Men Charged with Animal Cruelty for Allegedly Cutting Tree with Nesting Birds

Two men who allegedly cut down a Newport Beach tree, killing protected species hatchlings, face jail time if convicted of animal cruelty.

Drones Grounding Firefighting Aircraft in California

The drones are endangering lives and homes, according to fire managers frustrated by the unauthorized flights.

Laguna Niguel Man Killed in Condo Fire

A man died when his condo caught fire due to a spark from a cigarette.

Truck Driver Pleads Not Guilty in Cold Case Murder

A trucker was tied to a 2004 murder after a woman he gave a ride to in Mission Viejo jumped from his cab into oncoming traffic, police say.

Caltrans Crew Sparks Santiago Canyon Brush Fire

A 214-acre brush fire near Santiago Canyon is now 90 percent contained.

Gas Prices Skyrocket Past $4 Per Gallon

An oil shortage forces gas prices to spike. Patch has your cheapest prices around town.

Children's Photographer Sentenced for Molestation

A former child photographer caught molesting a relative and possessing a stash of graphic child pornography photos gets 10 years in prison.

Suspect in Crash that Killed Trabucco Teen Arrested Amid Plans to Flee, Police Say

A man suspected of drunkenly plowing into a car full of teens, killing Ethan McEnally, was arrested on a tip that he was fleeing to Mexico.

Chlorine Attack on Sea Lions Was Accident, Authorities Say

An incident that left 17 sea lions sickened after chlorine was dumped into their rescue pool turned out to be an employee accident.

If You Are Calling Yourself, Don't Answer That Phone!

It's a scam, the FTC explains.

Illegal Fireworks Cause 3 OC Fires, Investigators Say

A wildfire, an attic fire and a tree fire were all caused by illegal fireworks, authorities believe.

Man Dies in Crash off 5 Freeway, But Nobody Witnessed It

A 26-year-old man died when his car swerved off the freeway in San Juan Capistrano, hitting a tree.

5 Freeway 120 mph Chase Ends Peacefully

A driver led police through through Orange County at speeds well over 100 mph Tuesday.

U.S. Supreme Court to Hear OC Teacher's Case Against Union Dues

The nation's highest court has agreed to hear a local case challenging a union's right to charge fair share fees for collective bargaining.

Dentist Turned Bank Robber Sentenced to Prison

Damian Newhart, the “rolled- sleeves bandit,’ became addicted to drugs as a dentist and started robbing banks to support his habit.

Muggy Weather to Continue with Chance of Thunderstorms

Humidity continues to build this week, bring a chance of heavy rain to the mountains and valleys, say forecasters.

Trabuco Teen Killed by Drunk Driver, Police Say

A 14-year-old boy was killed, and his cousin was injured in a 3-car collision caused by a suspected drunk driver.

Parched Landscape, Forecast Lightning Storms Put Fire Crews on Edge

Dry lightning, strong winds and an already parched landscape have prompted an increase in fire staffing this weekend.

Police ID 3 Men Killed in Head-on Collission

Families are mourning the loss of three young men who were killed instantly in a high speed head-on collision on Camino Capistrano.

3 Killed, 2 Injured in Head-on Crash

Three people died and two others were traumatically injured in a head-on crash on Camino Capistrano Thursday night.

Hit and Run Leads to Cold Case Murderer/Rapist, Police Say

Police now say a trucker who got a 1-year sentence for leaving a woman dead on the 5 Freeway is a match for a 2004 murder-rape.

Trabuco Hills High Coach Arrested After iPad Found With Child Porn

A 57-year-old high school coach was arrested after he allegedly left an ipad containing child pornography in a returned rental car.

Family Seeks Help Finding Missing Man

Police and the family of an 85-year-old retired marine missing since Sunday are asking for help finding him.

Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Killing Bicyclist

A Rancho Santa Margarita woman, who struck and killed a cyclist while driving under the influence, has been sentenced to prison.

Natural Causes to Blame in Death of Child Found Unconscious on Roller Coaster

A ten-year-old girl found unconscious at the end of a roller coaster ride at Magic Mountain died of natural causes, authorities say.

Hunt for Handcuffed Escapee Enters Day 2

Authorities are still looking for a burglary suspect who escaped from custody Monday morning.

Mysterious Hearings Hint of Scandal Brewing in OC Courthouse

An investigation, the presence of FBI Agents, and hearings into long closed cases trigger speculation of a brewing ticket-fixing scandal.

Police Suspect Street Racing in Crash that Killed Woman and Grandchild

A 20-year-old man accused of causing a hit and run crash in Irvine killing a woman and her two-year-old granddaughter, may have been racing.

Police Seek South County's 'Snowbird Bandit' Bank Robber

Named for his advanced age, the 'snowbird bandit' has robbed three South County banks.

133 Chase and Violent CarJacking End in Arrest of Suspected Target Store Shooter

A 60-year-old man fell down a 60-foot ravine during a carjacking in Silverado Canyon.

Manhunt Nets Suspect in Fatal Hit and Run

A 20-year-old man was arrested in Costa Mesa in connection with a hit and run crash that killed a woman and seriously hurt three others.

Manhunt On for Killer Hit and Run Driver

Authorities are using bloodhounds to find a driver who fled the scene of a crash that killed a woman and critically injured 3 others.

Search Called Off After Boys Recant Kidnapping Tale

Deputies call off search for alleged Dana Point kidnapper after kids recant.

Sunday School Teacher Used 'God' to Coerce Molestation Victims, Prosecutor Alleges

Christopher McKenzie asked a child who resisted him, "Are you ashamed of the body God gave you," a prosecutor said in opening arguments.

Attorney Awaiting Manslaughter Sentencing Denies Having Drugs in Jail

Hasti Fakhrai-Bayrooti, who killed a Rancho Santa Margarita father of four in Mission Viejo, pleaded not guilty to possessing pills in jail.

OC Cop Cleared in 3rd Shooting in 3 years

The district attorney's office concludes the latest shooting by an officer who shot three people in less than three years, is justified.

Agents Find Meth Haul in Spare Tire on 5 Freeway

It happened about 10 p.m. Friday just past the San Clemente Border Checkpoint, north of Camp Pendleton.

Woman and Children Injured Lake Forest House Fire

Two family pets died and a woman and her children suffered injuries trying to escape a blaze that started by a malfunctioning outlet strip.

Wandering Boy's Mother Located by Deputies

Deputies have identified the mother of a boy found running toward the freeway in the early morning hours.

Is Your Son Missing? Deputies Seek Parents of Boy Found Running Near Freeway

A child, who may be autistic, was found early this morning in Mission Viejo.