Editor’s note: The following is the Avalon Sheriff’s Station significant incidents report for the week of Aug. 14 to Aug. 20, 2019.
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 14
• A victim reported she was in the 700 block of Crescent Avenue when she left her backpack sitting in the park. When she returned, her wallet and military identification card were missing.
August 15
• Sheriff’s Department personnel worked with the Avalon Harbor Patrol in the Avalon Harbor. This was a good learning experience to see what the other agency does on a daily basis.
August 16
• A visitor to the island reported someone stole his backpack while he was miniature golfing in the 200 block of Sumner Avenue. The backpack was later found in the 300 block of Crescent Avenue. It appears someone mistakenly thought the backpack was theirs. All of the items were still in the backpack and the backpack was returned to the owner.
August 17
• A victim reported someone stole her bag from a bar in the 100 block of Sumner Avenue. The investigation revealed the person that took the bag thought it belonged to their wedding party. The bag was turned in and returned to the owner.
August 18
• Deputies arrested Jesus Meison from Avalon on suspicion of being under the influence of narcotics in the 200 block of East Whitley Avenue.
• Deputies responded to the Catalina Express after a husband and wife were involved in an argument on the boat regarding the husband also having a girlfriend. Both were removed from the boat. No criminal laws were violated.
August 19
• Deputies again arrested Jesus Meison from Avalon on suspicion of being under the influence of narcotics and trespassing.
The arrest occurred in the 200 block of Whitley Avenue.
• Deputies arrested Yafet Mengesha from Avalon on suspicion of urinating in public in the 100 block of Sumner Avenue.
August 20
• Deputies arrested Mahafarid Zarei from Lake Forest on suspicion of of domestic violence.
The incident occurred in the 100 block of Marilla Avenue.
Safety Note
I would like to recognize Deputy Sandra Okada, long time Avalon resident and Deputy from the Avalon Sheriff’s Station. Deputy Okada participated in the World Police and Fire Games in Chengdu, China on August 13 and 14, 2019.
There were approximately 10,000 athletes who participated in the games. Deputy Okada won a “Gold” Medal in the “CrossFit” competition.
Deputy Okada was the oldest CrossFit participant. Congratulations Deputy Okada, all of your hard work paid off.
