BRIEFLY IN PUBLIC SAFETY

County closes stretch of beach due to sewage

The County of Orange Health Care Agency has closed a strip of ocean in Newport Beach due to a sewage spill.

Approximately 25 gallons of sewage flowed into the area between the Newport Slough from the Santa Ana River to Grant Street on Thursday, due to a pipeline blockage in a private sewage collection system.

Until the agency declares the area safe again, it will be closed to water-contact sports. Call (714) 433-6400 for more information.

Area man released from hospital

A Newport Beach man hit by an alleged drunk driver was moved out of the critical care unit at Western Medical Center in Santa Ana on Wednesday and is expected to recover from a broken hip and head wound, according to Newport Beach Police.

Jonathan Andrew Purdy, 32, of Irvine, the driver accused of striking Newport Beach resident Shawn Meruelo, 40, on Saturday afternoon, posted bail Sunday, which was set at $100,000. He will be scheduled for arraignment in 30 days, Sgt. Bill Hartford said.

Purdy was northbound on Superior Avenue in a Jeep when he struck Meruelo who was riding his bicycle in the bike lane, authorities said. Purdy fled the scene, but was later apprehended with the help of officers in a helicopter, police said.

He was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence.