A brief manhunt in South Laguna sent people scurrying indoors as two law enforcement helicopters circled and siren-blaring cars jammed the small lanes Monday, June 1.
Laguna police say sheriff’s deputies collared a man hiding in bushes near Scenic and Fourth Street who earlier had ditched a car nearby and fled on foot.
Baron Decker, 28, of Dana Point, was arrested for allegedly possessing a stolen can and was held for $65,000 bail, which included outstanding arrest warrants, said sheriff’s spokesman Jeffrey A Hallock.
Sheriff’s deputies apparently pursued a speeding car into the neighborhood, which soon saw an influx of law enforcement personnel. At least one Third Street resident was ordered inside by a sworn officer.
Monday, May 26
Vehicle burglary. 300 block of Heather Pl. 7:56 a.m. A briefcase valued at $3,000 was stolen.
Vehicle burglary. 600 block of S. Coast Hwy. 10:53 a.m. A rental car was broken into.
Citizen contact. 500 block of Forest Ave. 5:31. Hunter Schwartz, 19, of Laguna Beach, was arrested for a Harbor Court warrant.
Tuesday, May 27
Public intoxication. 2100 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 9:09 a.m. Jeffrey Gleason, 51, of Costa Mesa, was arrested for suspicion of DUI and held for $10,000 bail due to a previous offense.
Traffic stop. 200 block of Mountain Rd. 4:35 p.m. Police declined to identify a suspect who was arrested as part of a narcotics investigation still underway.
Wednesday, May 28
Vandalism. 500 block of Brooks St. 12:44 p.m. A neighbor is suspected in cutting two trees at a vacant home being remodeled.
Medical. Emerald Bay. 4:27 p.m. Two teen cyclists from Arizona suffered minor injuries when they collided due to a fall by the first rider, upended by a sewer grate.
Indecent exposure. 300 block of Cliff Dr. 6:32 p.m. Heisler Park. A 38-year-old man was arrested for intoxication after police found him passed out with his genitals exposed.
Friday, May 29
Traffic stop. Canyon Acres. 8:18 a.m. Matthew Kemp, 32, of Laguna Beach, was arrested for a DUI warrant.
Hit and run. Beach St. 1:28 p.m. A blue Porsche that hit a street sign and sustained front-end damage fled the scene, but was later found parked and driverless. The car’s license plate is registered to someone who is deceased, the police log said.
Petty theft. 20000 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 6 p.m. A wallet was reported stolen.
Saturday, May 30
Disorderly person. 200 block of High Dr. 1:20 a.m. Thomas Joseph Conley, 18, of San Clemente, who was arrested for resisting a peace officer 90 minutes earlier, was re-arrested for misdemeanor assault on a police officer and domestic violence as well as a felony, for making criminal threats. A resident allegedly overheard Conley threatening to kill his female companion, who officers learned had been assaulted earlier. He spit at arresting officers, police allege.
Petty theft. 3000 block of Bern Dr. 12:51 p.m. Ski gear valued at $350 was taken.
Grand theft. 2000 block of Ocean Way. 1:14 p.m. A copper BBQ cover valued at $2,000 was stolen.
Petty theft. 300 block of N. Coast Hwy. 5:37 p.m. A 30-year-old employee was cited for suspicion of stealing money from his employer.
Sunday, May 31
Traffic stop. 800 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 1:33 p.m. Wade J. Kelley, 49, of Riverside, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Traffic collision. Laguna Canyon Rd. 2:47 p.m. A passenger in a vehicle suffered a possibly broken finger after an airbag deployed in a rear-end collision.
Citizen contact. 500 block of Forest Ave. 6:21 p.m. Taylor Seymour, 20, of Laguna Beach, was arrested for suspicion of two misdemeanor drug charges after entering the police station to talk to the desk clerks.
