Briefly In Public Safety

Flood-damaged home targeted for theft

Someone stole a washer and dryer and other items, totaling $2,600, from the courtyard of a flood-damaged home undergoing renovations in the 2000 block of Laguna Canyon Road, according to Sgt. Louise Callus. The theft occurred sometime over the weekend of Feb. 26 and 27, according to the report filed at 2:11 p.m. March 2.

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Laguna man held in marijuana case

A 23-year-old Laguna Beach man was arrested on suspicion of marijuana possession after his vehicle was stopped for having an expired registration, missing mud flaps and an amplified exhaust system, at 6:42 p.m. March 3 at Viejo Street and North Coast Highway, Callus stated.

Kelly Shayne Shapley was arrested on suspicion of possessing narcotics for sale after the officer smelled marijuana in the cab of the truck, Callus alleged. Shapley was held without bail at Orange County Jail, according to jail records.

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Man arrested in alleged assault

A Laguna Beach man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a 72-year-old man who was walking on Laguna Canyon Road in the Big Bend area on March 3, Callus said.

Police were called to the Day Labor Hiring Site by the man’s son, who said his father was crossing a driveway when a man began to turn into the driveway and yelled at him to move out of the way, Callus said. The suspect then exited his vehicle and allegedly struck the victim, knocking him to the ground. The victim said he briefly lost consciousness and when he woke up, the suspect was standing over him. The victim was able to stand and leave the area.

Police identified the suspect as John Onsby Bennett, 46. He was arrested on suspicion of battery with injury and posted bail of $30,000.

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Allegedly intoxicated Marine arrested

Police picked up a Marine from Camp Pendleton after seeing a very intoxicated young man in the vicinity of the White House restaurant in the 300 block of South Coast Highway at 12:09 a.m. March 5, Callus said. When the officer approached to try to get the man a ride home, the man allegedly fled, and then allegedly fought with officers who were summoned to subdue him. The Marine was eventually subdued with a Taser, arrested on suspicion of resisting an officer and released to a sergeant from the military base, where he was stationed.

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Home burgled while residents were present

A home in the 1200 block of Temple Terrace was reported burglarized while the residents were at home, possibly asleep, Callus stated. The residents reported at 7:29 a.m. Sunday that a suspect had entered the home using a ladder and kicking in a screen, according to police records.

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Marine accused of DUI, hit and run

A Marine was arrested on suspicion of DUI and hit and run after a man reported his car being struck by another car, which fled at 8:43 a.m. Monday in the 300 block of Bluebird Canyon Drive, Callus said. Officers located the suspect driving southbound on the Coast Highway. The suspect, who’s name was withheld, was released to his commanding officer from the Marine Corps.

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Change smoke alarms along with clocks

Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, and the Laguna Beach Fire Department is urging residents to change their smoke alarm batteries when they change their clocks. Clocks should be moved forward by one hour by 2 a.m. Sunday.

Within the past year, all three residential fires in Laguna Beach were in structures without a working smoke detector, according to a fire department news release.

The department will send firefighters to the homes of seniors to inspect and assist with installing smoke alarms. For more information, call (949) 497-0700.

—Compiled by Cindy Frazier