Homeless Woman's Joyride Through Laguna Beach Ends In Arrest: Police

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A 58-year-old Huntington Beach woman was arrested for allegedly driving a stolen car in Laguna Beach, police announced Sunday. The vehicle, which wwas reported stolen from Enterprise Rent A Car, was discovered traveling northbound on South Coast Highway from Nyes Place, according to Laguna Beach Police Department Sgt. Jim Cota.

"Officers located the vehicle downtown and initiated a high risk vehicle stop," Cota said. "The vehicle yielded in the 200 block of Forest Avenue."

Officers used a police dog to force the woman to surrender, the OC Register reported. Guests dining at nearby restaurants, such as Moulin Bistro and Alessa Laguna were told to steer clear, in case of firearm activity according to that report.

The woman was identified as Valerie Leigh Hewia, a local transient, according to Cota.

"Her male passenger was also detained," Cota said. "Hewin had a suspended driver's license and an outstanding no-bail warrant for her arrest."

She was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and driving on a suspended driver's license, according to Cota.

Laguna Beach Police Department photo