OCSD AR 2023-24

AN UNASSUMING HERO Southgate Police Department Jailer Nelson Rosales was awarded the prestigious Sheriff’s Award at the Medal of Valor ceremony for his heroic actions during the Trabuco Canyon mass shooting. Nelson came out from behind cover during the shooting to direct deputies to the shooter’s location, changing the trajectory of their response. “He could have ran and nobody would have blamed him if he did,” said OC Sheriff Deputy Jesus Carrasco, the first deputy on scene. “I, for one, am glad he stayed. I truly believe what he did saved my life.”

Ultimately, the deputies stopped the threat and the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. OC Sheriff personnel immediately began providing medical care to the injured. Although tragedy could not be prevented that day, the heroic response from Sheriff’s Department personnel undoubtedly saved lives. PERSONNEL HONORED FOR HEROIC RESPONSE Throughout the incident, nearly 250 Sheriff’s Department personnel responded, each fulfilling their duties with professionalism and integrity. Fourteen members of the Department were recognized for exemplary actions in their heroic response. They were presented awards at the 36th annual Medal of Valor ceremony in May.

At 7:04 p.m. on August 23, 2023, a gunman opened fire at the beloved Cook’s Corner restaurant in Trabuco Canyon, sadly claiming the lives of three people and injuring six others. This marked the second worst mass shooting in Orange County’s history, and it was the first in which law enforcement arrived in time to confront the suspect. Deputies were on scene within two minutes of the call and immediately took fire from the suspect. Rounds hit their patrol units, puncturing a windshield and damaging the vehicles. For more than eight minutes, the deputies exchanged gunfire with the suspect who had a tactical advantage and the benefit of taking cover behind a large tree.

MEDAL FOR VALOR Deputy Jesus Carrasco

Deputy Juan Contreras

Deputy Brandon Espinosa

Deputy Mathew Harm

Deputy Christian Moreno

Deputy Brandon Saunders

Deputy Daniel Serrano

MEDAL FOR COURAGE Deputy Jared Brittain MEDAL FOR MERIT Radio Dispatcher Selena Arias MEDAL FOR LIFESAVING Deputy Jose Ascencion

Deputy Aaron Kozloff

Deputy Thomas Mobley

Deputy Guillermo Novales

Deputy Kenny Sun

Nelson Rosales with Sheriff Barnes

ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 | 31