Briefly In Public Safety

Former internationally ranked surfer arrested

Former professional surfer and founder of surf apparel brand Gotcha was arrested last week on DUI and drug charges.

Michael Tomson, 57, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and possession of a controlled substance about 11 p.m. Dec. 8.

Officers stopped Tomson regarding his vehicle’s lights and noticed symptoms of impairment. Tomson did not pass a field sobriety exam, but passed a Breathalyzer test, which led the officer to believe he was under the influence of medication or drugs, according to Laguna Beach police Sgt. Robert Rahaeuser.

During a search of the vehicle, a vial of cocaine was found under the driver’s seat.

Tomson, a native of South Africa, was ranked No. 5 in the international surf scene in 1978.

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Suspect steals car from dealership

Frank’s Motor Cars reported a stolen vehicle about 7 p.m. Dec. 8.

The dealership, which specializes in pre-owned Mercedes-Benzes, reported that a vehicle that was waiting to be picked up by its owner was stolen by an unknown suspect overnight between Dec. 7 and 8, according to Sgt. Louise Callus.

The owner had not shown up to retrieve the vehicle. The keys were left out and the suspect used them to steal the car, she said.

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Ambulance company offers to bring families together

Orange County’s Doctor’s Ambulance Transports offers families a chance to be together for the holidays.

With their Home for the Holidays program, the Laguna Hills-based company helps families with members living in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities.

“A visit home during the holiday season could mean so much,” Business Development Director David Sanford said in a statement. “We can pick up at the hospital or assisted-living facility and get them to their families and back, allowing them to have a special and memorable family experience.”

Emergency medical technicians pick up the patients, take them to their location of choice and return them home afterward.

“Home for the Holidays” is available to residents in Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano and Tustin.

For more information, call Sanford at Doctor’s Ambulance at (949) 583-2204 or visit https://www.DoctorsAmbulance.com.

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Offers increase prescience over holiday weekends

Laguna Beach police will be increasing staff over Christmas and New Year’s weekends in an effort to curb drunk driving and DUI-related crashes and deaths.

The city usually adds officers during holidays in order to properly identify DUI offenders and remove them from the streets.

Police say they hope publicity will cause drivers to think twice about drunk driving.

The department offers the following tips for staying safe on the road during the holidays: Plan a safe way home beforehand; pick a designated driver before driving; call a taxi, friend or family member for a ride; take public transportation; and call 911 if you spot a drunk driver.

— Joanna Clay

Twitter: @JoannaClay