The following is the Avalon’s Sheriff’s Stations significant incidents report for the period of Aug. 31 to Sept. 6, 2023.
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.
August 31
- Deputies responded to Descanso Drive regarding a disturbance involving a landlord and tenant. The tenant called and stated he had been locked out of his residence by the property owner. The deputies contacted both parties and advised them of the eviction process. The owner stated the man had not paid rent and is no longer welcome at the home. Both parties understood and were going to act in accordance with the law.
- Deputies responded to the Casino regarding a possible trespassing. The informant stated he saw people inside the casino on video camera while the location was locked and closed for business. The deputies checked the area and were unable to locate any suspects or evidence of a crime. This might be one for the Ghost Tour guides.
September 1
- Deputies responded to a disturbance call on Crescent Avenue. The caller stated a man and woman were arguing in the room next door. The caller also stated the woman was crying. The deputies arrived and contacted the man and woman. They admitted they were just arguing after enjoying adult beverages on a Friday night.
- Deputies responded to a disturbance call on Country Club Drive. The caller stated her boyfriend was drunk and arguing with people in front of their hotel. The deputies contacted the man who stated he was a little drunk and trying to offer people on the island employment. The man was talking in circles and his stories were boring. The man was left with his girlfriend and his brother who took him back to the hotel room.
September 2
- Deputies responded to St. Catherine Way regarding a female who may have climbed onto the zipline property. The deputies arrived and observed a man and woman sitting on a hill gazing out at the moonlit ocean. They contacted the couple and advised them although they had chosen a wonderful viewing spot, they were on private property and subject to arrest. The couple captured one final visual memory and left the location.
September 3
- Deputies responded to a fight call on Crescent Avenue. The caller stated 2 men were fighting in the street and it was 3 a.m. Deputy McCloud arrived and saw 1 of the men chasing another and trying to fight him. The deputy exited his car and yelled at the man to stop, which he ignored. The deputy was able to stop the man and determined he was extremely intoxicated. Ivan Hernandez, 28, of Avalon, was arrested on suspicion of being drunk in public and booked at Avalon Sheriff’s Station.
September 4
- Deputies responded to Descanso Avenue regarding a disturbance call. The caller stated a male and female were arguing at the location and it was an on-going problem.
The deputies arrived and knocked on the door to check the well being of the residents. A male adult answered the door yelling and cursing at the deputies.
The deputies were unfazed by the inappropriate language and asked if everyone was OK. A woman then appeared and said everything was OK and they were just discussing things.
The deputies left the location so the couple could finish their discussion.
- Deputies received a business disturbance call at Cartopia. The caller stated a customer was refusing to pay for his rental cart because it was taken away. The cart was taken back because the customer and passengers were drinking alcohol in the rented golf cart.
The customer must have come to his senses and realized drinking while driving and allowing alcohol in a vehicle is crime even on Catalina.
The customer quickly paid his bill and beat feet before the deputies arrived.
September 5
- Deputies conducted foot patrol on Front Street due to a cruise ship being in town. They issued 8 warnings to drivers who were driving their rented golf carts on Front Street. The drivers were all apologetic and did not realize they could not drive on Front Street.
Safety Note
Please do not leave your golf cart keys in the ignition or cup holders. We have seen an increase in joyriding incidents and we attribute it to the vehicle’s keys being left inside.
