OC Sheriffs Seek Car Theft Suspects In Rancho Santa Margarita

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Duke Helicopter was circling neighborhoods in Rancho Santa Margarita following the discovery of three men in a stolen vehicle. One school, St. John's Episcopal, was on lockdown, as were a few preschools in the area, according to Orange County Sheriff's Department while officers are searching for the suspects.

Two men were detained after a broad search on the ground and via helicopter, while a third remained at large, they said.

The initial call came in at approximately 12:30 p.m. Wednesday when three male suspects were sighted near a vehicle that had been reported stolen. The car was discovered in a parking lot near Via Honesto and Avenida Fundadores, Orange County Sheriff's Department information officer Carrie Braun told us.

The three men were inside the vehicle, then fled on foot upon discovery, according to Braun.

One man was described as wearing a camouflage jacket and another was wearing a rainbow t-shirt, she said. No other description was given at this time.

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