BRIEFLY IN PUBLIC SAFETY

Sting rays active in local waters this summer

A rash of swimmers have been stung by sting rays this summer. Three people were reported stung at 2:13 p.m, 3:22 p.m. and 4:23 p.m. July 16, according to police reports.

The stings are painful, but not life-threatening, according to experts. Sting rays typically sting with the poison-filled barbs on their tails when unaware swimmers step on them.

Sting rays can be avoided by doing the “sting ray shuffle” in the water. This is done by walking into the ocean in shallow water, then shuffling forward without lifting your feet from the sand. The vibrations will alert sting rays, who will uncover themselves and swim away.

Sting ray stings can be treated with very hot water.

Juvenile suspected of stealing bathing suit

A 17-year-old Laguna Beach girl was followed home after employees of a women’s shop in the 1200 block of South Coast Highway suspected her of stealing a $150 bathing suit at 11:28 a.m. July 14, Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jason Kravetz said.

The store employee, who recognized the suspect, told police the suspect went into the dressing room and tried on three bathing suits, but when she came out, only two bathing suits were left in the dressing room.

Police officers, who knew the suspect from previous contacts, went to her home, where the stolen bathing suit was retrieved, Kravetz said.

The case has been forwarded to juvenile court. The suspect’s name is being withheld because she is a minor.

Men accused of passing fake $100 bills

Two men were arrested July 14 after a string of fake bill passings in Laguna Beach, Kravetz said.

Since July 4, at least six businesses reported receiving counterfeit $100 bills during small purchases, including Mobil, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Chantel, Laguna Beach Cyclery, Video Works and Second Reef.

At 5:06 p.m. July 14, an employee at a local gas station reported an attempt to pass a fake bill, and gave police the description of the suspects and their vehicle, a silver Mustang. Police stopped the vehicle in Corona del Mar and arrested Christian Martinez, 20, of San Ysidro and Josue Alejandregonzalez, 19, of San Diego. Each was held on $20,000 bail, according to police records. Both were charged with conspiracy, burglary and passing fictitious bills, Kravetz said.

The Secret Service has been called to assist in the investigation and determine where the counterfeit currency came from.

A Huntington Beach man was arrested July 9 after a market in downtown Laguna Beach reported a counterfeit bill.