BRIEFLY IN PUBLIC SAFETY

Local man held in alleged assault on other man

A Laguna Beach man was arrested March 22 on suspicion of beating another Laguna Beach man in an apparent quarrel over money, Laguna Beach Det. Sgt. Darin Lenyi said.

Michael Taylor Jacques, 21, was held in Orange County Jail on $250,000 bail, charged with assault with a deadly weapon, brandishing a weapon and battery.

Jacques allegedly struck another 21-year-old man, who was treated for multiple injuries at South Coast Medical Center’s emergency room. ER personnel summoned police at 7:15 p.m., Lenyi said.

The victim told police that he and the suspect were arguing earlier in the day on the 200 block of Woodland Drive when the suspect allegedly punched him in the face, and then allegedly pulled out a small knife and jabbed at the victim several times, not striking him.

The suspect then allegedly continued to pummel the victim, causing contusions on his right arm.

The suspect claims the victim, not he, brandished the knife, Lenyi said.

Jacques, a handyman, is due to appear at Harbor Justice Center on April 13.

Man demands chemical in return for cycle

A Los Angeles man is under investigation for allegedly holding a Laguna Beach man’s Yamaha motorcycle for ransom “” demanding a chemical agent commonly used in illicit drug labs for its return, Lenyi said.

The seller, a Laguna Beach man, reported the motorcycle as stolen on March 21.

The victim told police he had agreed to sell the motorcycle to the suspect, who then held it without payment and said he would give it back only in exchange for red phosphorous.

Red phosphorous is a volatile agent used in illicit drug-making.