-scented partiers, Sgt. Pedram Gharah, Cpl. Ryan O’Neil and Officer Davis Crabtree of the Fullerton Police Department smile at passers-by and even pose for selfies. Good vibes abound, despite the occasional hard stare or nasty remark.

Gharah, O’Neil and Crabtree belong to Fullerton’s ECHO Unit. They, along with two motorcycle officers, patrol downtown Thursday through Saturday, when nighttime revelers transform the city center into Orange County’s version of the Las Vegas Strip.

The Fullerton officers nab drunk drivers, drive through municipal parking structures looking for people doing drugs or drinking; break up fights or deter them with their high visibility; and make unannounced visits to some of the area’s 52 restaurants and bars to ensure they aren’t over capacity and a potential fire hazard.

“Our main focus is the safety of our community and the safety of the thousands of people attracted to our vibrant downtown,” ECHO leader Gharah said.

Right place, right time: FPD officer saves choking boy, his third life-saving act since '12

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

Sgt. Craig Odom had to have his arm seriously twisted to appear before the TV cameras Friday afternoon.

Didn’t want to do it.

Had to seriously be convinced to do it.

A humble cop who dreads the spotlight, Odom nevertheless decided to walk into the mural room at Fullerton PD headquarters on March 4.

After all, an extended family that included a 16-month boy, Jonathan, was waiting to greet him.

Run, Hide, Fight --- Fullerton PD expands active-shooter training to schools and public

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

The cop was giving a minute-by-minute recap of one of the darkest days in recent U.S. history:

Dec. 14, 2012.

The massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary.

He immediately shoots and kills the principal.

Fullerton PD Sgt. Michael Hines had a rapt audience.

More than two-dozen teachers and staff members at Nicolas Junior High School in Fullerton watched his Power Point demonstration with somber faces as he traced the movements of the killer.

At this point, we’re about three minutes since the first shot was fired. Three minutes is a long time. You know what you can do in three minutes.

Fullerton PD’s DRE program is a model example of community collaboration

By Jessica Peralta-Behind the Badge

He stood swaying, visibly intoxicated, surrounded by police officers.

The man was asked to follow the police officer’s finger from side to side.

Then he was instructed to stand on one foot with the other foot’s toe pointed while counting.

The verdict?

The dozen or so officers observing him agreed he would go to jail.

Fortunately for the man, he was serving as a volunteer for the ‘s, in which volunteers are scientifically dosed to various blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels for the purpose of officer instruction and testing.

The Fullerton Police Department would like to invite you to attend “Active Intruder Awareness Training”.

The City of Fullerton and the Fullerton Police Department are taking a proactive approach to empowering individuals with an “Active Intruder Awareness Training,” on Thursday, April 14, from 6-7:15 p.m. at the Fullerton Community Center. The Fullerton Community Center is located at 340 W. Commonwealth Ave.

Members of the public are invited to attend this very important training. Topics will include a history of active intruder events, mitigating risks in schools and the workplace, and response strategies in the event of intrusion.

The training is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

A panel discussion featuring a question and answer session will take place at the conclusion of the presentation.

For more information, please contact Sergeant K. Hamel at khamel@fullertonpd.org or call (714) 738-6838.

Fullerton PD forms social media team to communicate with residents around the clock

By Greg Hardesty

They don’t have a fancy name yet —- the Fantastic Four, anyone? — but a newly formed social media team at the Fullerton PD has a noble mission:

Ramp up community engagement with 24/7 postings on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with information Fullerton residents, business owners and visitors to the city need to know.

Why is that police helicopter circling around?

What’s the deal with all the law enforcement activity on (insert street name here)?

How is the K9 who got injured doing?

Police agencies answering these and other similar questions via social media isn’t new.

But the Fullerton PD has formalized its approach to social media by having four employees — three sworn, and all agency veterans — handle coverage around the clock.

This Fullerton officer is known around the department as a real arresting presence

By Greg Hardesty

The middle-aged man riding a bicycle rolled through a stop sign.

Two Fullerton cops in a patrol car were watching.

Within seconds, Officer Jose Paez and his partner, Officer Chris Murphy, were out of their car, questioning the man as he sat on a curb at Malvern Avenue on a recent late afternoon.

Paez recognized the man from a stop six months ago, when the man was wanted for questioning about a gang-related incident.

“You’re not (gang) banging anymore, right?” Paez asked as he scanned the man’s driver license.

“No, that’s my past.”

IRS TAX SCAM ALERT-

The Fullerton Police Department has received multiple calls of residents and community members receiving threatening calls by person(s) claiming to be from the IRS and demanding personal information. We join with the IRS in our desire to not see you scammed by these imposters. The Fullerton Police Department and the IRS would like to remind you of the following:

The IRS will not:

• Call you to demand immediate payment. The IRS will not call you if you owe taxes without first sending you a bill in the mail.

• Demand that you pay taxes and not allow you to question or appeal the amount you owe.

• Require that you pay your taxes a certain way. For instance, require that you pay with a prepaid debit card.

• Ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

• Threaten to bring in police or other agencies to arrest you for not paying.

  If you don’t owe taxes, or have no reason to think that you do:

• Do not give out any information. Hang up immediately.

• Report the fraud or suspicious activity by visiting https://www.irs.gov and selecting the drop-down under “Help & Resources”

• If you know you owe, or think you may owe tax:

• Call the IRS at 800-829-1040.

During the first week of February 2016, there have been several vehicle burglaries and thefts occurring during night time hours in and around the Laguna Lake area.

The Fullerton Police Dept. would like to remind you to remove any valuables from your vehicle. Anything of perceived value to a thief is fair game and the thief does not care how he or she obtains it.

Most of the vehicles that have had items stolen from them in your neighborhood were unlocked. Those neighbors that have closed circuit or surveillance cameras, please review the footage and contact the Fullerton Police Dept. with any useful information.

The Fullerton Police Department encourages you to remove these items from your vehicle and to be on the lookout and report any suspicious activity immediately at (714) 738-6716. If you have any information regarding potential suspects, call Sgt. M. Hines at (714) 738-5336.

The Super Bowl is America’s most watched national sporting event. On Sunday, February 7, there will be lots of Super Bowl 50 socializing that may include drinking. That’s why the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the California Office of Traffic Safety and law enforcement officials statewide are urging football fans to call the play now: drinking OR driving. If you plan on drinking on Super Bowl Sunday, designate a sober driver to get you home safely.

On February 3^rd, 2016 at 10:45 a.m. Fullerton Police Detectives arrested Laura Zellerbach (41), a former treasurer of the Fullerton Rangers Youth Soccer Club. Mrs. Zellerbach was arrested in the City of Lakewood on several charges related to her position as treasurer of the organization from 2012 to 2014.

Fullerton police received a crime report from the Fullerton Rangers Youth Soccer Club in May of 2015 alleging embezzlement of funds in excess of $ 30,000.00. The report alleged that Mrs. Zellerbach was the treasurer of the Fullerton Rangers Youth Soccer Club from 2012 thru 2014 and during this time she embezzled funds belonging to the organization.

Fullerton Police Detectives conducted an extensive investigation which revealed funds in excess of $ 174,000.00 had been embezzled by Mrs. Zellerbach during the time that she was the treasurer of the Fullerton Rangers Youth Soccer Club.

On February 2^nd, 2016, Detectives of the Crimes Property Unit obtained an arrest warrant in the amount of $ 250,000.00 for Zellerbach charging money laundering, forgery of records, grand theft, misappropriation of property, and embezzlement.

Meet the Fullerton PD’s two newest sworn hires --- that’s right, ‘girl police officers’

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

When the two newest members of the Fullerton Police Department recently went out in public for the first time in uniform, three words really stuck with them.

Girl police officers!

SCAM ALERT: Some helpful information from Southern California Edison

Southern California Edison wants you to be alert as imposters are attempting to scam customers. Scammers are deceiving utility customers into paying non-existent bills with threats of immediate service shut-off.

Southern California Edison (SCE) wants you to know that they do not have a “disconnect department” and:

1). SCE Employees will never ask you to purchase pre-paid cash cards to pay your utility bill

2). If you get a call demanding money by pre-paid cash card or other personal financial information, hang up the phone.

3). Should you have questions, please contact SCE at (800) 655-4555 or visit www.SCE.com

SCE employees will always have an SCE issued photo identification badge and will be wearing a company uniform. SCE employee vehicles have permanent (non-removable) SCE logos affixed to them.

On January 22, 2016 around 1:30 PM, the Fullerton Police Department received a call from a resident stating she witnessed a woman steal a package from her neighbor’s front porch. The caller and another neighbor confronted the suspect who refused to return the stolen package.

Fullerton PD officers arrived on scene and were given a suspect description as well as a vehicle description and a license plate.

Officers responded to a location in the City of Buena Park where they located the suspect who admitted to taking the package and told the officers it was in her vehicle. The suspect, Christina Herrera (37) of Stanton was arrested for theft.

The property was promptly returned to the victim.

This was a great example of the community looking out for one another and reporting suspicious activity. Due to the actions of the caller and witnesses, a thief was arrested and property was promptly returned to its’ rightful owner.

#ifyouseesomethingsaysomething

On January 27^th, 2016 at approximately 2:00 PM a robbery occurred in the 1100 block of South Placentia. During the robbery, a male juvenile victim was stabbed in the upper torso.

A 911 caller reported a group of males had stabbed a male victim and fled the area. The victim sustained several stab wounds to his upper torso and was transported to a local trauma center for treatment. The victim’s injuries are non-life-threatening and he is expected to survive.

Officers arrived on scene and detained and arrested three of the four males involved in the robbery. One of the suspects is outstanding and he is described as male, in his late teens or early 20’s wearing light colored clothing.

The gang unit is on scene and investigating.

The Fullerton Police Department is encouraging anyone with information on this stabbing to contact the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6756. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or go to www.occrimestoppers.org.

Please be on the lookout for these escaped inmates.....they are considered dangerous.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA at (714) 647-7014 x 7000.

If you see something, say something.

This past weekend, a resident of Corona came to the station to report that she had left her designer purse containing jewelry and money in at a Panda Express in the City of Fullerton. The owner of purse estimated purse and the contents of the purse were at least $ 12,000.00.

By a stroke of luck and the kindness of strangers, a married couple dining at the same Panda Express found the purse a short time later and contacted the owner.

On Sunday, the couple then made the trek to the City of Corona and returned the purse with all of the contents to the owner. The owner was ecstatic and so relieved, she thanked the couple with a monetary reward for their kindness and honesty.

For the anonymous couple who made the drive to Corona to return the owners property, it meant the world to the owner and we want to Thank You as does the rest of our department for your actions.

Thank you to the residents of Fullerton for all of your continued support.

#kindness #goodsamaritansrock #ThankYou

Fullerton PD ends standoff with residential burglary suspects peacefully; four in custody

By Greg Hardesty

A standoff that lasted more than eight hours ended peacefully in Fullerton on Wednesday evening after police located and took into custody a minor suspected of being part of a four-person team of would-be residential burglars.

Three of the suspects were arrested shortly after the noon call came in Jan. 13 regarding suspicious persons in the 1400 block of West Southgate Ave.

As officers arrived on the scene, the fourth suspect, later identified as a 15-year-old from Los Angeles, tossed his shotgun on the ground and fled.

He holed himself up in a vacant church, prompting the assistance of North County SWAT, the Anaheim PD’s K9 unit and a California Highway Patrol helicopter.

The standoff in the 1800 block of West Avenue ended around 9 p.m. when North County SWAT officers located the teenager in the church and arrested him without incident.

The minor is not being identified by the FPD.

The other suspects are Steven Sanchez, 19, of Paramount; Romell Knutt, 21, of Los Angeles; and Allen Cato, 19, of Los Angeles.

And the winners are: Fullerton Police Officers’ Association honors its best in 2015

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

It’s award season --- no, not the Oscars, but that’s just around the corner --- and police agencies are honoring their own for outstanding work done in 2015.

The Fullerton Police Officers’ Association last month got the party started by handing out its Officers of the Year Awards --- awards that also went to top-performing members of the agency’s professional staff as well as volunteers.

Below are the FPD employees honored at the Dec. 11 ceremony, with comments from the person or persons who made the nominations. Winners were selected by a vote.

A man walked up to counter at the Fullerton PD and surprise, he wasn’t there to complain

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

He thought the person was there to complain.

On Christmas Day, Fullerton PD Lt. Thomas Oliveras was handling watch commander duties when a person walked up to the counter at PD headquarters and asked to speak to the WC.

Usually when that happens, a person has a beef to air.

But when Oliveras came out to greet the person, he wasn’t confronted with guff, but instead was handed a Christmas card.

The card was addressed to the Fullerton PD.

The man shook Oliveras’ hand and thanked him for the job all FPD officers do and said the gift was from his family.

He did not want to identify himself, and quickly left.

Before he left, Oliveras thanked him. Then he walked back into his office and opened the envelope.

In addition to a heartfelt greeting on the card about “true heroes” who serve their country, there was a gift card inside in the amount of $250.

“That was a real surprise to see,” Oliveras said.

Oliveras gave the card to Police Chief Dan Hughes, who declared the money be donated to the FPD volunteer program.

“This kind gesture and generous donation really resonated with me,” Hughes said. “It’s a testament, I believe, to the hard work our officers do every day throughout the year --- work that usually goes unnoticed.

“The Fullerton PD is very grateful for this gift,” Hughes added, “and we will continue to serve our community with no expectations of gifts or accolades, but simply out of our genuine desire to do the best job possible.”

Fullerton PD taps sergeant, records specialist to replace half-century-old logo on patrol cars

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

He has a thing for cars.

She has degrees in interior and graphic design.

So the two employees of the Fullerton PD — Sgt. Tony Bogart and Aimee Cullen, a records specialist assigned to the Traffic Division — were a natural to turn to when top brass decided to update the agency’s logo.

In the process of replacing the FPD’s fleet of Crown Victoria sedan patrol cars with specially equipped Ford Police Interceptor Utility SUVs, Chief Dan Hughes and his command staff decided to modernize the police department’s logo, whose current design is a variation on one dating back to the late ’50s/early ’60s.

On 01-06-16 at 01:00 am, officers were dispatched to a call of a male brandishing a weapon in the 1100 block of East Chapman Avenue. A veteran police officer detained a male matching the description who was armed with a knife.

The suspect has been identified as Jimmy Lastra (42) of Artesia. Officers on scene ordered Mr. Lastra to drop the knife multiple times. He repeatedly refused commands to drop the knife and officers utilized non-lethal sponge rounds in attempts to disarm Mr. Lastra. Mr. Lastra still refused to comply with commands to drop his weapon and K9 Rotar was deployed in an attempt to take Mr. Lastra into custody.

Mr. Lastra turned his knife onto K9 Rotar and an officer involved shooting occurred. Mr. Lastra was shot and transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries which are non-life threatening. Mr. Lastra has an outstanding warrant for his arrest for assault and battery and is facing several charges related to this incident.

K9 Rotar was treated for minor injuries at Yorba Regional Animal Hospital and is expected to return to work in about a week.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is currently investigating the shooting.

The Fullerton Police Department is encouraging anyone with information on this shooting to contact the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6800. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or go to www.occrimestoppers.org.

Pancake breakfast, free toys highlight Fullerton PD's Adopt a Family program

By Lori Basheda-Behind the Badge

Isabella climbed onto Santa’s lap and asked for a doll that drinks, walks, eats — and cries.

The second grader’s dad passed away unexpectedly two months ago.

“It’s been rough,” said her mom Nichole Werner, who also has two teens.

So she was grateful when she got a call from Isabella’s school saying that the family had been adopted by the Fullerton Police Department for Christmas.

“It means a lot because it’s something special for the kids,” she said.

Family, friends and Fullerton PD officers come together to support, shower love on ailing 6-year-old

By Marc Ballon-Behind the Badge

No mother should ever have to experience what Jaime King is going through.

Earlier this year, her youngest daughter, 6-year-old Katherine “Katie” King, began having vision and hearing problems. Jaime took Katie to an optometrist, who told her Katie’s eyes were fine but that she should see a “brain doctor.” Instead, Jaime King took her daughter to three pediatricians. Collectively, they said Katie had probably swallowed pills, had low iron or a virus. One doctor called the optometrist a “quack.”

Trusting her instincts, Jaime King took Katie to the emergency room of CHOC Children’s. That same day, June 2, she and her husband received the worst news a parent could ever hear: Katie had DIPG, an inoperable and malignant brain tumor with a 100-percent mortality rate. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is nine months.

At-need kids treated to dinner, Target spree during Fullerton PD’s Shop With a Cop

By Greg Hardesty

The 8-year-old girl had a question.

“Am I going to go with a police boy or a police girl?”

Yusra Khan said she preferred a girl cop.

“Because they’re fancier,” she explained.

Yusra got not one, but two female FPD employees — one a police officer, the other a civilian member of the professional staff — to accompany her and her mother during the Fullerton PD’s Shop With a Cop on Dec. 10.

Fullerton officers step up, provide helping hands by assembling HomeAid O.C. care kits

By Marc Ballon-Behind the Badge OC

From his first day on the force 19 years ago, Officer Randy Richards of the Fullerton Police Department has had a singular mission: to help those in need.

Police Aim to Save Lives With ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ Crackdown

Fullerton, CA - If you’re enjoying the holidays with a drink, Fullerton Police Department has a message for you: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Due to the increase in impaired driving-related fatalities around the holidays each year, law enforcement agencies across America will be actively searching for and arresting impaired drivers from December 18 to January 3.

Fullerton PD: Burglary suspect used pictures on social media to target female victims

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

A residential burglary suspect arrested last week by the Fullerton PD is suspected of using photos posted on Instagram and other social media sites to pinpoint where his college-age female victims lived to steal their computers, iPads, TVs — and their panties and bras, the FPD said Monday.

“He seems to be fixated on college-aged women,” FPD Lt. Andrew Goodrich said of suspect Arturo Galvan, 44, of Menifee, who was arrested late Thursday after a three-hour search near Dorothy Lane and Raymond Avenue.

Goodrich said Galvan appeared to be stealing items of value but that the burglaries had a sexual component to them. In addition to panties and bras, Galvan is suspected of stealing framed photos of women and jewelry from the homes and apartments he is suspected of hitting.

Victims on Monday arrived at the FPD to retrieve stolen items.

Routine call about suspicious car turns into nice surprise for Fullerton PD, CSUF officers

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

The parked car looked suspicious.

Two people – a man and a woman — were sitting inside the silver 1998 Honda Civic CRX in a nice area of Fullerton, at Old River Road and Victoria Drive near Cal State Fullerton.

It was shortly before 4 p.m. on Nov. 11.

At approximately 3:00 pm, the Fullerton Police Department was dispatched to the area of Brookhurst and Commonwealth regarding an explosion.

Officers located a male who had climbed onto the transformer and subsequently caught on fire. He was transported to a local trauma center suffering from critical injuries as a result of the fire. The male died the following morning of his injuries.

A sigalert was issued and traffic was diverted from the area for the next 2 hours. The affected areas include: Southbound Brookhurst at Commonwealth to Southbound Brookhurst at Valencia.

Feast for the tummy and soul: At-risk kids earn Thanksgiving dinners for their families

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

The sixth-grader has an older brother in a street gang.

He also has a delicious Thanksgiving dinner staring him in the face.

His brother, 19, is a source of great concern for his parents.

The meal, which his parents also enjoyed, is a reward the kid received for not doing stuff that could send him down the same sad and destructive path his brother chose to follow.

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, Juan Ugalde, 11, and his parents, Simon and Silvia, dug into that meal in a multipurpose room at Topaz Elementary School in Fullerton.

Juan was one of 10 students at Topaz to get an early taste of Thanksgiving.

Don’t forget these RSVPs: They are invaluable members of the Fullerton Police Department

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge OC

Myron Roberts walks with a slow shuffle and the use of a cane.

War injury.

Ran over an anti-tank mine during the Korean War.

That hasn’t stopped the O.C. native from serving, for years, the city he dearly loves and where he has lived for 62 years.

Roberts, 83, is an RSVP for the Fullerton PD.

Fullerton police personnel were in the 100 block of East Ash Avenue on November 18, 2015 at approximately 1:30 p.m. for parking issues when they heard several shots fired in the area. As officers arrived to the location, one of the two males on scene shot himself once with a handgun. Other officers quickly responded to the area and found one additional male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Both males were transported to a local trauma center where the male who shot himself was pronounced dead. The second male was treated for multiple gunshot wounds and he remains in serious but stable condition. There was a female present for the shooting; however she was uninjured and taken to the station for questioning.

The shooting is being investigated as a love triangle and the investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Detective Barry Coffman of the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-5361. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or to their website at www.occrimestoppers.org.

Into the dark: Officers scour tunnels, flood channels to warn homeless about coming rain

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

From bright sunlight, they descend into darkness.

The four cops ditch their sunglasses for flashlights as they begin trekking through a maze of graffiti-filled flood channels under the streets of La Habra.

They’re looking for homeless people to issue a warning:

A potentially monstrous El Niño-fueled winter is just around the corner, and people living in the tunnels and channels need to move to safer ground – or face the grim possibility of being swept away to their deaths.

The joint effort of the Fullerton and La Habra PDs on Wednesday followed a similar operation last Friday by homeless liaison officers with the FPD to clear several tunnels and channels in their city.

‘Flock’ breast cancer awareness campaign migrates to Fullerton PD HQs for a day

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

On Wednesday morning, Dan Hughes got flocked.

So did the top two members of the Fullerton PD chief’s command staff, Capt. John Siko and Capt. Scott Rudisil.

It was all about sending a message:

Flock Cancer.

Pedal to the metal: Orange County Auto Theft Taskforce honored for stellar work in 2014

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

Stealing cars may seem like a straightforward crime, and largely the province of common street thugs.

But it’s a crime that has a huge economic impact, police say --- and often involves big-time crooks who exactly are the type of people who like to tool around town in stolen luxury cars.

Fullerton PD rings out October on high note, raising nearly $3,000 for breast cancer research

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

At the Fullerton PD, pink is yielding lots of green.

For the second year in a row, the agency held a Breast Cancer Awareness campaign in October, raising a total of $2,717 that will be donated to St. Jude for cancer research, said Lt. Andrew Goodrich.

Fullerton PD embraces community as kids, families tour station at annual open house

By Marc Ballon-Behind the Badge

A woman comes across an odd scene: a man working on a car at the side of a wooded forest with a passenger passed out in the front seat.

She asks if everything is OK. Yes, the man says.

Suddenly, he pulls out a weapon and begins firing. She returns fire with a Glock 22.

Another assailant materializes from the bushes and starts shooting. She points her weapon at him. Then a man hidden in the backseat sprays her with bullets. She shoots back. Bullets fly and chaos reigns.

The final tally: Not a single one of her shots hit an assailant, although she inadvertently shot the incapacitated passenger.

Thankfully, the gun battle that would have surely left her dead was only a virtual recreation. Instead of shooting people, the woman fired an empty gun at a screen, with sensors tracking her errant shots.

Join us for a Fullerton Neighborhood Watch Meeting on October 27th, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Amerige Pointe Apartments Clubhouse. The clubhouse is located at 1001 Starbuck.

Light refreshments will be served and a movie (Disney's Cinderella) will be shown to the kids in the media room.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Vaping, cyber-bullying among topics tackled at Fullerton PD’s first teen/parent conference

By Lori Basheda-Behind the Badge

If you think that what you’re inhaling when you “vape” is just a bunch of harmless fruity water vapor, you’re dead wrong.

Help us locate Juan Rodriguez (64) described as male, 5'-10" with brown hair and brown eyes. Mr. Rodriguez was last seen at the Willow Tree Lodge in Fullerton by staff members on 09-21-15.

Anyone with information about Mr. Rodriguez or his whereabouts is encouraged to call Detective Malone at (714) 738-6534.

New booth at Fullerton PD open house aims to help reunite missing persons with relatives

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

They can’t put the feeling into words.

Joe Giasone takes a stab at it.

“A feeling of real emptiness,” he says. “I still get choked up thinking about it.”

The traumatic experience Joe and his wife, Barbara, experienced 12 years ago explains why, this Saturday, Barbara will find herself running a booth that is making its debut at the Fullerton Police Department’s 4th-annual Open House.

A behind-the-scenes look at a jailer’s job at the Fullerton Police Department

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

He’s had every conceivable bodily fluid end up on his black shoes or forest-green uniform at one time or another, but Fullerton PD jailer Carlos Medina takes that highly unpleasant reality in stride.

“It’s not personal,” says Medina. “They (arrestees) don’t know me. If I took everything personally, I would be miserable and angry at the world.”

Medina, 28, is a personable and grounded guy --- despite a job that puts him in regular close contact with some of society’s most unsavory characters.

Drunks.

Drug dealers.

Wife beaters.

Tech Support Scam

The suspects in this scam email you and ask for you to confirm your identity and claim they are from Apple Tech support. They make the receiver of the email believe that they are representing Apple/iCloud Tech support. Once you click on the confirm identity hyperlink, you are redirected to a screen that asks for your iTunes account information.

In some cases they also charge a fee which requires you to give them your credit card number. They will then ask for as much personal information as you will give them because they claim they need it to process the transaction.

Facts related to this scam:

Apple does not send unsolicited emails asking the receiver to confirm their identity.

Once you give them control of your iTunes account they are free to obtain any information contained within your account as well.

What you can do to combat this scam:

Do not click through the hyperlink asking to confirm your identity, rather contact Apple iTunes support or visit their scam website: http://www.apple.com/support/

Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Information on how to do this is on their website: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/scams-alerts.

FULLERTON POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT FOR

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT AND CRASH PREVENTION

The Fullerton Police Department has been awarded a $296,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program of special enforcements and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries. The Police Department will use the funding as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe and improve the quality of life through both enforcement and education.

Chief Dan Hughes praised OTS for their commitment to collaborating with local agencies in order to reduce traffic related injuries and deaths.

Fullerton PD torches $2.7 worth of narcotics and weed on under-the-radar ‘dope burn’

By Greg Hardesty

On a recent weekday afternoon, a rented moving truck rumbled down an Orange County freeway next to the right shoulder.

Passing motorists barely gave the truck a glance, except for one driver in a Cadillac trying to get onto the freeway.

The driver tried to squeeze into the slow lane directly ahead of the truck and behind a blue SUV, but the truck refused to create space.

With the onramp rapidly disappearing, the driver of the truck eventually was forced to let the Cadillac in ahead of him. Before speeding off into faster-moving lanes, the Cadillac driver gave him a one-finger salute.

FPD personnel will be wearing pink this month in support of #breastcancerawareness; here is our design for 2015! This year's shirts will be available for purchase at our 4th annual department open house on October 24th; the cost is $ 15.00 per shirt.

All proceeds will be donated to local breast cancer research at the end of the month!

If you want to know all about crime in Fullerton, then check out this free website

By Greg Hardesty

It’s free, it’s powerful and there’s a world of information at your fingertips.

For years, the Fullerton PD has been using sophisticated online crime mapping to figure out where to deploy resources to go after bad guys.

Anyone with an Internet connection can see what crimes are happening in their neighborhood or elsewhere and when — and take steps to stay safe. The service, raidsonline.com, provides a detailed snapshot of crimes that can be filtered by type, date range and a whole lot more.

And the online service doesn’t even require registration.

Help us find Jack Heweitt Warner (89) missing since August 21st, 2015 from a downtown assisted living facility. Mr. Warner is described as Male, White, 6'-1", 169 lbs., with black/grey hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown flight jacket and unknown colored pants.

If you have any information about Mr. Warner, please contact Detective M. Malone at (714) 738-6534 or the Watch Commander at (714) 738-6817.

Community Invited to Police Open House

Fourth Annual Open House on Saturday, October 24

The Fullerton Police Department is pleased to announce the Fourth Annual Police Department Open House, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The day’s events will include displays of Police/SWAT vehicles, demonstrations, Public Safety information, Police Memorabilia displays and tours of the station, including the Police Department shooting range, where participants can try out our PRISM shooting simulator. In addition, food trucks, booths and games along with a DJ will add to the festive environment surrounding the Police Open House.

This year’s event is also scheduled as part of the Red Ribbon Week (October 24-31) kickoff, the Nation’s largest anti-drug campaign. Visitors will have a chance to sign the Red Ribbon Pledge Banner, showing others that they are committed to taking a stand against drugs.

The Open House Event will take place at the Fullerton Police Department, located at 237 W. Commonwealth Avenue, in the City of Fullerton. For more information, please contact the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6836 or online at http://www.fullertonpd.org/

You are invited to the Fullerton Neighborhood Watch Meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2015 featuring a presentation on Surviving the Drought by the Metropolitan Water District.

The event will be held in the City Council Chambers located at 303 West Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton 92832. Refreshments will be served from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm and the presentation will begin promptly at 7:00 pm.

For additional information, please contact CSO Juanita Juarez at (714) 738-6836.

‘Serial butt grabber’ case highlights teamwork between Fullerton PD, CSUF police

He hunted midweek in the evening for college-age females, driving meticulously planned routes around Cal State Fullerton and near his home in La Habra.

He sought out women wearing yoga pants or exercise tights who were walking alone and usually distracted on their cell phones or listening to music on earphones.

For nearly five months beginning in August 2014, the slim 21-year-old, who worked in a warehouse and lived with his girlfriend and their young daughter, approached his victims on foot from behind, slapped or grabbed their buttocks, and then fled back to his car and drove off into the night.

Have unwanted medications that you need to dispose of..? The Fullerton Police Department in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be hosting a collection of unused or expired medications on Saturday, September 26th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. The location of the event will be held on the Highland side of the Police Department and will feature a drive-thru style collection for ease of drop-off.

According to the Department of Justice, "Medications that languish in home medicine cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse."

The Fullerton Police Department encourages you to dispose of your medications in a safe and responsible way.

Fullerton cop relishes rarity of witnessing lifelong drug, alcohol addict clean up his act

He was down to 11 teeth, his body and mind a chemical wasteland, when the narcotics officers showed up at his trashed home in Fullerton, search warrant in hand.

For 45 of his 60 years, Bill Easton had been abusing alcohol and drugs, with methamphetamine his latest poison of choice.

Police Officer Trainee: Under general supervision performs a variety of non-sworn law enforcement duties, attends a formalized education program in preparation for employment as a Police Officer and performs related work as required.

Police Officer Trainee is a full time, non-sworn, temporary classification intended to prepare individuals to become sworn police officers.

Upon successful completion of a Police Academy approved by the Fullerton Police Department, a Police Officer Trainee shall be appointed to Police Officer.

Please call (714) 738-3377 for additional information.

Community Invited to Police Open House

4th Annual Open House on Saturday, October 24

The Fullerton Police Department is pleased to announce the Fourth Annual Police Department Open House, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The day’s events will include displays of Police/SWAT vehicles, demonstrations, Public Safety information, Police Memorabilia displays and tours of the station, including the Police Department shooting range, where participants can try out our PRISM shooting simulator. In addition, food trucks, booths and games along with a DJ will add to the festive environment surrounding the Police Open House.

This year’s event is also scheduled as part of the Red Ribbon Week (October 24-31) kickoff, the Nation’s largest anti-drug campaign. Visitors will have a chance to sign the Red Ribbon Pledge Banner, showing others that they are committed to taking a stand against drugs.

The Open House Event will take place at the Fullerton Police Department, located at 237 W. Commonwealth Avenue, in the City of Fullerton. For more information, please contact the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6836 or online at http://www.fullertonpd.org.

Fullerton police have been working alongside other public safety and fire department partners since the Risner fire was reported on Tuesday afternoon, September 08^th, 2015 at 3: 45 p.m. The fire reportedly began in the area of Gilbert and Castlewood and has burned over 80 acres northwest of intersection. The firefighting efforts were successful and the fire is 100% contained. Fullerton police assisted with voluntary evacuations of nearly 40 homes. Two firefighters were reported to have sustained injuries during the firefighting efforts.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation; however, investigators believe that the point of origin was a transient encampment in the Coyote Hills area near Gilbert and Castlewood.

On September 09^th, 2015 police in conjunction with fire investigators’ discovered information that led them to the detention and arrest of a suspect believed to be involved in the fire. The suspect has been identified as Paul Munoz (56) of Fullerton. Munoz was arrested after he was questioned by investigators the morning of September 09^th, around 8:45 a.m. He was charged with negligent causing of a fire with injuries.

The investigation remains on-going and is being handled by the Fullerton Police Department Property Crimes Unit. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-5336. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or to their website at www.occrimestoppers.org.

The Fullerton Police Department is presenting their first annual teen and parent conference on Saturday, October 17th, 2015 from 8:00 am-1:00 pm.

The conference will consist of workshops addressing contemporary issues affecting our youth and parents such as marijuana and other illegal drug use, social media safety, effective parenting tools, energy drinks, and electronic cigarettes.

The conference will be featuring Dr. Al Valdez as the keynote speaker. Dr. Valdez is a professor at UCI, Irvine, author, and a gang expert. Dr. Jorje Galindo from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be presenting valuable information regarding the use and effects of marijuana on the young developing brain.

This half-day event promises to be informative and valuable to both teens and parents.

Please join us as we are committed to the health and safety of our most valuable future resource, our youth.

Please RSVP as soon as possible as the space is limited.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UHbHDFBxiobdafwlsaiSOn6HneS2xoufegPIqg4fviY/viewform?usp=send_form

Fullerton Police Arrest Sexual Assault Suspect

On September 03^rd, 2015 near midnight, a female victim was leaving In-Cahoots nightclub when she was approached by a male who she thought was a police officer or security guard. Thinking she was being “arrested”, the victim was bound by the male suspect and placed into the back of what she believed to be an undercover police car.

The suspect drove the victim around the City of Fullerton and ended up in the Skyline area of the City where he stopped the car. The suspect told the victim that if she cooperated that he would release her. The victim was then forcibly sexually assaulted by the suspect.

Once the sexual assault concluded, she was taken back to the In-Cahoots parking lot by the suspect and released.

The victim did not initially contact the police department, however, her friends were advised and they returned to In-Cahoots last night to contact the club management. While at that location, they saw a vehicle matching the description that the victim had given them.

Fullerton Police were later called and began an investigation that led to the arrest of Nelson Mauricio Lunaty Garcia (32) on charges including kidnapping and sexual assault. During a search of the suspect’s vehicle on scene, a loaded firearm was located.

Based on our investigation, we believe there may potentially be additional victims. Anyone with any information about Lunaty Garcia or this incident is urged to contact Detective M. Magliano of the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6753.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or to their website at www.occrimestoppers.org.

That’s the name that beat out six other candidates in a public contest to give the Fullerton PD’s newest K9 officer an official moniker.

Jax and Thor were the top two vote-getters through Labor Day, but Jax ended up with the most votes when the final numbers were tallied, Sgt. Kathryn Hamel said.

The other names people were asked to vote on were Anzo, Copper, Cruiser, Hero and Trooper.

“We thought it would be a good idea to have a naming contest to help members of our community further connect with our agency and reinforce our desire to be true partners with the residents of Fullerton in our quest to keep our city as safe as possible,” Hamel said.

Jax, a 16-month-old Belgian Malinois, fills a vacancy left by Blitz, who recently retired from the FPD after seven years of service.

Jax’s handler is Officer Scott Flynn, who is new to the K9 unit. Flynn joins FPD K9 Officers Tim Haid and Jonathan Miller and their four-legged partners, Rotar and Mueller, respectively (click here to read more about Jax).

Bank Robbery Arrest Update-

On September 04th, 2015 at 3:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to a bank robbery that had just occurred at the Bank of the West, 3021 E. Yorba Linda Blvd.

Officers were on scene quickly and flagged down by witnesses, that provided them with a suspect vehicle description.

Officers responding to the call quickly located the suspect vehicle and conducted a felony vehicle stop on Dorothy east of Raymond.

The suspect was subsequently arrested for bank robbery. He has been identified as Juan Manuel Arevalo (25), a resident of Fullerton.

An undisclosed amount of money and a note were recovered at the bank and additional monies were recovered from inside the suspect vehicle during the vehicle stop.

Editor's note #: Booking photo of Juan Manuel Arevalo (25)

On September 08, 2015 at approximately 12:45 p.m., officers responded to the area of Harbor Blvd. and La Entrada Pl. to reports of an auto accident involving two vehicles. Officers arrived on scene and located a female in her mid-sixties lying in the southbound lanes of traffic suffering from injuries consistent with a collision. The victim-driver was ejected from her vehicle during the collision and came to rest on the southbound lanes of Harbor Blvd.

The victim, a resident of Fullerton, was pronounced deceased on scene by Fullerton Fire Department personnel. Her identity is being withheld until the Orange County coroner’s office arrives on scene and her family members are notified.

The other driver, a female in her thirties, remained on scene and was subsequently transported to a local trauma center suffering from unknown injuries.

Anyone with information about the accident is encouraged to contact the Traffic Bureau at 714 738-6816.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or to their website at www.occrimestoppers.org.

The Fullerton Police Department invites you to join our next Citizen’s Academy.

The Citizen’s Academy will provide you the opportunity to see first hand the functions of your police department. During the 10-week course, you will be exposed to the many aspects of police work in your community. Students will gain an overall knowledge of the Fullerton Police Department, how we are organized, how we serve the community, and whom the people are who respond when citizens call.

This course is not meant to train people to be police officers. Rather, it is intended to open communication between the community and law enforcement. Instructors are drawn from all levels of the department. Students will meet Police Chief, Dan Hughes, the captains, the managers,patrol officers, detectives, dispatchers, and other department staff members.

We encourage participants to ask questions and discuss those issues relevant to the topics presented. A major goal of the Citizen’s Police Academy is to increase understanding between citizens and their police department, and to build a strong and long lasting relationship. Each academy participant will have an opportunity to participate in a Ride-Along with a patrol officer.

Come join Future in Humanity in partnership with the Fullerton Police Department Homeless Liasion Unit and others as we bring awareness to mental health issues.

This free event will take place at the Fullerton Public Library located at 353 West Commonwealth Aveneue on Saturday, September 19th, 2015 from 11:00 am-2:00 pm.

For additional information on this informative, please contact Kathreen at kathreen@futureinhumanity.org or visit www.futureinhumannity.org.

Come to understand and be empowered.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Highway sections to be named for two Fullerton officers killed in line of duty

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

Their lives were cut short when they were on the job, but memories of two fallen Fullerton Police officers live on.

And soon, motorists will be reminded daily about the ultimate sacrifices made by Officer Jerry Hatch and Det. Tommy De La Rosa.

Community Invited to Police Open House

4th Annual Open House

Saturday, October 24th from 10:00 am-4:30 pm

The Fullerton Police Department is pleased to announce the Fourth Annual Police Department Open House, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The day’s events will include displays of Police/SWAT vehicles, demonstrations, Public Safety information, Police Memorabilia displays and tours of the station, including the Police Department shooting range, where participants can try out our PRISM shooting simulator. In addition, food trucks, booths and games along with a DJ will add to the festive environment surrounding the Police Open House.

This year’s event is also scheduled as part of the Red Ribbon Week (October 24-31) kickoff, the Nation’s largest anti-drug campaign. Visitors will have a chance to sign the Red Ribbon Pledge Banner, showing others that they are committed to taking a stand against drugs.

The Open House Event will take place at the Fullerton Police Department, located at 237 W. Commonwealth Avenue, in the City of Fullerton. For more information, please contact the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6836 or online at http://www.fullertonpd.org/

UPDATE: MIssing Person Terence McCOVERY, Jr. has been located and he is safe in the Northern California region of the State.

On 08/21/2015, at approximately 1730 hours, Terence McCOVERY, Jr. left his residence for work and never returned home. According to family, McCOVERY never arrived to his place of employment and they have not heard from him or seen him since.

McCOVERY is 20 years old and was described by family as Male, Black, 6'-1", 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a red Angels baseball zipper hooded sweatshirt and red shorts. He may be dealing with mental health issues, however he has not been formally diagnosed.

McCOVERY did not take his cellular telephone or any additional clothing with him. McCOVERY was last known to be driving a 1998 Chevrolet S-10 Green extended cab pick-up truck (5S34331).

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6753.

Fullerton City Council honors retiring K9 Blitz, who excelled during seven years of service

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

The excited yips and yaps came from the back of the council chambers.

“It sounds like it’s time for our first presentation,” Fullerton Mayor Greg Sebourn said.

Fullerton Police Chief Dan Hughes, preparing to talk about the retiring officer, cracked:

“Apparently somebody’s got a hot dog in their pocket.”

Man visiting Fullerton is fourth to drown in O.C. since Saturday and fifth in last week

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

A 34-year-old man visiting friends who attend Cal State Fullerton drowned in a Fullerton apartment pool Monday morning --- the fifth person to drown in Orange County in less than a week and the fourth since Saturday.

As summer winds down, the Fullerton Police Department is ramping up its enforcement efforts as part of a national crackdown on drunk driving. The 18-day, high-visibility campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, is a partnership with the California Office of Traffic Safety to curb impaired driving and save lives. August 21-September 7 (Labor Day), law enforcement partners in Orange County, across the state and nationwide will show zero tolerance for drunk driving. Increased state and national messaging about the dangers of driving drunk, coupled with checkpoints and increased officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce the toll of drunk driving.

The Fullerton Police Department is presenting their first annual teen and parent conference. The conference will consist of workshops addressing contemporary issues affecting our youth and parents such as marijuana and other illegal drug use, social media safety, effective parenting tools, energy drinks, and electronic cigarettes.

The conference will be featuring Dr. Al Valdez as the keynote speaker. Dr. Valdez is a professor at UCI, Irvine, author, and a gang expert. Dr. Jorje Galindo from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be presenting valuable information regarding the use and effects of marijuana on the young developing brain.

This half-day event promises to be informative and valuable to both teens and parents.

Please join us as we are committed to the health and safety of our most valuable future resource, our youth.

Please RSVP as soon as possible as the space is limited.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UHbHDFBxiobdafwlsaiSOn6HneS2xoufegPIqg4fviY/viewform?usp=send_form

Please help us locate missing person Run Jie LUO. She is a(56-year old) Chinese National visting Fullerton with a tour group from China.

On 8/13/15, when the tour group checked out of their hotel in the City of Fullerton the tour guide noticed that LUO was missing. According to hotel staff, LUO had checked out of her room the day prior, and had taken her belongings. LUO was set to return to China with the tour group on 8-13-15. She is not known to have family or friends in the area.

LUO was described a being a female, 5’2” tall, 140 pounds, having brown short hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black sweater, black pants and carrying an unknown color backpack.

If you have seen LUO or have any information regarding her disappearance, please contact Detective V. Gardea at (714) 738-6728 or the on-duty watch commander at (714) 738-6817.

Fullerton, CA – Fullerton Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on August 7, 2015, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

SCE Cautions Customers to Stay Alert Against Utility Bill Scam

Southern California Edison (SCE) continues to advise customers to stay vigilant and learn to protect themselves from a telephone bill scam that demands immediate payment for allegedly past-due electricity bills.

On Monday, July 27 2015, two men knocked on the door of a residence in the 2000 block of Via Mirada in Fullerton, and when no one answered, they went into the backyard. The two men tried to open a back door but were scared away by dogs that were in the house. The resident called 911 and gave dispatchers a description of the suspects and their vehicle.

New feature: This officer was inspired by resilience and values of his immigrant grandparents

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

Editor’s note: What are you most proud of? That’s the question we pose to police officers and firefighters in this new regular feature. Billy Phu is a gang unit detective with the Fullerton Police Department. Phu, 28, has been with the agency for about nine years. The former cadet has worked as a patrol officer, field training officer, personnel/training officer, use-of-force instructor, firearms instructor and drug recognition expert/instructor.

Baseball camp for at-risk youth lauded as grand-slam success in teaching life lessons

Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

A crack of the bat, and the kid took off.

Another youngster playing second base fielded the ball cleanly and threw the batter out at first.

“Nice play!” yelled one of several adults watching the action last Wednesday at The Yard on Rosecrans Avenue in Fullerton.

Technically, July 22 marked the culmination of a three-day summer baseball camp to teach pre-teen kids how to catch, hit, throw and run the bases

But it was a monster home run on a whole different level — and not just because a former Angels playoff hero, Adam Kennedy, helped run the clinic.

National Night Out 2015

Join us for National Night Out on August 4th, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Independence Park for games, good and activities.

We look forward to seeing you there!

For the month ending June 30th, 2015 violent crimes including but not limited to robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault, have decreased nearly 18% in comparison to this same time last year (2014).

FPD reminds everyone to remain vigilant and aware of suspicious activity, if you "see something, say something" and call (714) 738-6700

Family disturbance: This cop had seconds to choose between deadly or non-deadly force

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge OC

Shoot the young man wielding the knife, or use a Taser?

Life or death.

In just seconds, the 26-year-old patrol cop had to make a decision.

Today, Fullerton Police K-9 Blitz retires after seven years of dedicated service to the Department and the Fullerton community. Blitz is a 9-year-old German Shepard who served with Canine Handler Jim Boline. During the course of his career, Blitz had seventy drug finds equating to over 21 pounds or 9,884 grams of narcotics seized, eight felony apprehensions, over sixty surrenders, and numerous article finds. When Blitz was not fighting crime, he was an ambassador for the Fullerton Police Department. He has participated in community programs such as the Special Olympics Tip-A-Cop, Officer Buckle and Gloria presentations and demonstrations for Fullerton’s Citizen Police Academy, Fullerton’s annual open house, and the Orange County Police Canine Association.

Canine Handler Officer Jim Boline is a 10-year veteran of law enforcement who came to the Fullerton Police Department in 2005. In 2009, Officer Boline and K9 Blitz received the American Legion Medal of Bravery for their pursuit and apprehension of an armed assault and robbery suspect.

After an outstanding career as a Fullerton Police K-9, Blitz will retire with Officer Boline and his family.

Please join us as we wish him well on his retirement.

On Monday, July 20^th, 2015 the Flame of Hope (the official torch for the Special Olympics World Games 2015) will be carried through the City of Fullerton. City personnel to include Fire, Parks & Recreation and Police will welcome an international team of law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes in the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg. A ceremony and welcome reception will be held in the 200 block of West Commonwealth Avenue (on Highland Avenue between Amerige Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue), at 07:45 a.m.

Recognize him? The man in this photograph just robbed Bank of the West located at 3021 E. Yorba Linda Boulevard. He is described as male, white in his 50's. He was last seen wearing a red Anaheim Angels shirt and red Angels baseball cap. The weapon was a handgun and the loss was cash.

If you know this man or have seen him, please call 911. Do not approach him as he is considered armed and dangerous.

For those wishing to share information anonymously, please visit www.occrimestoppers.org.

This senior volunteer for the Fullerton PD just can’t say no to helping out

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge OC

He’s going to get even.

Not that the genteel man whose backyard in Fullerton includes a garden with 18 varieties of tomatoes --- a grandfather of four who has been married for 53 years --- is going to do something mean.

But John Kunselman doesn’t like being in the spotlight.

By Behind the Badge OC staff

It was a kickball contest with a real kicker: honoring the Fullerton PD for strategies to reduce drunk driving in the city.

On Friday, June 19, Chief Dan Hughes and several officers participated in a kickball contest with members of a youth group from St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church at Ted Craig Regional Park, followed by a picnic, at the “P2: Picnic With the Police” event.

Fullerton Police officers located a gun yesterday evening believed to have been used in Monday’s assault with a firearm against two Fullerton Police Officers. The gun was found wedged on top of the trailer hitch of a vehicle that had been parked in the area of the shooting (near Euclid and Williamson).

On 06-22-15 at 02:00 am, a veteran police officer and his trainee attempted to stop a light colored Chevy SUV for traffic violations in the area of Euclid Ave. and Williamson Ave. The female driver failed to yield to the officers and a vehicle pursuit ensued.

The female drove to the area of Euclid Ave. west of Williamson where a male passenger exited the vehicle with a handgun. Officers gave chase to the male on foot, and as he fled from the vehicle he began firing rounds at the officers. The veteran officer returned fire and continued to pursue the male.

A third officer arrived on scene to assist and the suspect began firing rounds at him as well. The officer also returned fire towards the suspect. The suspect was described as a male in his 20’s wearing a black jersey style shirt with white lettering. The suspect fled the area on foot and a perimeter was established.

Neither the officers nor the suspect was injured during the exchange of gunfire.

The three occupants of the vehicle were detained at the station and have since been arrested.

On Sunday, 6-21-15, officers responded to the 400 block of W. Amerige Avenue and 200 block of N. Yale regarding flyers left on the front lawn of residences. Officers collected approximately 100 separate flyers or leaflets from the two locations of poor photocopy quality that had been placed in Ziploc bags with a small rock and a tootsie pop.

Recently retired women leaders in law enforcement (WLLE) discuss career paths

The recruit watched from the back, all eyes and ears on the four panelists as they talked about their more than 100 years of combined law enforcement experience.

On Monday, June 8, Danielle Riedl, 22, started attending the Fullerton PD pre-academy, and on July 20 she will enter the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy to pursue her dream of becoming a police officer.

On May 21, Riedl gleaned some pre-academy wisdom as an attendee of a panel discussion entitled “Going the Distance” hosted by Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Southern California at the Fullerton PD.

Riedl, a 2011 Mater Dei High School graduate who has worked for more than 3 ½ years as a community service officer at the CSU Fullerton Police Department, called the panel discussion invaluable.

“These women are amazing,” Riedl said. “They offer so much insight and so much experience, especially to someone like myself who is just starting out.

“I could see myself in each one of these women, and will remember what each of them said and apply it to my career,” Riedl said.

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

Dan Hughes held up a police badge.

“It’s really important that you understand what a privilege it is to wear a badge,” the Fullerton police chief said in brief remarks at the start of the Fullerton PD Promotions and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 4.

“This badge represents integrity, honor, character, courage and loyalty,” Hughes told the crowd inside the Fullerton Community Center Grand Hall.

“But above all these things,” Hughes said, “this badge represents, and is a symbol of, public trust and confidence. It represents a tremendous amount of authority, but with that authority comes a responsibility that we always conduct ourselves in an appropriate manner.

“If you accept this badge, promise that you never compromise what this badge represents. Be proud of being a police officer, be proud of this department and be proud of this profession.”

Before the new hires, promotions and awards were announced, Hughes thanked family members in the audience.

“We know it’s not always easy being in a relationship with some of us in law enforcement with the holidays and weekends we have to work, but it is your love and support, and most important your patience, that allows our employees to do the incredible job they do in our community,” Hughes said.

The chief then noted that last year in the U.S., 124 police officers were killed in the line of duty. So far this year, 54 more officers made the ultimate sacrifice carrying out what Hughes called the “noble high calling” of police work.

“If you are a member of this police department, I just want you to know we are so appreciative of what you do,” Hughes said. “We value what we do. We don’t tell you that enough, and I apologize for that.”

Our "Got Drugs" Event on 06-05-15 yielded 286 boxes (12 boxes) of expired and unused medications dropped off at the police department for destruction.

For those needing to safely dispose of sharps, please visit www.republicsharps.com or Facebook.com/republicservicessocal or call (714) 238-2444 for additional information.

We are planning another drug take back event sometime in October 2015; more information to follow.

Social Media Accounts for FPD Verified

The Fullerton Police Department is proud to announce that all social media platforms for the police department have been verified. Please follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FullertonPolice and on Twitter @FPDPIO for community events, police department happenings and public safety information.

Retired Fullerton police officer walks for a cause, and the reason is her late husband, ‘Mac’

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

She joked he had ulterior motives for wanting to marry her.

“I told him he married me just so he could coach little league,” Karen MacDonald said during a recent conversation at Coco’s in Fullerton.

MacDonald, a Fullerton Police officer for 25 years who retired in 2011, was thinking about the man she thinks about every day:

Mike MacDonald, her late husband.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Subject: Shots Fired at Gilbert Park-2 males wounded

Date: May 27, 2015

Contact: Sergeant Kathryn Hamel

(714) 738-6838

khamel@fullertonpd.org

Fullerton police responded to the 2100 block of West Baker Avenue on May 26, 2015 at approximately 10:00 p.m. regarding shots fired in the area of Gilbert Park.

Officers arrived on scene and discovered two male victims on the east side of the park suffering from gunshot wounds. The first victim, a male in his 20’s was shot in the upper torso and the other victim, a male juvenile was shot in the lower torso and legs. Both victims were transported to a local trauma center where they remain in stable condition.

The investigation remains on-going and anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Detective Phu of the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 446-1459. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or to their website at www.crimestoppers.org.

Rolling Hills elementary ends successful Team Kids Challenge with a carnival

By Steven Georges and Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

Four weeks of students competing against each other in such activities as collecting food and clothing culminated May 21 with a carnival, marking a successful end to the first-ever Team Kids Challenge at a Fullerton school.

Team Kids is an Irvine-based non-profit that runs youth-led school- and community-based service programs that are based on prevention research from the Search Institute to promote positive outcomes for kids, while preventing high-risk behaviors.

Rolling Hills Elementary became the first school in Fullerton to partner up with Team Kids, which has been running programs at schools since 2001. The Team Kids Challenge was held in partnership with the Fullerton Police and Fullerton Fire departments, with all of the proceeds benefiting research into cystic fibrosis.

Got Drugs?

Bring your unused or expired medication to the Fullerton Police Department for safe disposal on Saturday, June 6th, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Personnel will be on site to collect your unused or expired medications on the Highland side of the police department.

A simple, convenient drive-thru style collection to safely dispose of medications.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday on the Highland side of the PD (located at 237 West Commonwealth Avenue).

*Syringes will not be accepted; please contact your local waste management provider or your healthcare provider for information regarding safe syringe disposal.

Fullerton PD plays a big role in city’s 77^th Annual Memorial Day Observance

Officers from the Fullerton Police Department provided escort support, raised the colors and presented the gun salute Monday at the 77^th Annual Fullerton Memorial Day Observance.

FPD Motor Officer Kyle Baas also played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.

The “Greatest Generation” and the U.S. Marines were the focus of a special salute at the free event at Loma Vista Memorial Park.

The observance --- the oldest continuous Memorial Day ceremony in Orange County --- was sponsored by the nonprofit American Veterans Memorial Association and the City of Fullerton.

The special guest speaker was Lt. Gen. David H. Berger, commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton.

A tip of the (police) hat to you: Fullerton PD raises money for Special Olympics

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

Police Chief Dan Hughes had barely stepped into Heroes Bar & Grill in downtown Fullerton when a patron in a baseball cap walked up to him and handed him $10.

“Hey chief, I want you to have this,” the man said. “I just want to support you guys.”

The generous patron then disappeared into the back of the establishment.

It was that kind of night for the Fullerton PD: patrons opening up their wallets to support a great cause, Special Olympics Southern California, at the FPD’s annual Tip a Cop event.

Click It or Ticket Campaign Starts May 18th

Fullerton Police Department Will Show Zero Tolerance

Fullerton, CA – Once again, Fullerton Police Department is reminding motorists to Click It or Ticket. As part of the national seat belt enforcement campaign, law enforcement agencies around the country will be stepping up enforcement May 18-31, including one of the busiest travel weekends of the year that kicks off the summer season.

For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot.

Fullerton Chief Dan Hughes: Our officers are completely invested in the community

By Greg Hardesty

Editor’s Note: Behind the Badge OC recently caught up with Fullerton Police Chief Dan Hughes to discuss the state of his agency and the broader picture of policing in America today. Hughes, 50, started working for the Fullerton PD two weeks out of high school as a cadet. He took over the department as acting chief in January 2012 and was unanimously elected permanent chief by the City Council in August 2013.

For the month ending April 30th, 2015 violent crimes including but not limited to robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault, have decreased nearly 28% in comparison to this same time last year (2014).

FPD reminds everyone to remain vigilant and aware of suspicious activity, if you "see something, say something" and call (714) 738-6700.

The men and women of the Fullerton Police Department will be on hand Thursday, May 14th from 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Heroes Bar and Grill to assist Special Olympics Southern California raise funds to support their athletes.

All tips collected benefit the athletes and we are so excited to help them reach their goals.

Come join us, we look forward to seeing you there!

By Thomas Leftwich-Behind the Badge

It was a day that relied on teamwork, dedication and most of all, a sense of community.

On Saturday, May 9, the second-annual "Love Fullerton" citywide service day proved to be a huge success. Upwards of 3,000 people gathered to give back to their community, choosing from more than 50 service projects that ranged from sprucing up local schools to donating blood and feeding the homeless.

Love Fullerton is a partnership of area churches, the City of Fullerton, the police department, local business and service organizations, education and local residents - all coming together to make Fullerton a better place.

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

It happens all the time.

Tamara Otley will tell someone her job title -- Crime Analyst at the Fullerton Police Department -- and almost always, the person will say, “Oh, CSI!”

Wrong!

“Sometimes I don’t bother to correct them,” she says with a laugh.

What Otley does is as critical to the FPD as the work of her colleagues in crime scene investigation -- the “CSI” work that long has been glamorized in TV shows and movies.

With a tap or two on her keyboard, Otley can summon up reams of crime data that helps police officers do their jobs better.

She’s a one-woman storehouse of information on the types and frequency of crimes occurring throughout Fullerton -- the person who can tell you how many catalytic converters have been stolen from cars in the last few months, and when and from where.

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

“How many of you have been told you’re too little to do something?”

A sea of tiny hands shoots up.

“How about that you’re too young?”

They shoot up again.

The students at Rolling Hills Elementary School in Fullerton had never seen an assembly like this, with police officers and firefighters and a vivacious young woman firing off those questions.

For the month ending March 31st, 2015 property crimes such as theft, have increased in comparison to last month. FPD personnel remind our community members to secure valuables when leaving vehicles unattended.

Also, be aware that opportunists may be encouraged to take items in plain view. Please lock and secure your valuables at all times.

FPD reminds everyone to remain vigilant and aware of suspicious activity, if you "see something, say something" and call (714) 738-6700.

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

Although he’s only 27, when it comes to his uniform, Fullerton PD motor officer Kyle J. Baas prefers the old-school look.

Instead of wearing modern Kevlar-blend motor breeches, he steps into triple-thick wool duty pants --- which are hotter and don’t breath nearly as well as the modern synthetic material.

And his shiny black riding boots rise to his knees --- a style that has become less common with motor officers who prefer shorter boots that are more comfortable to wear an entire shift.

Baas’ uniform choice is about much more than personal style.

Holding his 3-month-old son and waiting for his wife, Jeannette, a records and dispatcher supervisor for the Covina PD, to return home, Baas gestures to a black-and-white photo on the dining room table.

In the grainy picture from the early 1950s, a handsome, square-jawed cop wearing shades is sitting on his 1949 Harley-Davidson police motorcycle.

The bike has headlights and a red light, and not much else --- not even a windshield.

Old school.

Eight Fullerton PD officers honored for number of DUI arrests made in 2014

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

The memory will stay with him forever.

Timothy Gibert was a rookie officer still in training with the Fullerton PD in 2010 when he responded to a serious traffic accident.

A man who had been drinking had lost control of his car and crashed, injuring his girlfriend in the passenger seat.

On the way to UC Medical Center, Gibert phoned the 21-year-old woman’s parents to tell them what had happened. At the time, Gibert believed the young woman likely would survive.

But Gibert watched her die at the hospital.

“That call will stick with me for a long time – probably forever,” Gibert, 27, said Tuesday night.

A mother of two remains in critical condition as Fullerton Police on Thursday once again reached out to the public for any information on a suspected hit-and-run motorist who struck the woman March 27.

Danielle Pitts, 36, a single mother of two young children, is at UCI Medical Center in Orange with relatives from out of state keeping a vigil at her bedside, Fullerton PD Sgt. Kathryn Hamel said April 2.

“We are asking anyone who has any information about this crime to come forward, even anonymously,” Hamel said. “Danielle’s family is devastated and are praying that the driver can be brought to justice to face the consequences of his or her actions.”

Fullerton Police officers found Pitts around 9:45 p.m. Friday, March 27, lying in the northbound lanes of the 1200 block of South Highland Avenue suffering from injuries consistent with a collision.

A witness to the suspected hit-and-run reported seeing a dark-colored sedan leaving the area; it is not known if the sedan was involved in the collision.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Fullerton PD Accident Investigator Mike Moon at 714-738-6813 or the Traffic Bureau at 714-738-6816.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or report information at www.crimestoppers.org

Meet the Fullerton Police Department’s three recently promoted lieutenants

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

One is the first female motor officer in the history of the Fullerton Police Department.

Another loves the size and diversity of the agency.

And the third recently promoted lieutenant at the Fullerton Police Department says being a cop is the best decision he’s ever made.

Meet Rhonda Cleggett, Mike Chocek and Thomas Oliveras Jr.

Please join us for Dare To Prepare-A Free Pre-Permit Workshop for Parents and Teens on Wednesday, May 6th, 2015 from 6:00-8:15 p.m. at the Fullerton Community Center located at 340 West Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton 92832.

This informative workshop is being hosted by the Fullerton Police Department in partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

Sign-Up by April 29th, 2015 online as reservations are required. You may pre-register at AAA.com/safety4teens. Or, for additional information please call (714) 885-2312.

We look forward to seeing you on May 6th, 2015.

On March 27^th, 2015 at approximately 9:45 p.m., officers responded to the area of the 1200 block of South Highland Avenue to reports of a woman down in the roadway. Officers arrived on scene and located a 36-year old female in the N/B lanes of traffic suffering from injuries consistent with a collision. The victim, a resident of Fullerton, was transported to UCI Medical Center with critical injuries; she remains in critical condition.

The vehicle striking the victim fled the scene of the accident. A witness to the collision reported seeing a dark colored sedan leaving the area; it is unknown if this vehicle was involved in the collision.

Anyone with information about the accident is encouraged to contact Accident Investigator Mike Moon at 714 738-6813 or the Traffic Bureau at 714 738-6816.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or to their website at www.crimestoppers.org.

Fullerton PD begins tradition with first ‘Walk of Honor’ for honorably retired sergeant

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

The sergeant told his colleagues he wanted something low key for his retirement.

No ceremony or formal send-off.

Just some warm, quiet goodbyes.

No fuss.

So, naturally, Tak Kim recently was the very-public focus of the Fullerton Police Department’s first-ever Walk of Honor.

PUBLIC ADVISORY-PARKHURST NEIGHBORHOOD

Fullerton police on hunt for burglary suspect-UPDATED

Fullerton police are searching for a suspect believed to be involved in two residential burglaries and a criminal trespass in the evening hours of March 24^th, and one attempted residential burglary Wednesday evening, March 25^th. This third incident of the week occurred in the 2900 block of Ashcreek Lane; in the Parkhurst neighborhood.

In the most recent attempt last night at approximately 8:15 p.m., a female heard loud noises coming from the downstairs office. Believing that her Father was the one making the noise, the female called out to him. When she received no response, she became fearful and ran out of the residence to call her Father.

Approximately one hour later, the female flagged down a Fullerton police officer who was patrolling the area. There was no loss of property during the March 25th incident.

FPD is encouraging residents to secure their doors and windows and to report any suspicious activity; if you "see something, say something".

Fullerton police on hunt for burglary suspects

Fullerton police are searching for a suspect believed to be involved in two residential burglaries in the northeast area of town on Tuesday evening.

Short move, long journey marks detective's historic new assignment at Fullerton PD

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

Seven desks over.

That’s how far Veronica Gardea moved to start her new assignment at the Fullerton Police Department — about 100 feet down the same row of cubicles in the Investigations Bureau.

But the short relocation a few weeks ago capped Gardea’s long journey of becoming a police officer — and also marked a milestone at the agency.

Silence the Distractions

April 2015 is Distracted Driving Awareness Month - "It's Not Worth It!"

To save lives and educate all Californians, especially young drivers, about the dangers of distracted driving, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), California Highway Patrol (CHP), Impact Teen Drivers, and more than 200 law enforcement agencies statewide are working together on increased education and enforcement efforts for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April and California Teen Safe Driving Week, the first week of April.

Is Your Child Safe in Their Carseat?

Did you know that 9 out of 10 car seats are installed improperly or incorrectly?

Safe Kids Car Seat Task Force will inspect your car seat on Thursday, March 26th, 2015 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Chuck E. Cheese located at 1134 South Harbor Blvd., Fullerton 92832.

Appointments are required, please contact CSO Juanita Juarez at (714) 738-6836 or jjuarez@fullertonpd.org.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Victim of domestic abuse who ended up homeless thanks Fullerton officer for turning around her life

By Greg Hardesty

She was living near railroad tracks and hadn’t eaten in a few days --- a victim of domestic violence praying for a miracle.......

Join us on March 19th, 2015 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in Fullerton City Council Chambers for an informative community meeting, refreshments and raffle prizes. Listen to Detective Brent Rebert between the hours of 7:00-8:00 p.m. speak about property crime prevention efforts and general safety tips.

Also, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with members of your local Fullerton Neighborhood Watch Association.

For questions about this valuable community meeting, please contact CSO Juanita Juarez at (714) 738-6836 or jjuarez@fullertonpd.org

By Greg Hardesty-Behind the Badge

“Thank you, sir.”

It was a simple yet heartfelt sentiment from a former Marine who lost her job and ended up homeless.

Monday afternoon, Antoinette Smith said those words to Corp. Dan Heying of the Fullerton Police Department.

Heying, one of four officers on the Fullerton PD’s Homeless Liaison Unit, was standing outside the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) to see Smith off on a one-way bus journey to Las Vegas.

Smith had a job waiting for her there, but no money to pay for the trip.

That’s where the Fullerton PD came in.

By Greg Hardesty-Promotions: Meet the Fullerton Police Department's five new sergeants:

One’s a Dodgers fan, two are former Los Angeles Police Department officers, one’s a respected Drug Recognition Expert, and the fifth just helped form a new Peer Support Team.

Meet the five recently promoted sergeants at the Fullerton Police Department, who agree that the agency’s culture of being proactive and community oriented is one of its greatest assets.

Fullerton PD officer and his wife take giving to a whole new level....

The Flores family of Fullerton flourishes while juggling a lot of (soft)balls

For the week ending February 23rd, 2015 property crimes including but not limited to motor vehicle theft, grand theft, petty theft and theft from vehicles has seen a reduction of between 17% - 25%.

FPD reminds everyone to remain vigilant and aware of suspicious activity, if you "see something, say something" and call (714) 738-6700.

Fullerton Police, in conjunction with California State University Fullerton Police, have arrested Jose Alfredo Gradilla-Cuevas (21) of La Habra, believed to have been involved in multiple incidents of sexual battery over the past several months. Detectives from the Fullerton Police Department had been actively searching for a male suspect involved in at least seven reported incidents of sexual battery on females in the northeast area of Fullerton near California State University, Fullerton.

Members of Fullerton PD (Chief Hughes, Captain Siko and Sergeant Hamel) attended the grand opening of Sam's Club on February 5th, 2015 and were presented with a generous donation to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

We would like to thank Sam's Club for their generosity and support of the Fullerton Police Department's retired senior volunteers.

Photo credit: Chi-Chung Keung

UPDATE: January 14th, 2015 at 5:10 p.m., Mr. Parker was located by Buena Park PD safe and sound!

On January 13th, 2015, Malcom Parker; a 71 year-old man boarded an Amtrak train in Oceanside at approximately 11:45 in the morning. He was due to arrive in Fullerton at approximately 1:00 p.m.; he never made it to his home in the 700 block of Ocean View Drive in the City of Fullerton.

Detectives are currently viewing surveillance camera footage to determine if Mr. Parker disembarked between Oceanside and Fullerton.

Mr. Parker suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease which requires prescription medications. He was discharged on January 6th, 2015 from a care facility in the City of Laguna Beach and had been staying with an older brother in the City of Bonsall up until January 13^th, 2015.

He is a male, Caucasian, 5’-11”, 160 lbs., with grey hair and blue eyes. Mr. Parker was last seen wearing a long sleeved dark blue button-up shirt, black dress pants with brown loafer style shoes.

Anyone with information about Mr. Parker or his whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Matt Malone at (714) 738-6534 or (714) 738-6817.

On January 08, 2015 at approximately 4:10 p.m., Johnny Herrera (19) called his girlfriend claiming that a bomb was inside of a car that he had stolen. He was driving on the 91 Freeway, toward west Fullerton.

Mr. Herrera drove to the 4000 block of W. Franklin, and arrived there at the same time officers did. Herrera remained inside of his vehicle, and refused to exit or comply with officers' orders.

Because of the threats of a bomb that Mr. Herrera had made, the Orange County Bomb Squad was called and they responded shortly thereafter. FPD officers set up a perimeter around the house and neighborhood while the Bomb Squad checked the vehicle and area. FPD used a tactical vehicle to assist with the evacuation.

The Bomb Squad determined that no explosive device was present in the vehicle. Mr. Herrera (19) was taken into custody for auto theft and other charges.

One of the city’s biggest road construction projects will begin this week with the closure of the intersection at State College Blvd and E. Valencia Drive on Friday, January 9th, 2015.

When completed, the project will move cars safely and smoothly under the railroad tracks, enhancing and boosting mobility. During this closure, drivers will be detoured to Acacia Avenue, which will be temporarily striped to a four-lane roadway. Here’s a link for more information on the project:

http://www.octa.net/Freeways-and-Streets/Streets/OC-Bridges/State-College/

On December 31st, 2014, at approximately 12:00 p.m., Fullerton Police Detectives arrested Christopher Millette (36) for CPC 288(a) - Lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14 and CPC 288.7(b) - Sexual penetration of a child under the age of 10. Millette is accused of molesting a female victim, who was known to the suspect.

Millette is currently employed as a seventh grade science teacher at the Valadez Middle School in Placentia. This case is not related to the school and there are no known victims associated with his employment.

Anyone who may have information relevant to this case is asked to contact Detective Wright at (714) 738-6754.

Fullerton Police Department and Target hosted a Heroes & Helpers event to help children to purchase holiday gifts for their families. During the in-store shopping event, the children were paired with officers who assisted them in picking out holiday gifts for the kids’ families.

The Heroes & Helpers program fosters strong community relationships by pairing public safety officials with in-need youth to shop for the children's families during the holidays.

Fullerton PD thanks the men and women of the department who donated their time to this incredible event. Also, we would like to thank the Target corporation for their generosity and willingness to assist children and families within the community we serve.

Fatal Motor Vehicle Traffic

Date: December 18, 2014

On December 18, 2014 at 02:42 a.m. officers responded to a traffic collision in the 200 block of East Imperial Highway.

A Toyota pick-up truck driven by a male in his 20’s initially struck a fire hydrant before striking a power pole; the male driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Orange County Coroner’s Office has responded to the scene and is currently working to identify the driver. The identity of the victim is unknown at this time.

The investigation remains on-going. A traffic Sig-Alert has been issued and will remain in effect for the next 2-3 hours. Power to the businesses on the north side of Imperial Highway has been affected. Edison is on scene working to restore the power to those affected.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Investigator H. Rios of the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6812.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or to their website at www.crimestoppers.org.

The Fullerton PD Traffic Unit, will conduct a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint along the Harbor Boulevard corridor between 8 p.m. Dec. 23 and 2 a.m. Dec. 24.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment as well as proper licensing, a process that should delay motorists only momentarily. Specially trained officers will be on hand to evaluate those suspected of drug- or alcohol-impaired driving.

DUI checkpoints have proven to be a cost-effective way of reducing the number of persons killed and injured on the road, according to a Fullerton PD news release.

Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols routinely are conducted, the news release said.

Funding for the Dec. 23-24 checkpoint is provided to the Fullerton Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which reminds everyone to “Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.”

The impact of a DUI arrest includes jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000, not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

The Fullerton Police Department is excited to participate in the MiNDS & GCHope canned food drive benefitting local underprivileged families.

Beginning Monday, December 15th 2014 thru January 12, 2015, community members and employees and are encouraged to bring canned food items for donation to the Fullerton Police Department.

The canned food collection period, concludes with the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service event at the GCHope headquarters. The Martin Luther King Day of Service has become a nationwide humanitarian event aimed to serve underprivileged families and individuals within our communities.

Thank you for your support!

Thieves and burglars beware: Fullerton police officers are looking for you.

Using data from past Decembers, the police department forecasts that 44 homes and 36 cars will be burglarized between now and New Year’s Day.

Here are six ways the police department plans to stay a step ahead of the crooks.

Police presence: Expect to see patrol cars and cops at shopping centers, particularly at night.

Probation and parole sweeps: The most opportunistic thieves are career criminals, so police officers will check on thieves that were recently released from prison and jail.

Supplement patrols: Detectives in unmarked cars will assist patrol teams at shopping centers and in areas that where burglaries are most common.

Communication: Senior volunteers are canvassing shopping centers and handing out fliers to shoppers with tips on how to prevent theft. Lock your car doors. Hide your stuff. If you’re away from home, ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your newspaper and mail and leave some lights on.

Bait cars: The police department leaves valuables in “decoy” cars to lure thieves – then they arrest them.

Strategic patrols: The police department analyzes past burglary data to identify hot spots – the areas most likely to be burglarized – and spend more time patrolling and watching those homes.

The City of Fullerton invites applications for the position of police officer trainee. Applications will be accepted until December 23, 2014. A written exam is scheduled for the second week of January 2015. For additional information go to www.cityoffullerton.com.

On Wednesday, November 19^th, 2014 members from the Fullerton Police Department’s Drug Recognition Expert program conducted training at the Fullerton Elks Lodge for members of the North Orange County Bar Association (NOCBA). The event was well attended by members of NOCBA to include judges, defense attorneys and prosecutors.

At the conclusion of the training, members of NOCBA honored Captain George Crum for his contributions in advancing the training, education and professionalism of the Drug Recognition Expert program throughout the State of California.

This week, members of the Fullerton Police Department delivered 65 turkey dinners to three different Fullerton Elementary schools (Maple, Woodcrest and Topaz) to reward at-risk youth who succeeded in achieving certain goals related to attendance, grades and decision-making.

This turkey incentive event was part of a county-wide program (OC GRIP) that is designed to keep kids safe, in school and out of gangs. Participating municipalities worked in partnership with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office to offer this incentive program. Ralphs/Food 4 Less and Saddleback Church sponsored the event in collaboration with OC GRIP.

Fullerton PD was fortunate to be part of this program, and we were grateful for the opportunity to work with our youth on such a worthy cause.

Extra turkey dinners were delivered to Coast to Coast and Women’s Transitional Living Center.

The Fullerton PD has been awarded a $280,238 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety for a yearlong program of special enforcement and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries, the PD said in a news release.

The grant comes at a time when the number of persons killed or injured in traffic collisions in Fullerton has been on a slight rise after falling dramatically between 2006 and 2010.

Particularly worrisome, police say, are recent increases in pedestrian and motorcycle fatalities and the dangers of distracting technologies.

The grant money will provide opportunities to combat these and other devastating problems such as drunk and drugged driving and speeding, the news release said.

“The Fullerton Police Department will be using these and other resources to reach the vision we all share: Toward zero deaths, every 1 counts.”

Fullerton Police Chief Dan Hughes praised OTS for its commitment to partnering with local agencies in order to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths.

Activities that the grant will fund include:

• Educational presentations

• DUI checkpoints

• DUI saturation patrols

• Traffic safety educational presentations to include bike and pedestrian awareness

• Motorcycle safety enforcement

• Distracted driving enforcement

• Seat belt and child safety seat enforcement

• Speed, red light, and stop sign enforcement

• Specialized DUI and drugged driving training such as Standardized Field Sobriety Testing), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement, and Drug Recognition Evaluator

• Court “sting” operations to cite individuals driving from DUI court after ignoring their license suspension or revocation

Funding for the program comes from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A Fullerton police officer extricated two people who were trapped after their sports utility vehicle collided with another car near the intersection of Santa Fe and Lemon Street last weekend.

Cpl. John Ema was a block away on Santa Fe at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday when he heard the loud clanking of metal.

When he arrived Ema saw an Infiniti G35, but couldn’t find the other. As he drove down Lemon, he found the second vehicle upside down near the train underpass and in the opposite direction of traffic.

Witnesses say the Kia Sportage rolled three times.

“The two occupants were just panicked and banging on the windows trying to get out of there,” he said.

Ema said with the help of a witness, he first tried to open the car doors but they wouldn’t budge.

“I took my baton and broke the passenger side back window out,” he said.

But with the back seat crushed, they couldn’t crawl out.

Ema said he and three witnesses began working harder to pull open the car door. It was a team effort, he said, but they didn’t have a lot of time.

“You never know if anything is going to catch on fire,” he said. “It was a pretty intense for a few moments.

The female driver and her male cousin were taken to local hospitals for treatment of what appeared to be non life-threatening injuries.

Witnesses said the Kia Sportage SUV was heading southbound on Lemon Street when the driver of the Infiniti attempted to turn left from eastbound lanes of Santa Fe.

The driver of the Infiniti was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

About the woman and her cousin, Ema said, “Overall they were really, really lucky.”

Officers help reconnect homeless man with Mississippi relatives

A homeless man has been reunited with his grandmother and family in Mississippi, thanks to the work of the Fullerton Police Homeless Liaison team and the Coast to Coast Foundation.

Chris Devonte came in contact with Fullerton police officers about two weeks ago, saying that he had been homeless for about a year, said Officer Cary Tong of the Homeless Liaison team.

“He was told by some of his relatives in Irvine to come and stay with them here,” Officer Tong said. “When he arrived, they decided not to help him. He then made his way to Fullerton.”

Officer Tong worked with the Coast to Coast Foundation to locate his grandmother. Together, they were able to get him a bus ticket back to Mississippi.

On November 6th, 2014 in the early morning hours, officers found a small dog wearing a Christmas sweater at the corner of Imperial Highway and Puente Avenue. The dog was cared for by members of the Fullerton Police Department until animal control responded to the location.

OC Animal Care responded and took custody of the dog. If you or someone you know is missing this little cutie please call (714) 935-6848.

All the Arts for All the Kids Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to developing, sustaining, and supporting the arts as an intrinsic part of every child’s education.

In support of the All the Arts for All the Kids Foundation, the Fullerton Police Department has one of the 2014 hearts on display at the front desk for viewing. This heart will be one of the many available and on display on November 8^th, 2014 at the Art Auction XXI held at the Fullerton Museum Plaza at 6:00 p.m.

For additional information regarding All the Arts for All the Kids, please email alltheheartsfoundation@gmail.com.

On October 15^th, 2014 the Fullerton Police Department partnered with the Fullerton School District to provide education and training to parents on the dangers of drug abuse. The presentation was designed to educate parents on the current and emerging drug trends.

According the National Institute of Drug Abuse, “Most people use drugs for the first time when they are teenagers” (NIDA, 2012). Additionally, more than half of the new illicit drug users begin with marijuana.

Members of Fullerton PD “Partnered to Protect” and educate parents at Beechwood Elementary with parents from surrounding schools. Special thanks to Sergeant Tim Petropulos, Sergeant Pedram Gharah, Corporal Perry Thayer, Officer Eric Franke and Officer Ryan O’Neil.

Fullerton PD raised $1,771 for St. Jude Hospital’s Breast Cancer Institute during its month-long October Cancer Awareness fundraiser, officials announced Thursday.

Led by Lt. Andrew Goodrich, the “Pinktober” effort involved selling T-shirts.

“I think it showed great community attention and caring on your part,” wrote Lt. Andrew Goodrich to police employees earlier this week. “We hope to do it again next year with a new design and raise even more money.”

Goodrich thanked Joe Zuniga, Barbara Miller and Kristy Wells, who designed and helped sell the shirts.

“I’m glad we were able to do something as an agency to make a difference,” Goodrich wrote.

FPD teams with nonprofit to get cell phones for soldiers

The Fullerton Police Department is a designated drop-off location for people who want to donate cell phones for soldiers.

The police department is working with the nonprofit Cell Phones for Soldiers and there will be more than 3,400 drop-off locations throughout the country.

Last year, the department collected about 150 phones that were donated to the soldiers. Cell phones are collected throughout the year and can be dropped off at the Fullerton Police Department.

Cell Phones For Soldiers was founded in 2004 by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist at the age of 12 and 13. The 10-year-old nonprofit has since provided more than 210 million minutes of free talk time to servicemen and women stationed all around the world through its calling card program, Minutes That Matter.

In addition, Cell Phones for Soldiers has assisted more than 2,500 veterans with emergency funds through its veterans program, Helping Heroes Home. Funds raised from the recycling of cellular phones are used to fund the mission.

“Each year we have been humbled by the amount of people and organizations like the Fullerton Police Department that take the initiative to support our military members,” said co-founder Robbie Bergquist. “It’s important to recognize the service and sacrifices of our active-duty military members and veterans. We hope our programs are able to provide a little comfort to those who have given so much for us all.”

While the recent Orange County Traffic Officer Association’s annual Motor Rodeo provided officers around the county with great memories, awards and accolades, it was a particularly special day for 4-year-old Reed Bailor.

Reed, the son of Fullerton motor Officer Steve Bailor, got to spend the first part of the day with his dad, watching him race around the track. He even brought his own toy motorcycle with him to ride.

But as often happens with 4 year olds, Reed needed to go home for his nap. So he left with his mom before the results of the rodeo came through.

Turns out, Steve Bailor’s performance was good enough for second place in the Honda category. So when his dad took home the medal at the end of the day, he told Reed that it was his performance that merited the second place.

Let’s just say, Reed was beaming with pride, just like his dad.

“It’s an honor to represent the Fullerton Police Department in the Motor Rodeo,” Steve Bailor said. “But it was even more special that day to have my young son there to watch me and cheer me on. It’s a memory neither of us will ever forget.”

Fullerton police and fire join Pinktober cancer awareness campaign

The Fullerton Police Department has joined the Fullerton Fire Department to kick off Pinktober Wednesday, October 1^st to commemorate October as National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Members of Fullerton PD, sworn, non-sworn, civilian and professional staff have purchased and will wear pink T-shirts and officers will wear pink mourning bands all throughout the month of October. Proceeds from the sales of the pink T-shirts and pink mourning bands will be donated to a local charitable foundation.

Breast Cancer Awareness month is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease and remind people to take the steps to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation website.

“We all know someone that has been touched by cancer; friends, family members and loved ones…,” said Fullerton Police Sgt. Kathryn Hamel. “So, we are happy to join with the community in order to raise awareness of this terrible disease and lend our support to those in need.”

On Wednesday, Fullerton police officers and firefighters joined Troy High school students, faculty, administrators and guests for an assembly in the school quad.

A Tribute Fire Engine recognized Dorey Madrid, a Troy High English teacher who is currently battling breast cancer.

Throughout the month, the tribute fire engine will collect signatures from people who have beaten cancer, are currently suffering from cancer, or in memory of those who have lost their battle to cancer. The goal is to have signatures completely cover the engine.

Madrid’s will be the first signature on this engine and she has chosen St. Jude Medical Center Crosson Cancer Institute to be the recipient of all donations raised this month by Fullerton Fire.

Recently, we have seen an increase in residential burglaries in the north east section of our city. We have reason to believe that these burglaries may be related but, at this time, we do not have enough information to be certain.

According to witness statements, the suspects are male, youthful in appearance, possibly between 16 and 20 years of age, and arrive in the area by vehicle. The suspect(s) approach the front door of the residence, knock on the door, and when no one answers, proceed around the back of the house and break in. Anyone witnessing such activity is encouraged to call the Police Department immediately.

As a reminder, Fullerton has a process by which solicitors need to apply for a permit through the city to solicit. If you encounter or observe anyone soliciting without a permit, please contact the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6700.

Please secure your gates, doors and windows and if you see anything or anyone acting suspiciously call the Police Department at the number listed above.

Crittenton Services for Children and Families (CSCF) proudly announces a successful collaboration with Fullerton Police Department to train 75 officers on the issue of domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) this week.

The training, spanning 6 briefings in 2 days, focused on the warning signs of child sex trafficking, vulnerable populations in Southern California, the use of language and the effects of trauma.

Earlier this year, the Fullerton Police Department connected with Crittenton staff to discuss how their resources could best be used to deter trafficking and to help victims within the city. Although sex trafficking was generally considered to be a problem isolated to other countries, more domestic victims are uncovered each year.

Recently, the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force identified 64 minor victims in 2013, and Crittenton’s program has served at least 200 victims hailing from all over Southern California. Typically Crittenton’s former clients tend to come out of the juvenile justice system, some of whom have been trafficking victims. In fact, getting the feedback of a young survivor is so crucial when it comes to training the law enforcement community that Crittenton made sure to have the agency’s young survivors involved in the training module by providing suggestions on how to interact with at-risk youth or those young victims currently in “the life.”

“We are proud to partner with Crittenton Services in order to serve those most vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking. The Fullerton Police Department, in partnership with Crittenton is committed to stopping domestic minor sex trafficking,” said Police Chief Dan Hughes.

Fullerton Police Department is committed in having similar educational efforts as an on-going process to further train its officers on anti-human trafficking initiatives within Orange County.

Adan Pufellis is still trying to wrap his mind around what happened to him in the early morning hours of Aug. 24.

It was nearly 2 a.m., and he remembers being in the drive-through lane of the Del Taco at Chapman Avenue and State College Boulevard when his passenger, a person he thought was a friend, began stabbing him with a knife.

He tried to fend off his attacker but was stabbed multiple times in his hand, neck and abdomen. One gash punctured his liver.

After the attack, he remembers lying on the ground bleeding from his wounds.

Soon after, Fullerton police officers and paramedics arrived, put pressure on his wounds, rushed him to the hospital and likely saved his life.

After he recovered, Pufellis penned a letter to Fullerton Police Chief Dan Hughes.

“I owe my life to these fine people,” he wrote. “I owe them more than I can ever offer.”

In particular, Pufellis believes Officer Justin Francis helped him survive that night.

“I feel he went beyond his duty as an officer,” he wrote about Francis. “Justin was there when I needed a person to hold my hand in the E.R. Justin showed his humanity and not just being an officer of the law at the time.”

He had similar praise for Magliano.

“Talking with Mario regarding the matter has given me clarity and made my soul calm, and has given an understanding that this act against me was extreme and unwarranted.”

Hughes commended both the officers for helping Pufellis.

“Sometimes, we handle so many of these types of calls we forget what a difference we can make in a stranger’s most difficult time, and in this case, someone who believed he was about to die,” Hughes wrote to the officers. “Both of you not only showed compassion, but you demonstrated why our role in this city is so important. Most people will never learn of this incident but you should both be extremely proud of how you represented yourselves, and our department.”

Members of the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol have donated more than 75,000 hours equating to more than $1.7 million volunteer dollars to the police department since 2000.

Two volunteers who have clocked the most hours are Ellie Grainger and Myron Roberts, both 82.

“I enjoy helping other people and that is one way I can do it,” said Grainger, who started volunteering in October of 1995 and has given about 4,000 hours of service. “We do vacation checks, help with traffic. Whatever we can do to free up the officers for what they need to do.”

It’s not her first brush with law enforcement. Right after high school, she was hired on to be a secretary for the FBI in Washington D.C. She had to quit that job and move to Fullerton nearly 50 years ago when her husband got a job transfer. She lived in Fullerton for 38 years, raising two kids, but moved to Yorba Linda in 2002 after her husband passed away.

Roberts, a longtime Fullerton resident who also raised his family here, also had an interest in law enforcement. After a stint in the military during the Korean War, Roberts said he signed up for the OC Sheriff’s Academy with the hopes of becoming a deputy. But his wife didn’t want him to pursue that career path.

It was after attending a meeting at the local American Legion post that he heard about the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol, and he joined in 1998.

“Well it’s been a good experience,” said Roberts who used to put in 14 hours a week but cut down now that he’s in his 80s. He’s clocked more than 7,000 hours of service. “There have been several times when we really felt we helped the public out.”.

“The RSVP program and its volunteers are an integral part of the Fullerton Police Department,” said FPD Sgt. Kathryn Hamel “They give of themselves to their community and we are truly grateful for their service. The duties shared by the RSVPs allow officers to focus on calls for service, investigations, etc.”

The Fullerton City Council voted Tuesday night to unanimously approve a request by Police Chief Dan Hughes to spend $650,000 over the next 5 years to purchase 140 body cameras for his officers.

The approval means that police calls for service will now be recorded on video, which can be reviewed by the chief or other department personnel as needed.

“I’m pleased that the members of the City Council saw the value in these body cameras and approved our request,” Chief Hughes said. “It’s important that the public knows we want to be as transparent as possible and that we are willing to invest resources into our staff to ensure that’s the case.”

With the approval, Fullerton becomes the second law enforcement agency in the county to take this new approach to policing. Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada had a similar request approved by that council in early September.

The council approved a five-year contract with Taser International, who will supply the department with the cameras, storage and software. The cameras are the size of a smartphone and will replace the audio recorders officers use today.

The initial funds for purchase and the maintenance for the cameras comes from the department’s asset-seizure account. The additional monies will cover equipment upgrades, storage and replacement at the 2 year and 5 year mark.

Just a couple weeks ago, Officer Coyle was spending his birthday at the National Night Out event at Fullerton’s Gilbert Park, when he received a surprise visit from 8-year-old David Gonzalez, whose life he saved five years ago.

David and his family came to thank him one more time, and of course, wish him happy birthday. While they were at it, David and his sister Emily took a photo with Coyle and Officer Tim Haid and his K9 partner Rotar. Officer Haid was also there on scene to help David that day.

“David wouldn’t be there without them,” said his mom Kim Gonzalez. “Every year when the anniversary passes, I think about how grateful I am, and I’m glad they have kept in touch with us. They are all good people.”

For Coyle, it’s an anniversary he’ll never forget.

“Everybody always ask me what is the scariest call that I’ve been on,” Coyle said. “I’d rather go on a call with a guy holding a gun than go to those calls where a kid is in trouble. That I actually saved someone is something that will stick with me the rest of my life.”

Coyle and his partner at the time Corp. John Ema responded to a call about a child in the bottom of a pool on July 26, 2009 at around 11 a.m.

When the officers arrived, the father was bringing David, who was 3 at the time, out of the water and trying to do CPR right in the pool. Corp. Ema picked the boy up and carried him to a patio area where the officers began CPR.

“We did that for several minutes but it felt like 30 minutes,” Coyle said. “He spit up water a couple times and gasped for air.”

Over the years, the family kept in touch Coyle and the others to thank them for saving young David’s life. They give Coyle gifts for his birthday and they always come in the Fullerton Police headquarters at Christmas to drop off gifts and cards.

Effective September 16th, 2014 motorists must leave a space cushion of 3' between their vehicles and bicyclists.

The new law does include an exception to the 3' rule if traffic or roadway conditions make it impossible for motorists to comply. In these cases, the motorists shall pass the bicyclist only when safe to do so.

Please share the road and be watchful of cyclists.

The National Take Back Day Event will be held on Saturday, September 27th, 2014 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on the Highland side of the Police Department (Highland Avenue/Commonwealth Avenue).

This National Take Back Day event provides community members a unified opportunity for the public to dispose of expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications to law enforcement officers for proper disposal. National Take Back Day also provides an opportunity for law enforcement to serve as a safe collection site for our community with no questions asked.

In partnership with the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Community Service Programs we will provide educational materials on drug prevention, treatment and proper disposal of prescription drugs.

Fullerton police on hunt for robbery suspects

Fullerton police are searching for suspects involved in three robberies in the northwest area of town on Sunday night, August 17th, 2014.

Police officers first received a report of a robbery in the 1500 block of Avenida Selva, where the suspect encountered a couple, pointed a handgun at them and demanded money. The couple gave the suspect cash and he fled. Police say the man entered the house through a partially opened garage door.

While officers were investigating that robbery, they learned that another had occurred on that same street, also because of an open garage door. A woman was in her kitchen when the suspect pointed a gun at her and demanded money. The suspect was startled and he fled.

Then close to midnight, another robbery was reported in the 2600 block of Trieste Way. The residents entered their home through the garage door. As the garage door was being shut, the robber stepped in, pointed a handgun and demanded the woman’s purse. The suspect fled toward Emory Park.

In all three cases, the robber is described as a male white or Hispanic, between six feet and six feet four in height and approximately 180 pounds. He was wearing a gray pull-over hooded sweatshirt and a bandana. The weapon was a black semi-automatic handgun.

The suspect also matches the description of three street robberies that occurred in the same area approximately 6 weeks ago.

The investigation is on-going and anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Detective M. Magliano of the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6753. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or to their website at www.crimestoppers.org.

Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision Suspect in Custody-UPDATE

An arrest has been made in the fatal traffic collision which occurred on August 18^th, 2014 in the 2600 block of West Orangethorpe Avenue.

Fullerton Police Department Investigators arrested a male believed to be the driver of the vehicle that struck Marc Borgfield in the evening hours of August 18^th, 2014. The alleged driver, Brandon Joel Busse (28) of Fullerton was arrested late Saturday night in a motel in the City of Tustin.

Busse’s vehicle, a late model White Ford Explorer, was located in the parking lot of the motel. Both Busse and the vehicle are in police custody. Busse has been charged with one felony count of hit and run causing injury or death; his bail is $50,000.00. Busse is due to be arraigned tomorrow morning in Santa Ana.

The investigation is on-going and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator H. Rios at (714) 738-6812.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or to their website at www.crimestoppers.org.

Fullerton Police Department Citizen Academy

The Fullerton Police Department invites you to join our next Citizen’s Academy. The Citizen’s Academy will provide you the opportunity to see first hand the functions of your police department. During the 10-week course, you will be exposed to the many aspects of police work in your community. Students will gain an overall knowledge of the Fullerton Police Department, how we are organized, how we serve the community, and whom the people are who respond when citizens call.

This course is not meant to train people to be police officers. Rather, it is intended to open communication between the community and law enforcement. Instructors are drawn from all levels of the department. Students will meet Police Chief, Dan Hughes, the captains, the managers, patrol officers, detectives, dispatchers, and other department staff members.

We encourage students to ask questions and discuss those issues relevant to the topics presented. A major goal of the Citizen’s Police Academy is to increase understanding between citizens and their police department, and to build a strong and long lasting relationship. Each academy participant will have an opportunity to participate in a Ride-Along with a patrol officer.

Subject: Fatal Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision-Vehicle UPDATE

Date: August 20, 2014

The male decedent involved in the fatal traffic collision on August 18, 2014 has been preliminarily identified by the Orange County Coroner’s Office as Marc Borgfield (49) of Buena Park.

Preliminary investigation reveals the suspect may have been driving a 1991-1994 White Ford Explorer when he struck Mr. Borgfield. The vehicle sustained significant damage to the front grill in between the headlights. If you have seen a similar vehicle or have any information regarding this traffic collision, please contact the Fullerton Police Department. The investigation is on-going and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator H. Rios at (714) 738-6812.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or to their website at www.crimestoppers.org.

Subject: Fatal Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision-UPDATE

Date: August 19, 2014

The male decedent involved in last night’s traffic collision has been preliminarily identified from prior contacts with Fullerton police officers. His identity is being withheld pending confirmation from the Orange County Coroner’s Office.

The deceased was struck near the same location on March 03, 2014. At the time of that collision in March 2014 his blood alcohol content was .36 (BAC). Also, the deceased had been struck by a vehicle in the City of Buena Park in March of 2008. At the time of that collision the decedent had been drinking and was transported to a local hospital with injuries.

The vehicle has been described as a light colored SUV or pick-up truck with camper shell. The investigation is on-going and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator H. Rios at (714) 738-6812.

Background:

On August 18, 2014 at 11:58 p.m. officers responded to a hit and run traffic collision in the 2600 block of West Orangethorpe Avenue.

A light-colored SUV or a pick-up truck with a camper shell struck a male in a wheelchair and then fled westbound on Orangethorpe Avenue towards Magnolia Avenue. The male was pronounced dead at the scene.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or to their website at www.crimestoppers.org

Fullerton Police to combat roadway deaths and injuries with DUI checkpoints

Fullerton, CA – The Fullerton Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on August 28, 2014 between the hours of 8:00 PM and 2:00 AM.

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.

In California, this deadly crime led to 774 deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows nearly 10,000 were killed by an impaired driving.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Fullerton Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’. Checkpoints have been proven cost effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Nearly 90 percent of California drivers approve of DUI checkpoints.

The Fullerton Police Department will join in honoring one its own fallen officers as the Orange County Sheriff Department has dedicated its upcoming Memorial Run to be held in the memory of Det. Tommy De La Rosa, who was killed in a drug sting more than 20 years ago.

De La Rosa was chosen by the Sheriff Department’s graduating Academy Class No. 211. Choosing an officer to honor in the Memorial Run is a tradition for each graduating class.

“Obviously it is very humbling that this academy class would honor Tommy for giving his life for our community,” said Chief Dan Hughes, who was De La Rosa’s partner. “As an officer he was involved in the community. Kids looked up to him. He worked with a lot of at-risk children. He wasn’t just involved in enforcement efforts, he was really trying to change the lives of these kids.”

De La Rosa, who along with Officer Jerry Hatch is the second Fullerton officer to be killed on duty.

Joining in the run will be Chief Hughes and a number of other Fullerton police officers.

Immediately following the run, the Sheriff Academy class is sponsoring a complimentary barbecue for those in attendance.

With the aid of surveillance video and a smartphone GPS locator, Fullerton police tracked down a man suspected of burglarizing the Grace Ministries International church on Saturday afternoon.

A video camera caught a man taking several purses, wallets and cell phones. One of the victims used the GPS locator function of her phone and tracked it to a motel in the city of Bellflower.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputies responded to the hotel and detained the man whose shorts and shoes matched those on the video footage.

The man was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Sex offender attempts to steal car, man 'severely' beats child over bad grades and stabbing victim ends up burglary suspect.

It was another action-packed start to the weekend in Fullerton with police officers making arrests in a few notable and unusual cases.

The action began to unfold Friday morning, when a registered sex offender allegedly tried to steal a car outside of a donut shop.