BRIEFLY IN PUBLIC SAFETY

DNA match leads to arrest in previous home burglary

DNA evidence has led to the arrest of a Laguna Niguel man believed to be responsible for a June 2006 residential burglary in Laguna Beach, according to Laguna Beach Police Chief Michael Sellers.

The burglary, of more than $2,000 in tools, occurred in the 1300 block of Lewellyn Drive.

The victim reported someone had smashed a glass door to enter the home.

At the time of the burglary, police collected blood from the crime scene. It was presumed the suspect had been injured smashing the glass door.

The DNA was entered into the National Combined DNA Index System.

There was no match for a suspect at that time.

In March, a “hit” was reported on the DNA from the burglary and it was matched to a suspect. With this evidence, an arrest warrant for burglary was obtained for the suspect.

On April 16, detectives arrested Ronald Gene Herndon, a 42-year-old construction worker, at his home in Laguna Niguel. He was booked at the Laguna Beach Police City Jail and later transported to the Orange County Jail.

Herndon remains in jail on $50,000 bail, according to the Sheriff’s Department website.

Woman held in theft of raspberries, diet pills

A 52-year-old Costa Mesa woman, Melana Robinson, was arrested April 17 on suspicion of stealing fruit and diet pills worth a total of $84.57 from a market in the 700 block of South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jason Kravetz said.

The items allegedly stolen were papaya, raspberries and diet pills. The pills set off the door alarm when Robinson exited the store and employees stopped the suspect in the parking lot.

She was arrested on suspicion of felony petty theft, Kravetz said.