Orange County bought back safety. With the first-of-its-kind E-bike and E-motorcycle Buy Back Event in the nation, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office yesterday helped families from across Southern California buy back their safety – and prevent more people from being hurt or killed. The first person in line showed up at midnight and the E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and E-Motos just kept rolling in. Nearly 1,000 E-Bikes, E-Motos, E-Scooters, and pocket bikes were surrendered at Angel Stadium as the lines snaked around the parking lot. That means nearly 1,000 fewer opportunities for a child to be seriously injured or killed on our streets. The first E-Bike to be turned in belonged to Jesse Hayes, who was 18 when he was critically injured in an E-Bike crash. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and spent three months on life support. Two years later, he continues to live with the physical and mental impacts of his injuries. He’s speaking out to warn other young people about the dangers of E-Bike riding – and the lifelong consequences. “I want people to know these crashes happen a lot more than people think, and how horrible they are,” Hayes said. From Tallaria E-Motos to E-Skateboards, exchange participants received up to $1,000 in gift cards until the funds (paid by asset forfeiture monies seized from criminals) ran out 2 hours and 15 minutes into the event. Hundreds more voluntarily turned in their E-Bikes and other vehicles. The first 75 people also received two tickets to a Los Angeles Angels game. You can’t put a price on a child’s safety, but the overflow crowds that showed up showed that Orange County is prioritizing safety. It took NINE 26-foot U-HAUL truckloads to haul away the surrendered E-Bikes, E-Motos, pocket bikes, and E-Scooters. Thank you to everyone who showed up and braved the heat and the long lines – and thank you to Jesse Hayes, and his mom Kasey, for sharing their story, thank you to our law enforcement partners, our trauma centers, our firefighters, ambulance crews, our educators, Orange County Board of Supervisor Vice Chair Katrina Foley who helped make this event happen – and for helping get the word out. Thank you, Orange County, for showing up and letting us buy back your family’s safety.

We thought summer was over too - but apparently Mother Nature had other ideas. Luckily, Tustin Tiller Days @CityofTustin has plenty of cool treats to beat the heat throughout this weekend at Columbus Tustin Park. Grab a frozen lemonade, listen to some music, and stop by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office booth and learn how our nearly 1,000 prosecutors, investigators, and support staff help keep Orange County the safest large county in California!

75-Year-old Woman Charged with Running Over and Killing Her 9-Week-Old Puppy after Using Dog Food to Lure the Puppy Under Her Van For full press release: bit.ly/3VJKRZa SANTA ANA, Calif. – A 75-year-old woman has been charged with felony animal cruelty after she was seen on video using dog food to lure her 9-week-old puppy under her minivan and then running over the puppy’s head and leaving the animal to die on a Santa Ana street last month. Hanh Minh Nguyen 75, of Anaheim, was arrested on Thursday, October 1, 2026, by the Santa Ana Police Department after detectives used automated license plate reader technology to identify the green Honda Odyssey minivan seen in the September 8, 2026, video running over and killing the puppy. Nguyen has been charged with one felony count of animal cruelty, one felony count of animal abuse by a caretaker, and one felony enhancement of personal use of a weapon, a vehicle, to kill the animal. Nguyen was released from custody after posting $20,000 bail. She is scheduled at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana on November 2, 2026, in Department C55. On September 8, 2026, at approximately 9:15am, Santa Ana Police Department Animal Services officers responded to a report of a dead black and white male pit bill mix puppy that appeared to have been intentionally run over. The puppy’s head had been crushed and there was dog food on the street next to where the dog was run over. Surveillance video from a nearby residence showed a woman take the puppy from a minivan, place it under the vehicle, put dog food near the driver's door, and slowly drive forward as the puppy approached the food, crushing the puppy’s head with the minivan’s rear tire before driving away. “This act of violence not only ended the life of an innocent puppy, but it also inflicted trauma on every single person who came across the video footage of the murder of an animal,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Violence is not a singular act. It inflicts pain and suffering on those who are subjected to it and on those who witness it. As the elected District Attorney of Orange County, I refuse to accept a society in which violence of any kind is acceptable, and those who engage in violence, whether it is against human beings or animals, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.” Deputy District Attorney Danica Drotman of the Animal Cruelty Unit is prosecuting this case.

Orange County continues to lead the way in protecting our most innocent and vulnerable victims and ensuring those who abuse children are held accountable. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office was proud to send OCDA child abuse prosecutor, Senior Deputy District Attorney Bethel Cope-Vega, to the International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome & Abusive Head Trauma in Nashville last week. The international conference brings together leading physicians, neuroscientists, child protection specialists, and legal professionals to share their expertise and advance the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of abusive head trauma and child abuse. Senior DDA Cope-Vega presented “Telling Their Story at Trial When Victims Can’t Tell It Themselves: Presenting Child Torture to a Jury,” teaching prosecutors how to bring to life some of the hardest and most gut-wrenching stories they will ever have to tell when a child is too young, too injured, or physically unable to tell a jury themselves what they endured. She later presented “Breathe, Think, Testify,” helping medical professionals understand the courtroom process and how to clearly and effectively communicate their medical findings and expert opinions to a jury. Every child deserves to have a voice, especially those who cannot speak for themselves. We are incredibly proud of the work our prosecutors, investigators, and support staff do every single day to protect Orange County’s most vulnerable victims, hold child abusers accountable, and ensure their victims’ stories are heard.

The loss of one of our sworn protectors is a loss for our entire community. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office mourns the loss of California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Liles who was tragically killed on Monday when he collided with a truck-tractor on his CHP motorcycle and was hit by a passing car. Officer Liles was just 44 years old. He is the first CHP officer to die in the line of duty since 2020. A 16-year veteran, Officer Liles dedicated his career to protecting the people of California. In recognition of his daily heroism and unwavering commitment to public safety, Officer Liles was named the 2024 CHP Visalia Area Officer of the Year. Officer Liles is survived by his wife, two children, his parents, and his sisters - and a grateful community that will never forget his service - and his sacrifice.

We honor the veterans of foreign wars today and every day. Thank you to all who bravely served our country and continue to strengthen our communities. The Orange County District Attorney's Office recognizes your sacrifice, service, and dedication.

When we allow hate to go unchecked it spreads. Hate crimes are never tolerated in Orange County. When able, using your voice can be the first step to creating a safer community for everyone regardless of their background and identity. We are all stronger when we stand together rather than against each other. Stop the cycle of hate and report hate crimes and other hate-related activity to law enforcement.

Behind the badge are individuals who carry immense responsibility, often under extraordinary stress. Today, we acknowledge the lives lost, support those who continue to serve, and emphasize the importance of mental health awareness in law enforcement. The Orange County District Attorney's Office stands with our law enforcement partners in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting access to support and resources. Call or text 988, call 1-800-COPLINE, or text BLUE to 741741

Designated by the U.S. Congress in 2007, National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims is a time to reflect, remember, and reaffirm our commitment to justice. At the Orange County District Attorney's Office, we honor the victims of murder everyday by seeking justice and supporting victims' families. Our office honors and remembers the victims of murder every single day. The Orange County District Attorney's Office remains dedicated to working tirelessly on behalf of those impacted by violent crime.

If you have a head, you need a helmet. A helmet is one of the most effective ways to reduce serious injuries on an E-bike. Before you ride, make sure your helmet fits properly, is in good condition, and is worn every single time you ride. Helmet first.

Buy Back Safety Orange County District Attorney’s Office E-Bike and E-Motorcycle Buyback Press Conference

Keeping Orange County's animals safe starts with you and continues with us. At the Orange County District Attorney's Office, we fight for all animals. Every life in Orange County deserves protection and justice. If you witness or are suspicious of animal abuse, report it to @OCAnimalCare Services at 714-935-6848.

This Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week the Orange County District Attorney's Office is raising awareness on child passenger safety. Car seats and booster seats protect passengers when used correctly. Take time to review safety guidelines and installation instructions to make every car ride a safe one. OCFA offers free car seat safety inspections and installations with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician BY APPOINTMENT in Garden Grove, Buena Park, Santa Ana, Tustin, Irvine, Aliso Viejo, and Ladera Ranch. Appointments can be requested at ocfa.org/residents/car-seat-…

The Orange County District Attorney's Office wishes our Jewish community a meaningful Yom Kippur. This Day of Atonement, the holiest day in Judaism, is a time for reflection, fasting, and seeking forgiveness. It began yesterday at sundown and will end this nightfall. To those observing: may you be sealed in the Book of Life for a good year.

World Alzheimer's Day honors the millions of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Today is a day to recognize the strength of those living with memory loss, their families, doctors, and caretakers. Continued research into Alzheimer's is crucial to understanding the disease, spreading awareness, and ensuring compassionate care. The Orange County District Attorney's Office stands with those affected by Alzheimer's in raising awareness and promoting resources that support dignity, safety, and hope for those impacted. For more information, visit alz.org or nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimer…

Today is Crime and Intelligence Analyst Appreciation Day! We thank the dedicated crime and intelligence analysts whose work strengthens every investigation. Their expertise helps uncover critical patterns, support prosecutions, and keep Orange County the safest large county in California.

"We cannot change who we are and no one should be targeted and victimized because of who they are, how they look, or who they love. The beauty of Orange County is found in its diversity." -Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer The Orange County District Attorney's Office stands with every resident in Orange County and will fight for them in the face of hate and intolerance.