Patrol Cops Arrest Suspicious Suspects In Mission Viejo

MISSION VIEJO, CA — It was around midnight when Mission Viejo police services deputies on patrol made a discovery that could have stopped nefarious activity overnight, police say. Officers were in the area of Barquero and Jeronimo when they discovered a probationer loitering in the area.

"He claimed he was visiting family, but when asked, was unable to give an address," a spokesperson for the department said. "When searched, we found a knife, lock pick, and flashlight on him."

More deputies in the area discovered a car about 100 yards away.

"A woman was inside, who had an active warrant out for her arrest," they told us. "She admitted to dropping off the suspect."

During a subsequent vehicle search, police found drug paraphernalia.

Both suspects were placed under arrest, and the car was impounded, believed to be a stolen vehicle.

Residents praised the "active policing" on their streets in the late-night hours.

"I read about auto break-ins in on 'Nextdoor' every day," Bret Parker said over Facebook. "Too many criminals prowling our neighborhoods during hours of darkness. I sleep better, knowing brave men and women are watching our backs while we sleep. Thank you!"

Another commenter disagreed with the arrest, saying police had "profiled a young male who was doing nothing wrong when you stopped him."

"What they had in the car was another issue, but there was no probable cause, so he will get released almost immediately," Tony Knight stated.

Mission Viejo police were actively asking residents in the area to check if their cars had been tampered with.

"Although we did not catch these suspects breaking into vehicles, if you live in the area and notice your vehicles was tampered with, please let us know by calling dispatch at 949-770-6011," police said.