Editor’s note: The following is the Avalon Sheriff’s Station significant incidents report for the period of May 19 to May 25, 2022.
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.
May 19
• Deputies on patrol were flagged down at Hermit Gulch Campground regarding a male acting weird inside the restroom. The informant who was a camper at the location told deputies the man had been inside the restroom for a long time. Deputies investigated and could hear the man inside the shower. They did not enter the restroom and determined no crime had been committed.
• Deputies responded to a possible illegal shooting on the water near Hamilton Cove. The informant stated a male adult fisherman had shot a pelican. The deputies checked the area for the possible shooter and the injured bird. They were unable to locate either of them. The case was investigated by detectives who located and interviewed the fisherman. They determined no crime had been committed and the man discharged an air gun without any projectiles inside the gun. The man was attempting to keep the pelican away from his boat while fishing with his family.
• Deputies responded to a family disturbance on the 100 block of Metropole Avenue. The caller stated a male and female were arguing inside one of the hotel rooms. Deputies contacted the woman who stated she was involved in an argument with her boyfriend over homework. During the argument she stated her boyfriend kicked her and punched her on her right side. Tyler Haines 36, of San Diego, was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence. He was transported and booked at Avalon Sheriff’s Station.
May 20
• Deputies on foot patrol saw a man lying on the sidewalk in front of the Atwater Hotel. It was approximately midnight, and it appeared the man was sleeping. Deputies contacted him to check on his wellbeing. While contacting the man, deputies immediately smelled alcohol and detained the man for an investigation. After the investigation was completed, Huely Candelario 35, of Avalon, man was arrested for on suspicion of being drunk in public. He was transported and booked at Avalon Sheriff’s Station.
May 21
• Deputies were conducting a patrol check on Crescent Avenue at approximately 0120 hours.
They observed a golf cart driving on Crescent Avenue and conducted a traffic enforcement stop. During the traffic stop they immediately recognized the signs of an impaired driver. They detained the driver pending a DUI investigation. During the investigation, the man continually told the deputies he wanted to go home to his wife. Upon completion of the field sobriety tests, Juan Arellano-Garcia, 31, of Tustin, was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. He was transported and booked at Avalon Sheriff’s Station.
• Deputies responded to a stolen golf cart call on the 600 block of Crescent Avenue. The caller stated a female adult had stolen her golf cart. Deputies began an investigation and canvassed the town searching for the stolen cart.
The deputies were able to locate the golf cart and a possible suspect.
Upon further investigation it was determined the cart was taken by accident. The woman explained the cart looked the same as the one she was driving. She was apologetic and returned the cart to its owner.
• Deputies issued a parking citation to a vehicle illegally parked on Crescent Avenue and Metropole Avenue.
May 22
• Deputies responded to Wrigley Stage regarding a possible fight involving 4 females. Deputies arrived at the location and were unable to locate any fighting females.
• Deputies responded to a petty theft call on the 200 block of Crescent Avenue. The caller stated a female adult stole 2 outfits from the store.
The deputies were able to locate the culprit who returned to the store and reconciled with the business owner. The stolen items were returned, and the suspect apologized for her nefarious behavior.
May 23
• Deputies responded to a suspicious person call on the 200 block of Clarissa Street. The caller stated a female was found sleeping in her living room and she did not know the person. Deputies arrived and awoke the sleeping trespasser.
They conducted an investigation and determined the female had drank a little too much and entered the wrong home.
The woman apologized and the deputies helped her locate her friends and the correct AirBNB.
• Deputies contacted a suspicious male at 1 Casino Way. The male was acting suspiciously and refused to give the deputies any identifying information. The man would only show the deputies his departing boat ticket. The deputies kept a watchful eye on the man and confirmed he hopped on the boat and departed the island.
May 24
• Detective Martin was contacted by the golf course regarding vandalism to a golf cart. The informant stated a man had rented a golf cart to use while he played his round of golf.
The man returned the golf cart and had damaged the rear axle by backing into the curb. The man left without settling his financial responsibility for the damage.
Detective Martin was able to locate the man who was out fishing and encouraged him to contact the golf course owner. The man complied and the matter was resolved.
May 25
• Deputies strategically placed sheriff’s patrol vehicles in the downtown area to deter criminal activity and increase the law enforcement presence on the island.
They also conducted numerous foot patrols downtown due to the increase in population from the visiting cruise ship.
