BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS Costa Mesa...

BRIEFLY IN

THE NEWS

Costa Mesa resident arrested in dognapping

A Costa Mesa resident was one of three persons arrested on

Wednesday on suspicion of stealing two Chihuahua puppies from the

Irvine Animal Shelter, officials said.

Kamyar Katouzian, 24, was arrested after PetSmart employees called

Irvine Police when the three brought in the puppies for veterinary

examinations, police said.

Officials said the puppies were found with the help of microchips

that were implanted in them for identification purposes. The shelter

had sent out a bulletin to local animal care agencies and

veterinarians asking for their help in finding the alleged thieves,

police said.

No one injured in San Diego Freeway car fire

Two persons escaped without injuries after their car caught on

fire on the northbound San Diego Freeway on Thursday, Costa Mesa Fire

officials said. The incident, which was reported at 1:48 p.m.

Thursday, happened on the offramp at Harbor Boulevard.

The fire was a result of engine malfunction, fire Capt. Jack

Schuitt said.

“The two people in the car were able to get out,” he said. “But

the car was totaled.”