Editor’s note: The following is the Avalon Sheriff’s Station significant incidents report for the week of July 15, to July 21, 2021.
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.
July 13
• A victim walked into Avalon Sheriff’s Station to report that an unknown suspect(s) stole her cellphone and case while she was in the water at Step Beach. A search of the area conducted with negative results. A grand theft report was taken.
July 16
• Deputies were dispatched to the top of Whittley Avenue regarding a female yelling and challenging people to fight her. Deputies searched the area but did not locate her.
July 17
• A deputy observed a female drinking in public on the 400 block of Crescent Avenue. The suspect was cited and is to appear in court at a later date.
• Deputies responded to the 100 block of Marilla Avenue regarding a domestic violence call. Upon their arrival they observed a female in front of the location crying hysterically and stating that her boyfriend hit her. The victim was trying to get away from the suspect while attempting call 911, when two males grabbed the suspect to pull him away from her. During the struggle, one of the males was knocked down by the suspect and struck his head on a ceramic planter. Jake Payes, 27, of Whittier, arrested on suspicion of spousal assault, assault with great bodily injury, and preventing a call for emergency help.
• While in the water at Descanso Beach, a victim indicated that an unknown person stole her Apple iPhone watch that was wrapped in her T-shirt which was placed on her towel. Deputies asked the victim to “Ping” her watch, and it showed the watch was on a Catalina Express vessel. Deputies boarded the vessel, with the victim, and used the find my watch feature but were unable to pinpoint the watch. A petty theft report was taken.
• Deputies responded to the Cabrillo Mole regarding a loaded weapon found on the Jet Cat Express by the captain of the vessel. Detectives have been working on this case.
• A victim walked in the Avalon Sheriff’s Station regarding an indecent exposure that happened while sitting on a bench with her young daughter by the Botanical Gardens. The victim stated she could identify the suspect if shown a picture of him. This is an ongoing investigation.
• A call was received by the Avalon Sheriff’s Station dispatcher regarding people fighting in the street and refusing to leave on the 100 block of Catalina Avenue. Deputies were dispatched and dispersed the parties after determining that there wasn’t a physical fight.
July 18
• Deputies responded to Pebbly Beach Road to investigate a suspicious vessel landing on the rocks. The passengers were walking away from the vessel and deputies detained them believing they were involved in illegal activity. It was determined those detained were not involved in criminal activity and no longer detained.
• While conducting a patrol check of the 100 block of Marilla Avenue at approximately 12:50 p.m., the deputy observed a golf cart travelling towards his direction without lights on. After a traffic stop was initiated, the deputy smelled the odor of alcohol emitting from the suspects breath and person. After attempting to do a field sobriety test, the suspect refused all tests offered to him. Due to his slurred and slow speech, swaying back and forth while being interviewed, Riley Smith, 26, of San Clemente was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
July 19
• Deputies responded to the 100 block of Catalina Avenue regarding a call about a person on a bench that was unresponsive. When contacted, the suspect had slurred, slow, and mumbled speech with the smell of alcohol emitting from his breath and person. The Avalon Fire Department responded to the scene to evaluate the suspect and see if the suspect had any medical concerns and released the suspect into the custody of the deputies. Rogelio Leon Sandoval, 31, of Avalon, was booked at Avalon Sheriff’s Station on suspicion of public intoxication.
• Deputies responded to Upper Terrace regarding slashed vehicle tires. A vandalism report was taken.
July 20
• Avalon Sheriff’s Station received a call regarding an overturned golf cart near the cemetery. Deputies responded to the location.
• Deputies responded to the Cabrillo Mole (Catalina Flyer) regarding two passengers yelling at people. Deputies contacted the suspects and Manuel Rosas, 40, of Arizona; and Cynthia Rosas, 36, of Arizona; were arrested on suspicion of being drunk in public. They and their minor children were taken to Avalon Sheriff’s Station.
