A woman arrested for suspicion of attempted homicide after firing a gun at a man had pulled the trigger multiple times on a revolver that failed to fire, police said.
Cristina Marie Higuera, 47, of Laguna Beach, was held for $500,000 bail following her arrest Monday, May 26, about 3:15 p.m. at her home in the 200 block of Wave Street.
A neighbor called police after observing a couple in an alley arguing and a woman point a gun at her companion, Sgt. Louise Callus said.
Investigators, who located the still arguing pair in an apartment, concluded Higuera loaded the gun after re-entering the residence, Callus said. The shot missed the man and went into the ceiling, she said.
Gunman Report Elicits Strong Response
Police and sheriff’s deputies carrying assault rifles searched the Club Laguna apartment complex door-to-door Monday, June 2, after receiving a report about a man carrying what looked like a rifle running into one the buildings.
No one suspicious was discovered within the multi level apartment complex during the two-hour search that began about 2:30 p.m. Residents were asked to remain inside.
The call from the apartment-leasing office to police prompted a full-scale response, which included Laguna Beach police, sheriff’s deputies and a circling helicopter.
Street beat
Wednesday, May 28
Stolen vehicle. Glenneyre St. 10:36 a.m. A 1993 Honda that disappeared was recovered a day later in Tustin.
Stolen vehicle. 1500 block of S. Coast Hwy. 3:27 p.m. A 1991 Honda that was towed turned out to be a vehicle stolen in Newport Beach two days earlier.
Thursday, May 29
Brandishing a weapon. 300 block of Cliff Dr. 3:30 p.m. A driver who was angry at another motorist held up a pocket knife in a threatening manner. While police located the suspect, ultimately the victim declined prosecution.
Drunk driving. Coast Hwy. 7:14 p.m. Citizens who reported an erratic driver led to the arrest of a 56-year-old San Clemente woman for DUI, who was held for $2500 bail. Two dogs were also in the vehicle.
Traffic stop. Fairview St. 11:51 p.m. Justin Timothy McBride, 20, of Huntington Beach, was arrested for suspicion of possessing cocaine, cannabis and pot. Bail was set at $20,000.
Friday, May 30
Traffic stop. Legion St. 2:22 a.m. A 21-year-old Laguna Beach woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.
Detective activity. 2100 block of Loggia, Newport Beach. 8:11 a.m. Teresa Dee Manto, 54, of Newport Beach, was arrested and charged with petty theft for writing a $130 check to a dog groomer on a closed account.
Traffic collision. 1100 block of S. Coast Hwy. 2:33 p.m. A 20-year-old Dana Point woman complained of pain only and declined medical aid after a car struck her in a crosswalk.
Traffic stop. Montage Resort. A 24-year-old San Clemente woman was arrested for suspicion of possessing cannabis. Bail was set at $20,000.
Saturday, May 31
Welfare check. Catalina St. 9:51 a.m. A 19-year-old Aliso Viejo woman was cited for DUI and held for $2500 bail.
Defraud innkeeper. N. Coast Hwy. 7:08 p.m. A cabbie who summoned police over an unpaid fare ultimately was made whole, but officers nabbed the passenger anyway. Trent Austin Booth, 31, of San Jacinto, was held for $15,000 bail on an outstanding DUI warrant.
Petty theft. 1800 block of S. Coast Hwy. 8:28 p.m. Chad Hiroshi Goodchild, 24, of Mission Viejo, who was arrested for suspicion of attempting to rob a liquor store, was detained at the shop after he was tackled by a patron and restrained by the store owner, Sgt. Louise Callus said. Earlier, Goodchild’s bank card had been declined, but he picked up store items anyway. The owner, who feared shoplifting, blocked the doorway and Goodchild allegedly raised a fist against him.
Missing person. 500 block of Forest Ave. 9:58 p.m. A 16-year-old girl was reported missing.
Sunday, June 1
Battery. 200 block of Ocean Ave. 1 a.m. A bouncer who broke up a fight was injured.
Vehicle burglary. 1300 block of Temple Hills Dr. 5:20 p.m. Joshua Pruitt, 37, of Anaheim, was arrested by sheriff’s deputies in Dana Point for allegedly possessing stolen property and theft. Authorities responded to a description provided by a resident that had seen a burglar flee after rummaging through his wife’s car. Loot from a second burglary on El Camino del Mar was allegedly recovered in the car driven by Pruitt, a parolee.
Grand theft. 900 block of N. Coast hwy. 5 p.m. A $2,000 bike was taken from a business.
Animal calls. 300 block of Club Dr. 5 p.m. A skunk was pulled out of a drain.
Fire. 31900 block of Virginia Way. 7:22 p.m. Fire in a utility closet caused $50,000 in damage to a vacant home being renovated.
