BRIEFLY IN PUBLIC SAFETY

Three teens with cocaine arrested

Three teenagers, one a minor, were arrested May 5 with about a half pound of cocaine with a street value of $10,000, in their car, Laguna Beach Police Chief Michael Sellers said

Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a code violation at 6:18 p.m., in the 300 block of Glenneyre Street.

Officers searched the vehicle after one of the occupants was observed making furtive movements. The search revealed cocaine, cash totaling about $1,300, and a stun gun.

The three occupants of the vehicle were subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession for sale of cocaine, and conspiracy.

The arrestees, all of Rancho Santa Marguarita, are: Rachel Bagdon, 18, the driver; Jason Sievert, 19; and a 15-year-old whose identity was withheld due to age.

The two adult suspects were also booked on suspicion of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor.

The adults were transported to the Orange County Jail with bail set at $30,000. The juvenile was transported to Juvenile Hall.

Suspect sought in diamond ring switch

Laguna Beach Police have released a photograph of a suspect who allegedly stole a $10,000 diamond ring from John’s Jewelry & Gems at 305 Forest Ave. on April 26 by switching the ring with one made of cubic zirconium.

The suspect may have been working with an accomplice.

The incident took place about 2 p.m., when the woman entered the business and requested to see a number of rings. The store owner assisted her.

The suspect then left the store for 20 minutes, stating that she needed to talk to her husband. When she came back, she asked to see other rings. At this time, the store owner believes another female, who had entered the store in the meantime, was there to act as a distraction, while the primary suspect continued to look at rings.

The store owner said he saw the suspect make some hand movements to and from her pants. He believes this is when she swapped a genuine ring with a fake ring that was very similar to the authentic ring. However, the store owner did not discover this until he conducted an inventory.

Police are advising merchants to keep an eye out for the suspect and call the police department immediately if she is encountered. Anyone with information regarding this crime or others like it may contact Det. Debbie Kelso at (949) 497-0371.