PUBLIC SAFETY New motorcycle officer is a...

PUBLIC SAFETY

New motorcycle officer is a first for Newport

Newport Beach’s two newest motorcycle officers include the

department’s first-ever woman in that assignment.

Penny Freeman and Matt Keyworth started patrolling the streets in

November, after completing the grueling four-week motorcycle

training. Though the assignment has traditionally been dominated by

male officers, Freeman and Keyworth said that gender does not play a

role in an officer’s ability to do the job if they have the desire

and training.

* A Newport Beach financial advisor, who police say shot his wife

then himself, is being investigated by the state for investments he

made.

Newport Beach Police found 37-year-old Aaron Miles and 35-year-old

Uyen Tran shot dead in their West Newport apartment Dec. 8. Some of

Miles’ investors filed complaints in October, claiming he had not

returned their money when they requested it.

The California Department of Corporations has frozen his assets

while they investigate.

* United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials

arrested a Newport Coast man Thursday for allegedly selling

counterfeit designer handbags.

Terry Smith, 56, was arrested on suspicion of trafficking in

counterfeit goods. Officials say he was selling high-quality fake

designer bags, with names including Prada and Gucci on them.