Editor’s note:
The following is the Avalon Sheriff’s Station significant incidents report for the week of July 8, 2021 to July 14, 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 8
• Deputies responded to the Isthmus Pier regarding an assault. The victim stated he was on his dinghy as he tried to pass another boat with four people on board trolling. Victim stated he attempted to go wide around the vessel in order to avoid catching their fishing lines with his engine. After passing the boat, the suspect was yelling at him to stop because it was believed that his fishing line was caught. When the victim stopped, the suspect pulled alongside and was yelling obscenities and punched him in the face then grabbed the victim’s microphone (while he was trying to call for help) and ripped it out of the radio disabling it. Deputies arrested Mark Walsh, 57, of Huntington Beach, on suspicion of battery, vandalism, and disabling an emergency communication device.
• Deputies at the Isthmus were informed by the Coast Guard that there were two missing divers at Cherry Cove. Divers were found alive and well with no evidence of a crime.
July 9
-21 – Avalon Sheriff’s Station received an anonymous call stating that they could hear a female yelling and breaking items at a residence on the 300 block of Sumner Avenue. When the deputies arrived, they were unable to locate anyone at the location.
• On the 100 block of Sumner Avenue, a call came in about a boxing match in the alley that was going on. After contacting the parties, it was established it was only a boxing training session.
July 10
• Deputies assisted the Fire Department with a call of a diver that was dizzy and vomiting after doing two dives. The deputies assisted Baywatch in getting the diver to the hyperbaric chamber for treatment.
• A customer was threatening an employee at a business located on the 300 block of Crescent. Deputies contacted the party in question and he cooperated and left the location with no incident.
• A call came was made to Avalon Sheriff’s Station regarding people on the roof of a hotel in the 100 block of Sumner Avenue. Deputies conducted a security sweep of the roof for individuals, but they were gone prior to their arrival.
July 11
• On the 300 block of Crescent Avenue, a pedestrian, Marisa Espinosa, 28, of Brownsville, Texas was cited on suspicion of drinking in public.
• Avalon Station received three 911 calls regarding an argument at Hermit Gulch Campground. When deputies arrived, they were contacted by informants directing them to another campsite where the victims were located. Victims stated that they began their day by singing worship songs when the suspect came to their campsite and cursed and screamed at them. One victim stated that the suspect pulled a gun out from his waistband and pointed the red laser/light at her. The suspect threatened her and said that he “could drop her anytime.” Victim attempted to calm the suspect down and convince him to put the gun away. After the deputies contacted the suspect, the gun was identified as only a taser. While arresting Samir Philips, 50, of Woodland Hills on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, exhibiting a deadly weapon, possession of an imitation firearm, and possession of a stun gun with a prior felony conviction, the deputies also reported finding methamphetamine and a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine in the suspect’s possession.
• Deputies received a call regarding a vandalism and petty theft at the shower/bathroom adjacent to the public laundry. The change machine was damaged and U.S. currency was taken from the machine. Deputies conducted a search in the area for additional security cameras.
• Deputies were dispatched to the Catalina Express regarding a disturbance at Gate 1. The informant pointed to a female who was standing in line and stated that she was yelling and pushed him and his wife.
Informant stated that the suspect was also arguing with other people in line. When the suspect was contacted by the deputies, they immediately smelled the odor of alcohol emitting from her breath and person. Suspect was swaying back and forth and attempted to grab the arm of a deputy to keep her balance. Due to the suspect’s actions, she was not allowed to board the vessel and was unable to care for herself. Deputies arrested Briza Perez, 31, of Lamont, California on suspicion of being drunk in public, and she was taken to Avalon Sheriff’s Station where she was booked.
July 12
• Deputies responded to the Catalina Express regarding a group of males smoking marijuana at the location. The males were gone prior to the deputies arrival and were unable to locate the group.
July 13
• Deputies were called to the Catalina Express over a passenger refusing to wear a mask. After being contacted by the deputies, the party was willing to cooperate with Catalina Express.