BRIEFLY IN PUBLIC SAFETY

Man’s death in August ruled not a homicide

An Anaheim man was not a victim of a homicide, despite evidence of a fight when he was found near death Aug. 30 at a residence in the 1800 block of Rim Rock Canyon, the Orange County Coroner has ruled.

Alfonso Jason Gallegos, 35, of Anaheim, was discovered unconscious by police in the bathroom of the home after someone called for assistance in removing people who were involved in a fight, according to Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jason Kravetz. Gallegos was transported to a hospital where he later died.

After an exhaustive investigation, detectives learned that a sexual assault had occurred moments before Gallegos was found, and the suspect in Gallegos’ death was the victim of the sexual assault, Kravetz said.

The coroner determined that Gallegos died as a result of natural causes from a pre-existing medical condition. In early December, police presented the case to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for a criminal filing against the suspect. On Dec. 9, the district attorney declined to prosecute the case.

Three-vehicle pileup leads to DUI arrest

A Laguna Niguel man was arrested on suspicion of DUI after being accused of causing a three-vehicle pileup at 5:42 p.m. Dec. 11 on Coast Highway near Fourth Avenue, Kravetz said.

Richard Kieth Rolen, 43, was traveling in a pickup truck southbound on Coast Highway when he looked down to retrieve his cellphone and rear-ended a Toyota 4-Runner in front of him, Kravetz said. This pushed the Toyota into a Honda Civic in front of it. There were no injuries.

Hermes items stolen

Seven Hermes items, including leather wallets and purses, valued at a total of $23,500, were reported stolen from a home in the 500 block of Thalia Street at 4:55 p.m. Dec. 11, Kravetz said.

The victims told police the theft may have occurred during a two-hour time frame on that day, when they had a workman at their home.

Suspect sought in metals theft, threat attempt

Laguna Beach police are seeking a suspect who almost got away with copper and other items from a job site in the 2800 block of Ridge Drive at 9:19 a.m. Saturday, Kravetz said.

The suspect was caught in the act of driving away with the items by one of the victims, who grabbed the car keys out of the ignition.

The suspect allegedly threatened to shoot if the keys were not returned. A police officer saw the suspect driving away in a 1997 green Ford Expedition on Park Avenue, and followed the vehicle to St. Ann’s Drive, where the suspect exited the vehicle.

The suspect escaped by running to a brush-filled area. The stolen items were recovered and the vehicle impounded.