Laguna Woods Woman Involved in Deputy Shooting Case Identified

A Laguna Woods woman was in custody today following a chase and traffic stop, during which an Orange County sheriff’s deputy fired at least one shot but no one was hurt, authorities said.

Jenny Ann Stewart, 38, was arrested Thursday and booked on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle and evading a peace officer, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reported.

Stewart was held on $50,000 bail, and was expected to appear in court on Monday.

The deputy-involved shooting occurred around 5 p.m. Thursday during an attempted felony traffic stop near El Toro Road and Moulton Parkway, sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Hallock said.

A deputy had recognized a stolen SUV and chased it before conducting the felony stop, Hallock said. The vehicle was reversed at the deputy during the stop, at which point the deputy opened fire, Hallock said.

The suspect drove away and another chase ensued, through Laguna Hills and Aliso Viejo, Hallock said.

After stopping her vehicle in a parking lot near El Toro and Paseo De Valencia in Laguna Hills around 5:15 p.m., Stewart tried to run away but was caught, Hallock said. No injuries occurred during the incident, Hallock said.

--City News Service