South County razor blade suspect arrested

Police officials say they are not sure whether a 21-year-old Mission

Viejo woman arrested Tuesday on suspicion of planting razor blades and

nails in several South County parks and playgrounds over the last two

months can be linked to similar incidents last year in Newport-Mesa.

Lori Elizabeth Fischer was arrested about 1:30 a.m. in a Mission Viejo

park by Orange County sheriff’s deputies who say they have sufficient

evidence to link her to most, if not all, of the recent crimes.

Several razor blades and glass shards were found in Newport Beach and

Costa Mesa parks and play areas from March to May of 2001. But police

were unable to pinpoint any suspects, although they said an investigation

is ongoing.

Newport Beach Police Sgt. Steve Shulman said Tuesday that detectives

will be in touch with the Sheriff’s Department.

“We’ll definitely try and find out if any of the physical evidence

suggests [Fischer] may have had something to do with the incidents in our

city,” he said. “But at this point, we don’t know.”

Costa Mesa Police Lt. Dale Birney said his department is still on the

case.

“It’s too early to tell,” he said. “But I’m sure our detectives will

contact the Sheriff’s Department.”