Police Press Release
Woman killed during robbery- Three adult male suspects arrested
DATE: May 8, 2019
SUBJECT: Homicide- Strong Armed Robbery
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 13900 block of Brookhurst Street
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: 05/08/2019 at 9:45 AM
Victim: Female, 32 years old, resident of Westminster
Suspects: 3 male adults, identification withheld until further investigation
On 05-08-2019 at 09:24 AM the Garden Grove Police Department was contacted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Burglary Robbery Task Force. LASD undercover detectives were conducting surveillance on a vehicle and individuals who were suspected of being involved in robberies. During the surveillance, the suspects drove their vehicle into the parking lot of a commercial shopping center near 13900 Brookhurst Street. At approximately 09:45 AM, the suspects confronted the female victim walking in the parking lot of the shopping center and attempted to steal her purse. During the robbery, the victim was run over by the suspect vehicle and she sustained traumatic injuries. The suspects then fled north on Brookhurst towards the 22 freeway.
LASD task force detectives asked for assistance from the Garden Grove Police Department. Garden Grove officers and detectives immediately responded to the area. Officers and paramedics rendered first aid to the victim who was taken to a local trauma center. LASD detectives continued the surveillance of the suspect vehicle after it entered the westbound 22 freeway. LASD detectives and a sheriff helicopter followed it back into Los Angeles County. The suspects abandoned their vehicle in the area of the 110 freeway and Century Blvd. They were apprehended a short time later.
Three male suspects were arrested and transported back to Garden Grove Police Department to be interviewed by detectives. The female victim later succumbed to her injuries and died at the hospital. Garden Grove detectives and crime scene investigators remained at the scene to interview witnesses and collect evidence.
The investigation is on-going and the identification of the suspects and victim will not be released at this time. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the GGPD Crimes Against Persons unit at 714-741-5839.
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704
Cinco de Mayo- DUI Enforcement
DATE: May 3, 2019
SUBJECT: Cinco de Mayo weekend DUI Enforcement
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: Garden Grove
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: May 4th, 2019
NARRATIVE:
Cinco de Mayo is near: Please Celebrate Responsibly
Garden Grove, Calif. — For many people across the country, Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is a time for fun and celebrations that may involve drinking.
The holiday, which happens to fall on a Sunday this year, is a reminder to the public to celebrate responsibly and not drive impaired.
This May 4th, The Garden Grove Police Department will have additional officers on patrol from 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM, ready to stop and arrest drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
“We understand the importance of this day to many people, but it does not give you an excuse to drink and drive,” Garden Grove Police Department Chief Tom Dare said. “There are many options to get home safely that don’t involve you driving.”
The Garden Grove Police Department encourages everyone to plan ahead and use a designated sober driver, ride-share or public transportation. The Garden Grove Police Department also wants to remind everyone that a “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can all be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.
Funding for Cinco de Mayo DUI enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704
Teen on scooter hit by car in critical condition
DATE: May 01, 2019
SUBJECT: Major Injury Traffic Collision
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: Gilbert St. / Maureen Dr.
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: May 01, 2019 at 07:27 PM
The Garden Grove Police and Fire Department were dispatched to a traffic collision that occurred in the area of Gilbert St. and Maureen Dr. involving a thirteen year old male pedestrian and a vehicle. The pedestrian was witnessed riding a scooter across the thoroughfare in the unmarked crosswalk where he was struck by the vehicle. The male pedestrian was transported to UCI medical center where he remains in critical condition. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and spoke with officers.
Members of the Garden Grove Traffic Unit responded to the scene to conduct an investigation. The driver was evaluated by officers at the scene and showed no signs of impairment. The investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the collision.
Any witnesses that may have seen the accident are asked to contact the Garden Grove Police Department’s Traffic Investigator Paul Ashby (714) 741-5823.
Prepared By: Master Officer Paul Ashby #3397
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: March 30, 2019
SUBJECT: Distracted Driver Awareness Month
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: Garden Grove- Citywide Enforcement
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: April 1st through April 30th, 2019
NARRATIVE:
Garden Grove Police Department challenges drivers to ‘silence’ the distraction
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Garden Grove, Calif. – April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and The Garden Grove Police Department will be joining law enforcement agencies statewide stopping drivers who violate California’s hands-free cell phone law.
On April 5th and April 26th the Garden Grove Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking specifically for drivers on their phones.
Last year, The Garden Grove Police Department issued 2,804 citations to driver’s texting, calling or performing another function on their phone. Distracted driving is dangerous, especially when it involves a cell phone. According to preliminary data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), 66 people were killed and more than 6,500 injured in 2017 from distracted driving-related crashes.
“Cell phones remain one of the top distractions for drivers,” Garden Grove Police Department Chief Todd Elgin stated. “Like any bad habit, it can be hard to break, but this habit can have life-altering consequences.”
A 2018 observational survey by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) on driver cell phone use found about 4.5 percent of drivers are still using their cell phone illegally, a nearly 27 percent increase from 2016.
“That text or phone call will never be worth losing a life over,” Garden Grove Police Department Chief Todd Elgin “That is why curbing distracted driving is high on our priority list.”
Under the most recent cell phone law that went into effect in 2017, drivers are prohibited from having a phone in their hand for any reason and can only use their phone in a hands-free manner. The phones must be mounted on the dashboard, windshield or center console, and can only be touched once with the swipe or tap of a finger to activate or deactivate a function. First-time offenders face a $162 fine.
If you need to make a call or text someone, pull over and park at a safe location. Struggling to stay off the phone while driving? Put your phone in a place you can’t reach, like the backseat or trunk.
http://bit.ly/GGPD_PSA_Distracted_Driving
Funding for distracted driving enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Major Injury Traffic Collision- High School student hit by car
DATE: March 6, 2019
SUBJECT: Major Injury Traffic Collision
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: Garden Grove Blvd. / Nelson St.
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: 03/06/2019 at 8:49 A.M.
The Garden Grove Police and Fire Department were dispatched to a traffic collision that occurred in the area of Garden Grove Blvd. and Nelson St. involving a fourteen year old male pedestrian and a vehicle. The pedestrian was struck by the vehicle while walking across the street in the designated crosswalk. The male pedestrian was transported to UCI medical center where he remains in critical but stable condition. There were no passengers involved in this collision.
Members of the Garden Grove Traffic Unit responded to the scene to conduct an investigation. The driver on scene was evaluated by officers and showed no signs of impairment. The investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the collision.
Any witnesses that may have seen the accident are asked to contact the Garden Grove Police Department’s Traffic Investigator Paul Ashby (714) 741-5823.
Prepared By: Master Officer Paul Ashby #3397
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704
Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft
The City of Garden Grove has recently noticed a rise in the theft of catalytic converters from vehicle exhaust systems. Toyota Priuses are the most common vehicle type being targeted right now, although several have been stolen from various other makes and models.
The Appeal of Catalytic Converters
The reason is the value of the metals used in the manufacturing of the catalytic converters. Catalytic converters contain platinum, rhodium, and palladium. The metals are expensive, and thieves sell the converters to scrap yards for several hundred dollars per piece, depending on the size of the converter and the current rate on the metals inside it. It can cost you on average up to $2000 to replace a catalytic converter, and it is illegal to drive your car without one. The resulting gap in your exhaust system also makes the car run poorly until it is fixed.
The rate of catalytic converter theft varies depending on the current prices of the metals inside it. Price increases typically result in an increase in thefts. Thieves look for easy targets when it comes to catalytic converter theft, and a few simple steps help make your car or SUV a less likely target.
Symptoms of Converter Theft
You’ll notice a loud rumbling or roaring sound as soon as you turn on the engine if your catalytic converter is missing. This gets louder when you hit the gas. The exhaust is not working properly, so the vehicle also drives rougher than usual, often with a sense of sputtering as you change speed. Go to the back of the car and look underneath. The catalytic converter is a round canister that connects two pieces of piping in the exhaust. You will see a gaping space in the middle of your exhaust if the converter is missing, and you will likely see signs of the piping being cut away.
Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft
Always park in well-lit areas when possible. If you have a personal garage, keep your car in the garage with the door closed when the vehicle is not in use. Park close to a building entrance or to the nearest access road when parking in a public lot. This is due to the increased amount of pedestrian traffic in those areas.
Security devices are available that attach to the converter, making it harder to steal. Having the converter welded in place also makes it more difficult to remove. If you have a security system on your car, calibrate it so vibration sets it off. This ensures the alarm activates if a thief tries to saw off the converter. Video surveillance around your garage or driveway is also useful if you have the budget for it. Engrave your VIN number onto your catalytic converter to make it easier to identify in case it does get stolen.
We are asking for the public’s help in providing any information about these crimes or the suspects. Please contact the Garden Grove Police Department at 714-741-5800, or Detective Holloway at 714-714-5827 if you have specific information regarding a recent catalytic converter theft.
Attempted robbery- Victim was shot
DATE: March 4, 2019
SUBJECT: Attempted Robbery / Assault with a Deadly Weapon
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: Dale St. south of Katella Ave.
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: March 4, 2019 7:05 PM
SUSPECT(s) Male, Hispanic, late 30’s to 40’s, white shirt and dark pants
VICTIM(s) Male, Hispanic, in his 50’s, resident of Buena Park
NARRATIVE:
On March 4, 2019 at 7:05 PM, officers from the Garden Grove Police Department were sent to the above location reference a male screaming for help and possible gunshots heard in the area. Officers arrived and found one victim laying in the street suffering from a gunshot wound to the lower leg. The suspect fled the scene on foot southbound from the location.
During the investigation, officers learned the suspect brandished a gun at the victim and demanded property. The victim was able to fend off the suspect and chased the suspect a short distance before the suspect turned and fired shots at the victim striking him. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
No vehicle was seen. Witnesses or anyone with information about the suspects should contact the Garden Grove Police Department. Detectives will be working on this assault investigation. Garden Grove PD detectives can be reached at 714-741-5800.
Prepared by Sergeant N. Jensen
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
Garden Grove Police Department
carlw@ggpd.org
Desk: 714.741.5786
W/C: 714.741.5871
Street Racers crash. Driver arrested for narcotics after brief foot chase.
DATE: February 25, 2019
SUBJECT: Street racing crash-Narcotics arrest
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 9th Street and Garden Grove Blvd.
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: February 24, 2019 at 8:04 p.m.
VICTIM: Withheld
SUSPECT(s): Robert Gonzales, 28 years old, resident of Anaheim
Eric Benitez, 24 years old, resident of Costa Mesa
NARRATIVE:
On 02/24/2019 at 8:04PM Garden Grove Police officers were sent to the intersection of 9th Street and Garden Grove Blvd. for a roll-over vehicle collision. Officers arrived and found a crash involving three vehicles. One of the drivers was seen running from the collision scene and officers chased him on foot. The male suspect, later identified as Robert Gonzales, attempted to discard a large bag of narcotics and began fighting with officers. After a brief struggle, the suspect was taken into custody.
Officers interviewed independent witnesses and learned Gonzales was driving a 2009 Black Mercedes and a second driver identified as Eric Benitez was driving a 2017 Black Dodge Charger. Both drivers were involved in a high speed street race westbound on Garden Grove Blvd. The vehicles crashed into each other and a third vehicle was also struck. One of the vehicles rolled over during the crash. The third vehicle was driven by an adult female and there were three minor children in her car. The female driver and the minor children had complaints of pain and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Robert Gonzales and Eric Benitez were arrested for being involved in a street race. Gonzales was also charged with possession/transportation for sale of narcotics, resisting arrest, and a probation violation.
One police officers sustained minor injuries during the altercation with Gonzales. The officer was treated at a local hospital for abrasions and a minor head injury. Three other police officers were exposed to the illegal narcotics that Gonzales attempted to discard and destroy.
If anyone saw the erratic driving prior to the crash, they are encouraged to call the Garden Grove Police Department.
Water Rescue of Wanted Felon
DATE: February 13, 2019
SUBJECT: Water Rescue of wanted felon
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: Haster Basin Park- 12952 Lampson Avenue, Garden Grove
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: 02/13/2019 11:20 a.m.
SUSPECT: Jason James Harvey, 31 year old transient, Garden Grove
NARRATIVE:
On 02/13/2019 at 11:20 a.m. Garden Grove Officers were at the Haster Basin Park located at 12952 Lampson Ave. looking for a person related to an on-going police investigation. Officers saw a group of male transients near a gazebo in the park. As the officers walked up to the group, a male transient ran from the officers and jumped a fence. The male transient then jumped into a large flood basin in the park and started to swim away. Officers monitored the male as he swam across the basin towards the opposite side of the park. Officers noticed the subject was struggling to swim and they lost visual sight of him. The water temperature was extremely cold at the time and it started to rain. Officers were not certain if the male subject drowned.
Officers called for the fire department water rescue team and a police helicopter to respond to the scene to help look for the suspect. An Orange County Sheriff helicopter arrived on scene and found the subject hiding under some shrubbery near the shoreline. Fire Department water rescue personnel assisted the subject out of the water who was exhibiting symptoms of hypothermia. The subject was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Officers learned the subject was wanted for several arrest warrants the included charges for grand theft, burglary, under the influence of drugs, and false representation. He was also charged with running from the police and trespassing. The suspect was identified as Jason James Harvey, a 31 year old transient from Garden Grove.
Prepared By:
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704
Bomb threat investigation and arrest
DATE: February 6, 2019
SUBJECT: Bomb threat investigation and arrest
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 13472 Euclid Street, Garden Grove
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: 02/06/2019 11:08 a.m.
SUSPECT: Jonny Knowles, 56 years old, LKA Garden Grove
NARRATIVE:
On February 6, 2019 at 11:08 a.m. Garden Grove police officers were dispatched to the 7-11 store located at 13472 Euclid Street. A female clerk called the police reporting a suspicious male came into the store and was acting bizarre. The male subject asked the clerk if the store had video cameras. The subject then stated something big was going to happen and he wanted the cameras to record the incident.
The subject exited the store and was seen near a white Ford Mustang in the parking lot. The subject left the area on foot, leaving the car behind. The clerk called the police to report what she saw.
Officers arrived at the location and did not find the subject. The white Ford Mustang was found unoccupied at the east end of the parking lot. Officers observed a suspicious device on the driver’s seat connected with tubing and wires attached to a car battery. Officers were not certain if this was an explosive device and immediately began to cordon off the area and evacuate surrounding residences and businesses. Nearby streets were blocked and freeway on/off ramps were shut down to divert traffic.
While officers were waiting for the bomb squad to respond, the same subject was seen walking away north on Euclid Street. The subject called the fire department to report a car fire in the 7-11 store parking lot. The subject then left a suspicious container that contained an unknown fluid at a nearby business parking lot. The subject fled the area on foot.
A large coordinated response that included the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad, an Anaheim Fire Department Hazardous Materials crew, the Garden Grove Fire Department, the California Highway Patrol, and numerous police officers was initiated.
After several hours, the device in the car and the second container with the unknown fluid were rendered safe by the bomb squad and the fire department Haz Mat crew. It was determined by the bomb squad investigators that the two items left behind by the subject were not improvised explosive devices.
Officers located the subject hiding in a backyard of a residence near the 11200 block of Crosby Avenue. He did not live at the home and was acting paranoid. The subject was exhibiting signs of being under the influence of narcotics and was positively identified by witnesses.
The suspect was interviewed by detectives and was arrested for reporting a false emergency. Additional charges may be filed at a later time. The surrounding streets were opened back up to regular traffic at approximately 4:00 PM. Anyone with information concerning this suspect and the activities leading up to the event are encouraged to contact the Garden Grove Police Department at 714-741-5422.