Editor’s note: The following is the Avalon’s Sheriff’s Stations significant incidents report for the period of Dec. 9 to Dec 21. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Many people who are arrested do not get prosecuted in the first place and many who are prosecuted do not get convicted.
December 9
• Deputies responded to 100 Banning Drive regarding a tenant eviction. The deputies stood by as the locks were changed at the location and the legal owner took possession of the property.
• Deputies responded to a disturbance call at Metropole Avenue and Tremont Street. The caller stated people were talking loudly and it was unknown if they were arguing or just being loud. Deputies arrived, reminded the people it was midnight and asked the people to keep their voices down and respect others who were trying to sleep.
December 10
• Deputies responded to a disturbance call on the 200 block of Marilla Avenue. The caller stated a man and woman were arguing at a residence. The deputies arrived and contacted a woman at the location. The deputies determined there was no crime at the location. The woman told deputies she was talking on the phone with a friend after having a bad day at work.
• Deputies responded to a possible fight call on the 100 block of Catalina Avenue. They contacted a few rowdy gents in the street and advised them it would be in their best interest to head home. The men agreed with the deputies, gladly complied and went home.
December 11
• Deputies responded to a business disturbance on the 100 block of Sumner Avenue. The caller stated a female adult was sleeping in the hotel lobby and refusing to leave. The deputies awoke the woman from her slumber and determined she was at the wrong hotel. The deputies transported the woman to her correct hotel.
• Deputies responded to a business disturbance on the 700 block of Crescent Avenue. The caller stated customers were being irate and yelling at employees. The deputies contacted the patrons who were unhappy with the business etiquette at the restaurant. The deputies advised the unhappy people to take up their matter with the Better Business Bureau. They also told them their unruly behavior would not help resolve their frustration.
December 12
• Deputies responded to the 600 block of Beacon Street regarding a 16 year old refusing to go to school. The family and the young lad were counseled and advised to respect each other.
• Deputies were contacted at the Sheriff’s Station by a woman who had lost her wallet. The wallet was located by an unknown citizen and turned into the station. The Sheriff’s dispatcher located the owners name and posted the found wallet on Facebook. The owner responded to the post and claimed her wallet. While claiming her wallet, the owner stated $115 was taken from her wallet. The case is being investigated by Detective Meyers.
December 13
• Deputies were contacted at the Sheriff’s Station by a woman who stated someone was using her social security number. The woman stated an unknown identity thief was utilizing her social security number for employment at a café in Tustin, Ca. A criminal report was written and Detective Meyers is attempting to locate the crook.
• Deputies responded to a trespassing call on Lower Terrace. The caller stated 3 people had broken into a rental property and ran off when they were discovered. Deputies conducted an investigation and discovered the trespassers had a key to the location which they gave to the property manager as they left the location. There was nothing missing or damaged at the residence. The case is being investigated by Avalon Station Detective Bureau.
December 14
• Deputies conducted traffic enforcement stops for vehicle code violations. They focused their efforts at Sumner and Beacon, Metropole and Crescent.
December 15
• Deputies responded to a residence on the 300 block of Sumner Avenue regarding a disturbing the peace call at 7:00 p.m. Deputies contacted the disturbing party who was working with power tools and advised them of the complaint and the city ordinance which prohibits the use of “construction-type devices” between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. The disturbing party was cooperative and agreed to stop construction for the night.
December 16
• Deputies responded to a call regarding a herd of buffalo near hikers south of Two Harbors. 8 stranded hikers were located unharmed and transported away from the herd without incident. Deputies advised that although buffalo appear to be cuddly and fun to be around, it is best to keep your distance and avoid contact. The hikers were appreciative of the deputies help and are excited to share their “wilderness survival story” at the holiday dinner table this year.
• Deputy personnel participated in a toy giveaway with IEX Helicopters, and the city of Avalon. The captain and Sergeant Kline helped Santa and his elves load 2 helicopters full of toys donated by Avalon Station Personnel and IEX Helicopter. The helicopters landed on Catalina just after 11:00 a.m. Santa exited the helicopter and began passing out toys to all the children in attendance. Detective Meyers and Deputy Montoya were forced to take action to prevent the “Grinch” from stealing all the toys and spoiling the event. Santa and his elves were then escorted by Avalon Sheriff’s Station personnel to Avalon City Hall where toys were distributed to preschool children.
• Deputies resorted to a call at the Eucalyptus Apartments on Banning Drive regarding a sliding glass door left ajar of a recently vacated apartment. The caller believed a former tenant may have reentered the unit illegally and was inside. Deputies were given permission to make entry and search for anyone inside. After a thorough search, the deputies found the location was empty.
December 17
• Deputies responded to Steve’s Steakhouse regarding a large group of patrons being unruly and disturbing the peace. When deputies arrived, the manager asked for their assistance with escorting the large party out. Deputies McCloud and Hodge can be very convincing when politely asking a party to exit a location. The party quickly settled their check and left without further incident.
December 18
• Deputies worked foot beats and vehicle patrols of Crescent Avenue to ensure the safety and security of the public during the holiday shopping weekend.
December 20
• Deputies responded to the 200 block of Whittley Avenue regarding a male sleeping inside a vacant apartment. When deputy personnel arrived, they quickly discovered an individual inside the location, and later discovered a second individual who was also just outside the location. The two individuals were detained and questioned by deputies. Based on evidence at the scene and statements of the two individuals, Vincent Munoz, 34, an Avalon resident, and Marian Rubio, 26, of Glendale, California were arrested for suspicion of residential burglary and transported to Avalon Sheriff’s Station. The investigation is on-going.
December 21
• Deputies conducted foot beats on Crescent Avenue and Pebbly Road due to a Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship being in town. Several cruisers were advised that crosswalks were designated areas for crossing the street, and the flashing light, better known as a turn signal, on rental golf carts is intended to indicate the direction one is planning to turn next. All of the cruisers appeared appreciative of the “hot tips” and continued along their merry way.
