newport-beach - Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo

New Police Chief for Newport Beach

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:23:00 GMT

Police Chief Jay R. Johnson – Courtesy of the City of Newport Beach

The city of Newport Beach has picked out their new police chief, Jay R. Johnson. Johnson, who comes from a family of law enforcement, was a commander in the Long Beach Police Department since 2004 and a 23-year veteran of the Department. His two brothers and cousin are currently in the Long Beach Police Department.

Johnson takes the place of John Klein, who resigned in June 2009 after serving two years as chief. City Manager has been quoted as saying “[Johnson] stood out as a candidate with great integrity, professionalism, diverse experience, a strong education, and an excellent sense of our community.” He also added that Johnson “thoroughly understands what’s needed in Newport Beach, particularly in terms of community-oriented, professional policing with a friendly and approachable style.”

Former LA Police Chief Dies

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:43:00 GMT

Daryl F. Gates 83, died Friday, April 16, 2010, at his home in Newport Beach from cancer according to the Orange County Register. He served as police chief for Los Angeles County for 14 years which included the Los Angeles riots of 1992. During his time in LAPD he was often criticized for his negative race based comments. The articles describes that he was “often at odds with civil rights activists [and] the mayor”. His response to the 1992 riots stemming from the acquittal of the four police officers that beat Rodney King was criticized by some. He was pushed to early retirement because of this incident. Positive aspects of his career include the formation of the SWAT in 1972. He also created the DARE program in an effort at drug abuse prevention. The program was for grade school children which involved an officer giving talks to the students and various activities.

The funeral for Daryl Gates will be Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 9:00AM at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Laguna Beach Teen Stabbing

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:15:00 GMT

On March 29th, at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach, Orange County, a 16 year old Laguna Beach teen was arraigned and is facing assault with a deadly weapon charges for acts against three other teens and two minors. According to the Orange County Register authorities explained that the teens were arguing through texts, emails and the networking site Facebook prior to the stabbing. There was no elaboration on what the argument was about. Allegedly Michael Wilson and one teenage victim agreed to meet at Wilson’s house. There, Wilson took a carving knife and stabbed the victim in the stomach. Two friends who tried to help the victim, Julian C., suffered injuries as well. Wilson is facing three counts of assault with a deadly weapon, Penal Code Section 245(a)(1) with other than a firearm and Penal Code Section 12022.7a for three enhancements resulting from inflicting great bodily harm. Wilson is out on bail.

Fatal Ferrari Crash

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:39:00 GMT

An 18-year-old driving a gray Ferrari crashed into a tow truck killing his passenger on December 24, 2009 in Newport Beach, Orange County, California. Luicci Nader, the driver, remains in critical condition and is unable to speak to authorities after having lost control of his vehicle due to excessive speed. No alcohol was involved in the accident; however, Nader still faces possible charges of manslaughter if he recovers.

Under California Penal Code Section 192, manslaughter is “he unlawful killing of a human being without malice.” There are three types of manslaughter- 1) Voluntary, 2) Involuntary, and 3) Vehicular. The above case would most likely fall under the category of vehicular manslaughter as the driver was driving the vehicle while unlawfully speeding and it resulted in the death of his passenger. Because Nader was grossly negligent, he could be convicted for vehicular manslaughter and receive up to 6 years in prison.