Tustin Police Department

Tustin PD 🤝 Law Enforcement Torch Run

Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is Special Olympics Southern California’s largest fundraising campaign of the year. All money raised helps SOSC assist athletes in providing cost-free programs and opportunities for them to participate in.

Law enforcement agencies from around the world partner with Special Olympics athletes to promote connectedness and camaraderie with their communities and to leave a positive, lasting impact.

Running alongside Special Olympics athletes, law enforcement carries the Special Olympics Torch, symbolizing the Flame of Hope.

**UPDATE**

The found child has been reunited with his family in less than half an hour. Thank you!

Please join us in congratulating Officer Coats on graduating from the Orange County Sheriff's Department Academy last month. 👏

Officer Coats joined the Tustin Police Department in October as a Police Recruit. Before coming to TPD, she worked as an EMT for Falck Ambulance and was a collegiate ice hockey player.

During the academy, Officer Coats earned the Outstanding Fi****ms Skills Award, achieving the highest fi****ms score among her academy peers.

Please join us in welcoming Officer Coats to the Tustin community and wishing her success as she begins field training!

On May 16, 2026, the Tustin Police Department arrested Juan Marquez in connection with the murder of Sandra Fernandez, which occurred on May 14, 2026, at the intersection of Yorba Street and Medford Avenue. On May 14th, 2026, Tustin Police Department officers responded to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, Sandra Fernandez, 42 of Anaheim, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The investigation revealed that the suspect, Juan Marquez, 47 of Hawthorne, is a former boyfriend of Sandra and laid in wait near Sandra’s workplace.

TPD Detectives were able to identify and confirm Marquez's involvement in the shooting. Investigators learned that, following the homicide, Marquez fled across the U.S.-Mexico border at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

An arrest warrant for Marquez was obtained and on the afternoon of May 16th, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), acting on the warrant, detained Marquez as he returned to the United States through the border checkpoint.

Tustin Police Detectives took Marquez into custody and booked him into the Orange County Jail on the charge of murder. He is currently being held without bail.

Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. A concerned citizen recently turned in a lost cellphone, hoping it could be returned to its rightful owner.

With limited information available due to the phone being locked and broken, a simple social media post asking for the community’s assistance was sent. Within minutes, the post was widely shared and a family member recognized the screensaver, ultimately connecting officers with the owner just before they were set to move.

Thanks to one honest citizen and the power of community engagement through social media, the phone was successfully returned in time, serving as another reminder of how much can be accomplished when a community works together.

On 5/14/26 at approximately 6:11 pm, Tustin Police Department dispatch received multiple 911
calls reference gun shots heard in the area of Seventeenth Street and Yorba Street North. On
arrival, officers located an unresponsive female along the east curb north of Seventeenth Street.
The Orange County Fire Authority responded and pronounced the 42-year-old female deceased
at the scene. Officers contacted witnesses at the scene, who reported seeing a male suspect
wearing all black clothing flee the scene in a dark colored older model sedan.

Investigators are at the scene and an active investigation is ongoing. The police department is
maintaining a heavy presence in the area, however Investigators believe this is an isolated
incident and there is no danger to the general public.

Anyone with information about this incident, is encouraged to contact Detective Chelsea Harris at 714-426-2427.

Last week, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) recognized Officer Tharp at the Orange County Law Enforcement Recognition Awards for her continued dedication to DUI enforcement and keeping our community safe. This marks her second MADD award in the past three years — an outstanding accomplishment that reflects her professionalism and commitment to public safety.

Every DUI arrest has the potential to prevent a tragedy. Officer Tharp’s proactive work removing impaired drivers from the road continues to help protect the residents and visitors of Tustin each day.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Tharp on this well-deserved recognition.

This is Orange Country!!! Let's go Ducks!!! Where will you be watching tonight's Round 2 Playoff Game?
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