NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA) – After a vandalism suspect went on a destructive joy ride through Newport Harbor on Thursday morning, clean-up crews were left to dispose of the mess. It’s now been reported that the stolen boat was undergoing maintenance. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department says because of that — the keys were on board the vessel. Still, witnesses say it would not be easy to steal. “As the boat was backing up, I thought the throttle was stuck,” said Dylan Eckardt who was in his office when heard the commotion in the water. “As I looked closer, he threw it in drive and ran over the to ..read more

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA) — Multiple boats were damaged after a vandalism suspect went on a destructive joy ride through Newport Harbor. Officers were chasing after a suspected vandal at about 9:30 a.m. when the man stole a boat in the harbor and took it for a joy ride, according to Newport Beach police. View this post on Instagram A post shared by THEQUALIFIEDCAPTAIN (@thequalifiedcaptain) Warning: Video contains strong language The boat, a 60-foot yacht, sailed right into Debora Dolly’s sailboat — with her inside. Dolly says she hit her head, so she is going to get herself checked out — but ..read more

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA) – The Hoag Classic begins Friday at Newport Beach Country Club, one year after the PGA Tour Champions tournament was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. “To come here to Newport Beach Country Club and to the area, seeing things getting back to normal, is wonderful,” said Ernie Els, the 2020 tournament champion. Els is among eight World Golf Hall of Fame members in the 80-player field, along with Fred Couples, Retief Goosen, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, Colin Montgomerie, Jose Maria Olazabal and Vijay Singh. Miguel Angel Jiménez has won two of the season’s first ..read more

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA) — A 64-year-old New Mexico man has been convicted in the 1980 rape and murder of a 79-year-old Anaheim woman. (credit: Anaheim Police Department) Andre William Lepere was found guilty Tuesday of first-degree murder in the killing of Viola Hagenkord in her Anaheim apartment in February of 1980. Jurors also found true a sentencing enhancement for murder during the commission of a rape. The case was cold for decades until FBI officials did genealogical research that led authorities to Lepere, prosecutors said in a trial brief. Lepere was arrested at his New Mexico home in ..read more

SANTA ANA (CBSLA) — Mourners braved the cold and the rain Tuesday to pay their respects to Huntington Beach police Officer Nicholas Vella, who was killed this weekend in a helicopter crash off the Newport Beach. Light rain was falling in Santa Ana as Vella’s body left the Orange County coroner’s office. Dozens of people, most without umbrellas, stood by in silence as the hearse carrying Vella’s body, which was accompanied by dozens of motorcycle officers and other law enforcement vehicles, passed by slowly. Mourners standing in the rain to honor Huntington Beach officer Nick Vella whose body ..read more

HUNTINGTON BEACH (CBSLA) — A memorial was held Monday for Huntington Beach Police Officer  Nicholas Vella who died Saturday in a helicopter crash in Newport Beach. Sara Paonessa, who witnessed the crash, said something sounded horribly wrong moments before the Huntington Beach police helicopter crashed Saturday killing Vella. Security video appears to show the helicopter nosediving into the channel “That’s kinda what it sounded like was like a loud vibration almost,” said witness Sara Paonessa. “We assumed it was a boat that was maybe crashing or having a problem, I mean I didn’t expect i ..read more

SANTA ANA (CBSLA) – A sewage spill in Newport Beach prompted the closure of ocean water near the west end of Newport Bay from 8th Street, the OC Health Care Agency announced Monday. (credit: According to the agency, the spill of approximately 35,000 to 50,000 gallons was caused by a blockage of a sewer line of a restaurant in Newport Bay. The affected ocean water area will remain closed to swimming, surfing, and diving until the results of follow-up water quality monitoring meet acceptable standards. For information call (714) 433-6400 or visit OCBeachinfo.com. To report a sewage spill, plea ..read more

HUNTINGTON BEACH (CBSLA) — All of Southern California was shaken on Saturday evening, when a Huntington Beach Police Department helicopter crash-landed into waters off the coast of Newport Beach. Officer Nicholas Vella, 44, was killed in the incident, while the other pilot on board is said to have sustained varying injuries but is in stable condition. (Source: CBS) Now, the same community that Vella served for nearly 15 years is turning out in droves to offer support to his family and the law enforcement community mourning the loss of their loved one. RELATED: 1 Officer Dead, 1 Injured ..read more

HUNTINGTON BEACH (CBSLA) — Authorities were investigating reports that anti-semitic fliers were distributed throughout neighborhoods in both Huntington Beach and Newport Beach Sunday. We have been made aware of anti-semitic flyers distributed to a neighborhood in southeast Huntington Beach. We have been in communication with area residents & are actively investigating the situation & source. pic.twitter.com/fokJ2k6G8i — Huntington Beach PD (@HBPoliceDept) February 20, 2022 Photo of one of the anti-semitic fliers distributed across several Orange County Beach neighborhoods Sunda ..read more

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA) — A Huntington Beach Police Department helicopter crashed into the water in Newport Beach Saturday in front of dozens of witnesses lining the beach. One officer was killed, while the other was left injured. (Source: CBS) First reports of the incident came in just after 6:30 p.m. at El Paseo Street. Both officers on board were rescued from the wreckage and transported to nearby trauma centers. A witness at the scene detailed how several civilian boats rushed to the scene of the wreckage in an attempt to assist the officers who were trapped onboard the aircraft. Foot ..read more