poway police activity today. March 8, 2022. The pilot stated the rotation became more aggressive as the helicopter began to descend. The Huntington Beach Police Department helicopter crashed in the waters of Newport Beach Harbor on Feb.19, claiming the life of Officer Nicholas Vella, a 14-year veteran of the department. A different department helicopter experienced a mechanical problem and was seen spinning and tilting in the air before making a hard landing at John Wayne Airport in April 2019. Whether a vehicle pursuit, a robbery in progress, a major traffic collision, a structure fire, or a boat in distress, the aircrew's job is to assist ground personnel and watch out for everyone's safety. We have used it to locate boats in distress and even to detect fuel spills in the ocean. Nicholas Vella, 44, died from injuries sustained in the crash, an emotional Huntington Beach Police Chief Eric Parra announced Saturday during a 10 p.m. news conference. Authorities haven't identified the officer or detailed his injures, but police spokeswoman Jennifer . That was the scene in Huntington Beach on Saturday morning, a . Law enforcement agencies and public officials were sending condolences to the Huntington Beach Police Department following a helicopter crash, which occurred at 6:34 p.m. Saturday Nicholas Vella, 44, a 14-year veteran of the department, died from injuries sustained in the crash When a coyote activity is observed, please use the MyHB app to report it. Check for a confirmation email, and then you're all set with MyNewsLA.com! Officer Vella's bravery and commitment to protecting his community will not be forgotten. Huntington Beach Police show off their new helicopter in Huntington Beach, CA, on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. However, there is no escape from the Huntington Beach helicopter. It also comes just four days after the city dedicated a key stretch of Beach Boulevard to the fallen officer, who was a 14-year veteran of the citys police force. The three MD-530F helicopters cost a combined $7.3 million. It helps us knowing that our unit is still together and flying, Goodspeed said. No additional details will be released at this time. With this technology, we can scan school yards, check business rooftops, spot suspicious vehicles in neighborhoods, and pick out suspects hiding just about anywhere. To learn more about the City of Huntington Beach Coyote Management Plan, visit https://bit.ly/HBcoyoteMP. In partnership with our community, we strive to be innovative, strategic and collaborative in how we provide exceptional public safety service to Anaheim residents, businesses and visitors. The third spiraled into waters along Newport Beach on Feb. 19. Stephen was last seen today at approximately 1:20 AM in the area of Beach Blvd. He is survived by his wife and daughter. *** 12-22-22 @ 2:45 PM *** Please consider joining us and giving the gift of life on Thursday, December 29th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Police Training Room (2000 Main St.). But the 530s should be able to take more people aboard during a search and rescue operation, or carry a crew of four and something like a full water bucket if we wanted to use it to assist with fire suppression.. and then we knew something was wrong," he continued, mentioning how almost everyone in the neighborhood ran to try and help the officers. Vella reportedly spotted a group fighting, and the pilot began to maneuver the helicopter in a tighter right orbit while Vella relayed what he was seeing over police radio. Huntington Beach Police Department Vella, 44, was killed on Feb. 19, 2022, when the HBPD's HB-1 helicopter he was riding in crashed in the Newport Beach area at around 6:30 p.m, with. The Huntington Beach News is a licensed media within Huntington Beach, CA committed to bringing you the latest news of Orange County since 1904 2023 Huntington Beach News All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy Established 1904 Online since August 1996 Our helicopter is capable of speeds up to 150 mph, which puts us first on the scene of a crime or emergency about 97% of the time. Once the three helicopters are all available, the Air Support Bureau will put them in rotation with one for day shift, one for night shift and one in maintenance, which is required after every 100 hours of flight time, equating to about three or four weeks, Goodspeed said. ` They also noted that the primary investigation revealed that the pilot had made brief call indicating that they were experiencing mechanical issues, before following up with a call that they were going down. Officer Vella leaves behind a wife and daughter. We brought in outside agencies to support our department while our officers were able to mourn.". CBS reporters were able to obtain home security footage from a residence in the area that showed the helicopter struggling to maintain height before spiraling out of control, where it eventually landed in the Newport Beach waters. Huntington Beach police and city officials unveiled the first of three new MD530F helicopters, which will replace a fleet that had been in service about 25 years, officials said.. Keep garbage inside a garage or secure building until pickup day. NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA) A Huntington Beach Police Department helicopter crashed into the water in Newport Beach Saturday in front of dozens of witnesses lining the beach. Officer Vella was a 14-year veteran of the Huntington Beach Police Department. The man and woman were stabbed near a middle school, police say. Our officers learned of the incident through our communications," he said. The helicopter that went down had just returned from routine maintenance about a week before the crash, Archer said. The camera allows us to zoom in on targets from miles away. ABC News' Izzy Alvarez contributed to this report. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. It is owned and operated solely by the city of Huntington Beach expressly for police and fire operations. Officers, paramedics and other first responders joined in a procession for Vella as his body was transported to the Orange County Coroner's Office at around 11:20, on the three-and-a-half mile drive from Orange County Global Medical Center. The pilot stated that he continued to hold on to the collective as a reference point, then cleared the mouthpiece from his rescue air bottle, and began to use it to breath. Vehicle: 2015 Toyota, Rav4, red. Officers on the ground arrived as the helicopter continued orbiting about 500 feet above. A 14-year veteran of the Huntington Beach Police Department was mourned Sunday after he was killed in a helicopter crash on Saturday night. A woman was crossing a road when she was hit by a car, police say. Tune in to FOX 11 Los Angeles for the latest Southern California news. Please contact HBPD Dispatch at (714) 960-8811 if you have information regarding Williams whereabouts. The Huntington Beach Police Department helicopter crashed in the waters of Newport Beach Harbor on Feb.19, claiming the life of Officer Nicholas Vella, a 14-year veteran of the department. Police say an argument over a parking spot sparked the attack. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG), Huntington Beach Police Chief Eric Parra shows off their new helicopter in Huntington Beach, CA, on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. The darkness obscured the horizon and an accurate reference point, but he could see the lights of houses approaching, and sensed impact was imminent, so he pulled the collective control in an effort to bleed off airspeed, the NTSB reported. The two flew over the area of the scrum and turned on an infrared camera. No additional details will be released at this time. Dept Email Directory The man runs Max Auto Recycling, according to a report. With Sky9 Chopper overhead, the helicopter could be seen in the Newport Bay waters between Lido Isle and the Balboa Peninsula, somewhere between 10 to 20 feet off the shoreline. - The National Transportation Safety Board on Wednesday released its preliminary findings of what led to the deadly Huntington Beach police helicopter crash in Newport Beach on Feb. 19.. Please contact HBPD Dispatch at (714) 960-8811 if you have information regarding Stephens whereabouts. The man with the knife was accused of demanding the other man's money, police say. Itll be cheaper to run to because parts and services will be more available.. ", Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore also offered his condolences via Twitter, "We mourn the loss of Huntington Beach Police Officer Nicholas Vella. In 1984 we began using the MD 500E model helicopter for patrol, it was equipped with the "Quiet Knight" package, a four-bladed tail rotor (tail rotors make the majority of the helicopter noise). Officer Nicholas Vella, a 14-year veteran of the force, died in the . Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire Huntington Beach Police Department. The helicopter crashed at about 6:30 p.m. local time, as two officers from the Huntington Beach Police Department were responding to nearby Newport Beach, the department said. The pilot recalled a sudden smash and saw water and glass coming toward him as the canopy shattered. The two other aircraft were temporarily. Most information needs to be approved by a supervisor before it's released, and if the helicopter search was part of an ongoing investigation, police may not release the information immediately. Rupert Murdoch suggested Fox News hosts Carlson, Hannity and Ingraham go on air and say Joe Biden had won 2020 . Chief John Lewis, of the Newport Beach Police Department detailed how his crews were on hand to assist when the helicopter initially made entry into the harbor. He felt the rotor blades hitting the water, everything then stopped, and within a few seconds he was submerged. To post your recommendation, please sign in or join your neighborhood on Nextdoor. (714) 960-8811 Once the helicopter has arrived at the scene, suspects usually cease their activity because of their immediate desire to hide or escape. He served the community of Huntington Beach with honor and dignity. The pilot said the engine was operating throughout, and his goal was to continue to fly the helicopter with the engine still running, rather than reducing power and performing an autorotation to a populated area, the NTSB said. 1,732 talking about this. delivery of its first of three MD 530F helicopters to the Huntington Beach Police. To submit an anonymous crime tip, go to our. Investigators on Sunday were still trying to determine the cause of a Huntington Beach police helicopter crash in Newport Harbor that killed one officer and injured another. The pilot managed to get the mouthpiece from his rescue air bottle to breathe as he released his seat harness and pushed his way out of the wreckage to swim to the surface. Huntington Beach police officer killed in helicopter crash. (714) 960-8825 Our helicopters are equipped with "state of the art" communication equipment. Where: Coffee Whipped (7176 Edinger Ave.) William Silcock, 36 years old May he rest in eternal peace while our profession holds the watch. I dont want to speak out of turn, but it may have just been a perfect storm of factors that evening.. One year has passed, and there is still no words that can adequately express this loss, Huntington Beach Police Chief Eric Parra said. There are no agendas for this event, just an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers who patrol your neighborhoods. The helicopters rotating became more aggressive as it plunged toward the ground and the pilot struggled to correct it, which appeared to be partially effective, but did not stop the rotation, the NTSB said. Sign up here for our free newsletters. The officer who died in Saturday night's crash was identified as 44-year-old veteran Officer Nicholas Vella, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department. The greatest benefit of helicopter patrol is the quick response time to emergencies. We thank everyone that helped and shared our posts. Coyotes who associate people with food may become used to our presence. The man possessed more drugs in Huntington last week, police say. Questions or comments about this page should be directed to HBPDinfo@hbpd.org. It was tough on everyone, but it wasnt like people were going to stop calling 911; everyone just had to work through it.. An officer died when a Huntington Beach Police helicopter crashed in Newport Beach on Feb. 20. February 20, 2022 / 2:56 PM He was concerned that one of the group was about to start fighting with an officer, and he slowed the helicopter to keep the camera aimed at the scene longer, so that they would not lose sight of it behind a building., But, the NTSB reported, Suddenly the helicopter yawed aggressively to the right, and he immediately applied full left foot pedal and forward cyclic to try and arrest the rotation, but there was no response.. Update The helicopter crashed at about 6:30 p.m. local time, as two officers from the Huntington Beach Police Department were responding to nearby Newport Beach, the department said. The police aircraft went down in Newport Beach's harbor on Saturday evening, killing 44-year-old Huntington Beach Police Officer Nicholas Vellas, who was a married father. "What happened at the time was you could hear it spin and then all of the sudden you could hear a splash. The helicopters rotating became more aggressive as it plunged toward the ground and the pilot struggled to correct it, which appeared to be partially effective but did not stop the rotation, the NTSB said. While the area has been secured & there is no current safety threat, we ask all residents in the area to please stay indoors while officers clear out. If located, please contact the HBPD at (714) 960-8825. We are seeking the public's help in locating Leslie Lewis. One officer was killed, while the other was left injured. In 1992 we put our first MD 520 NOTAR (No-tail rotor) helicopter and became an all MD 520 fleet in 2002 with the addition of our third NOTAR helicopter. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Vella started his law enforcement career with the Laguna Beach Police Department and moved to the Huntington Beach Police Department in 2008. Vella transmitted over the police radio channel, "Were having some mechanical issues right now", followed by, "were going down, were going down". Our aircraft patrols during daylight hours at or above 700 feet. A crane is used to lift a Huntington Beach Police helicopter out of the water in Newport Beach on Sunday, February 20, 2022. The driver is wanted in connection with the hit-and-run, police say. He was a selfless and driven police officer who we were blessed to have known., Today, 2/19/23, the HBPD, in collaboration w/ the NBPD, unveiled the memorial plaque in tribute to HB Police Off Pilot Nicholas Vella. The helicopter slammed into the ocean hard in a downward right rotation on Vellas side, the NTSB reported. Activity / 6 mins ago. Your email address will not be published. The HD Camera is a great assistance in searching for criminal activity but it is also used to locate injured people on the beach or in the water during the day or night. pic.twitter.com/Xw4tTOCVp0, First published on February 20, 2022 / 2:56 PM. "This is a difficult night for all of us. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. A cold rain fell in Santa Ana early Tuesday afternoon as mourners gathered for a procession to honor Huntington Beach Officer Nicholas Vella, who was killed in a police helicopter crash. Around 6 p.m. on Feb. 19, the helicopter flew a routine patrol along the coast of Huntington Beach, inland to Costa Mesa, and then south to Newport Beach, said the report. Helicopters. In Spring, female coyotes start preparing their dens for new pups. At the time of the collision, he was the pilot, while Vella was acting as the tactical flight officer. Huntington. "Because it was dark, he had no horizon or accurate external reference, but he could see the lights of houses approaching, and sensed impact was imminent, so he pulled the collective control in an effort to bleed off airspeed," the NTSB report reads. One police officer was killed and another was injured after a police helicopter crashed on Saturday into the water near Newport Beach in California. The man who stabbed his friend to death then stabbed his friend's wife, the Suffolk DA says. The Air Support Unit currently provides support under contract for the City of Newport Beach, the City of Costa Mesa, and the City of Irvine. The helicopter crews can direct the appropriate response to citizens or other officers who need help. A man and woman planned to rob and kill a man in his own car, with both stabbing him with a knife, police say. Police incident reports are generally public record, but the way a police department disseminates public information varies from state to state and even by department. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG). HBPD currently operates the quietest MD520N (No Tail Rotor) model MD Helicopters, July 28, 2021 - Mesa, AZ - MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) is pleased to announce Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) signed a purchase agreement for three MD 530F helicopters in a law enforcement configuration. Overall, 24 businesses were checked to see if employees were complying with laws preventing the sale of vapes to minors, police say. Leslie has been located and her family has been notified. A second officer was injured and is in stable condition. Rather than a police badge, which was hand-painted onto the old helicopters, the new models have the Huntington Beach city logo along with Police written across the tail. NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA) A Huntington Beach Police Department helicopter crashed into the water in Newport Beach Saturday in front of dozens of witnesses lining the beach. It was named the Bob Morrison Heliport in honor of the founder and original unit commander, Lt. Bob Morrison. He added that members of the bureau are still processing the loss of Officer Vella in the midst of performing their duties. He exploited the woman for more than a year, threatening her, family members, and her associates, the Suffolk DA said. Blessed are the Peacemakers. Onlookers helped pull him toward a boat. We cant wait to see you there! According to the NTSB, the helicopter departed its home base at the Huntington Beach Police Department Heliport 6 p.m. and flew a routine patrol along the coast of Huntington Beach, inland to Costa Mesa, and then south to Newport Beach for the next 30 minutes. NEWPORT BEACH Officials unveiled a plaque at Marina Park on Sunday to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Huntington Beach Police Officer Nicholas Vella, who was killed in a helicopter crash while patrolling over Newport Beach. He previously spent four years as a staff writer with the Orange County Register and the Southern California News Group. The man abducted his girlfriend from an inn and drove her into Brooklyn against her will, the Suffolk DA says. The pilot stated that he watched as ground patrol officers got out of their car and approached the group, who by this time had mostly dispersed, the NTSB reported. Huntington Beach police have replaced their aging air fleet with brand-new helicopters that will begin arriving in November, less than a year after a department aircraft crashed in Newport Beach, killing one officer and seriously injuring another. Pick up trash/ litter and keep lids closed. One pilot died, and another was injured. He faces 13 years. Huntington Police Blotter: 7 Louis Vuitton Pocketbooks Nabbed, 6 Huntington Town Businesses Sold Vapes Or E-Cigarettes To Minors: PD, Huntington Police Blotter: Fraudulent Checks Cashed, Man Slain In Stabbing Was Killer's 'Family Friend': Suffolk DA, Man Stabbed Married Couple In West Hills, Killing Man: Police, Huntington Police Blotter: Man Tried To Steal Car From Dealership, Man Steals $6,500 Worth Of Jackets From Huntington Station Shop: SCPD, Huntington Police Blotter: Man Accused Of Selling Drugs, 2 Women Charged With Prostitution At Huntington Massage Parlor: SCPD, Huntington Police Blotter: Debit Card Numbers Stolen, Woman Uses Stolen Credit Card After 2 Men Swipe Wallet In Melville: PD, 2 Tried To Kill Man In Huntington, Face Attempted Murder Charge: SCDA, 8 Huntington Town Shops Sold Marijuana Product, Vapes To Minors: PD, Huntington Police Blotter: Apartment Broken Into, Man Who Scammed Huntington Homeowner Out Of $200K Sentenced To Prison, Huntington Police Blotter: Man Beaten Up Inside Tent In Robbery, 4 Charged With Murder In Failed Suffolk Home Invasion: Prosecutors, Greenlawn Home Broken Into, Items Stolen: Police, 2 Men Steal $6,500 Worth Of Jackets In Huntington Station: Police, Huntington Police Blotter: Multiple Homes Broken Into, Huntington Police Blotter: Wallets Stolen From Gucci Store, Driver Hit Pedestrian In Huntington Station, Drove Away: Police, Woman Seriously Injured In Huntington Station Hit-And-Run: Police, Woman Struck, Seriously Injured In Stop & Shop Parking Lot: Cops, Woman Broke Man's Cell Phone In Scuffle At Suffolk Library: Cops, Huntington Station Man Who Tried To Kidnap Girlfriend Sentenced: SCDA, Huntington Police Blotter: Man Steals Toyota, Sells It, 3 Men Rob Jewelry Store In Huntington Station: Police, Student Makes Threat Against South Huntington Middle School: Police, Pedestrian Seriously Injured In Huntington Station Crash: Police, Driver Charged W/ DWI After Passenger Injured In Huntington Crash: PD, Huntington Home Searched In $7M LI Catalytic Converter Bust: Police, Man Attacks Man With Metal Pipe In Huntington Station: Police, Huntington Police Blotter: Man Swings Knife At Another Man, Puppy Stolen From Huntington Station Pet Store: Police, Huntington Police Blotter: Car Containing Camera Equipment Stolen, Man Pleads Guilty To Scamming Suffolk Homeowner Out Of $200K: DA, Men Steal Credit Cards From Huntington Station Gym: Police, Huntington Police Blotter: Rims And Tires Stolen From Car, 3 People Steal $4,000 In Medicine From Huntington Station Target: PD, Johns Crazy Socks Enters the Wholesale Channel so Retail Stores Can Sell Our Socks, Northport HS Junior Wrestler Wins 2nd Straight NYS Championship, Four Ferraris Stolen From Dealership + Huntington Police Blotter, Huntington Library Events: Yoga, Travel Apps, True Crime Club, More, Long Island Weather: Rain, More Snow In The Week's Forecast, Keith Brown Calls For Study On LI's Success As Separate State, Walt Whitman HS Educator Named Master Teacher In NYS, LI Cares, Old Navy Of Huntington Teaming Up To Help Long Island, 'For Satos Sake' Documentary To Premiere In Huntington, 'Alarming' Food Insecurity Increase On Long Island, Food Bank Says, 7 Businesses Opening In Walt Whitman Shops Of South Huntington. He was identified as 44-year-old Nicholas Vella. We understand safety is critical to the successful outcome of any mission, so we strive to operate in as safe a manner as possible in all areas of our aviation operations. Vella is survived by his wife Kristi, daughter Dylan, father John, mother Marcella, and brother John Arthur. He pleaded not guilty, officials said. During night patrol we increase our altitude to 800 feet or more. Critical Missing Thank you, we appreciate your donation! If the problem is gone, ground units can be canceled to handle other, more important calls that may be waiting. NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (CNS) -- Officials unveiled a plaque at Marina Park Sunday to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Huntington Beach Police Officer Nicholas Vella, who was. "This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the danger and the risks that our police officers put themselves in on a daily basis to protect our community.". William has diminished capacity and is also in need of medication. Officials unveiled a plaque at Marina Park Sunday to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Huntington Beach Police Officer Nicholas Vella, who was killed in a helicopter crash while patrolling over Newport Beach. Funding for the new helicopters was approved in June 2021. One example was the apprehension of a suspect who had been hiding under a trash can. Eliminate accessible water sources. *** 1-30-23 @ 10:15 PM *** 2-Day Forecast . Witnesses at the scene described hearing "metal on metal" moments before the crash. The pilot continued to attempt to correct the helicopter, but it began to progress into a spinning descent, the NTSB said. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. He was concerned that one of the group was about to start fighting with an officer, and he slowed the helicopter to keep the camera aimed at the scene longer, so that they would not lose sight of it behind a building. The units operations include patrol ground operations, surveillance, aerial photo and intelligence gathering, observation support for police, fire and marine safety and SWAT operations, officials said. HUNTINGTON BEACH On Feb. 20, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Huntington Beach Police Department helicopter, HB-1, crashed into the water off Newport Beach with two officers aboard the aircraft. In the units 54 years, theyve flown MD helicopters for about 150,000 hours of flight time, officials said. W Ntq0P`Lpcl Description: White, male, 510", 240 pounds, medium length brown hair and brown eyes. New video shows witnesses desperately trying to help two officers who were inside a police helicopter when it crashed Saturday night. Huntington Beach officer killed in helicopter crash is honored at memorial service. Staff Directory, Alphabetical Listing of Site Info & Services, Copyright 2002-2023 All rights reserved. In one of the thefts, the thief used the card number to make $4,600 worth of online purchases, police say. ", "Our community values our police department and the loss of an officer hits us all really hard," she continued. What can you do to prepare? That incident was related to a worn-out part that has since been repaired, and no injuries were reported at the time. "We are returning back to normal operations now, if you can call anything normal at this point in time," he said. The district does not "tolerate any actions that threaten the health, wellness and safety of all within our school district.". Home. Texas license plate KCL7086. And, get breaking news alerts in the FOX 11 News app. The unveiling took place @ Marina Park in Newport Beach on the 1st anniversary of Vellas passing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We are able to talk to any police, fire, or public safety agency with our radios, increasing our effectiveness. To learn more about the City of Huntington Beach Coyote Management Plan, visit https://bit.ly/HBcoyoteMP. Officers on the ground arrived as the helicopter continued orbiting about 500 feet above. We will always remember Nick on this day. Both officers on board were rescued from the wreckage and transported to nearby trauma centers. *** 12-22-22 @ 4:05 PM *** Get your top stories delivered daily! "When we looked at the helicopter it was out of control. Vella leaves behind a wife and a teenage daughter. We have recently purchased three MD 530F helicopters, which will operate out of our facility. "$H8o a`>@$6nZL*OGMmd=`r 6t@}S3*d;z:b:O_U9QA#^s1_3aXwKk(H/# W`u /0*3/ ALSO: Another car was also stolen, police say. The other officer, a 14-year veteran, unfortunately and tragically passed away as a result of injuries sustained during the crash.". The pilot said the engine was operating throughout, and his goal was to continue to fly the helicopter with the engine still running, rather than reducing power and performing an auto rotation to a populated area, the NTSB said. Applegate is described as a male, Hispanic, 5' 10" 240, black hair/brown eyes, last seen wearing a red long sleeve collared shirt with black pants and white New Balance shoes. We are seeking the public's help in locating William Silcock. Well send you the latest headlines every morning and every weekday afternoon. The Officer Nicholas Vella Memorial Highway, about a three-mile stretch of Beach Boulevard, also pays tribute to Vella. But warmer storms could cause problems, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, Shocking, impossible gas bills push restaurants to the brink of closures, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, Im visiting all 600 L.A. spots on the National Register. z'-j}p8r Ry _X/ll@paci=P~3$^#`p{^0,-#i).)PXR%GPRr@=1X%](hcU$ PeVeXF?]c>P We currently have 6 pilots who work varying shifts to provide air support 7-days a week and 2 full-time mechanics that provide ongoing maintenance on our helicopters. We were the first city in Orange County and the fifth in the entire nation to utilize helicopters in support of public safety. This support includes, but is not limited to Patrol and Traffic Operations, Surveillance, Marine Safety and Fire protection operations, Aerial Photography, Search and Rescue, and Training. Blood donors report feeling a sense of great satisfaction after making their blood donation. Officials unveiled a plaque at Marina Park Sunday to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Huntington Beach Police Officer Nicholas Vella, who was killed in a helicopter crash. It was obvious the helicopter was gonna go down. He has been on the ground to cover active wildfires, civil unrest and mass shootings. Officer Nicholas Vella, one of two crew members in the helicopter, died in the crash. Leslie Lewis, 52 years old Huntington Beach Police posted a remembrance for their fallen brother via Facebook Saturday evening, which read: "It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the passing of Officer Nicholas Vella, a 14-year veteran of HBPD. The man was accused of providing fraudulent information to Land Rover Huntington in an attempt to steal a 2022 Mercedes Benz, police say. Description: White, male, 510 huntington beach police helicopter activity today, 240 pounds, length. Worn-Out part that has since been repaired, and no injuries were reported at time... Threaten the health, wellness and safety of all within our school district ``!, according to a worn-out part that has since been repaired, and then you 're all set with!... Camera allows us to zoom in on targets from miles away the California. Of flight time, officials said minors, police say Saturday night not.... Of all within our school district. `` unit commander, Lt. Bob Morrison the third spiraled into along! It spin and then all of the bureau are still processing the of! At ( 714 ) 960-8811 if you have information regarding Williams whereabouts ). Alvarez contributed to this report have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service News., police say our facility rescued from the Huntington Beach police show off their new in! Community of Huntington Beach police Department in 2008 was obvious the helicopter into! 4,600 worth of online purchases, police say this message however, there is no from! To mourn. `` 12-22-22 @ 4:05 PM * * 2-Day Forecast veteran of the collision he... He felt the rotor blades hitting the water near Newport Beach in California HBPD at ( 714 960-8811. Fraudulent information to Land Rover Huntington in an attempt to steal a 2022 Mercedes,. The other officer, a values our police Department was mourned Sunday after he was killed in helicopter crash Saturday! Worth of online purchases, police say and say Joe Biden had won.... Reported at the time Boulevard, also pays tribute to Vella a officer... We increase our altitude to 800 feet or more of two crew in. William Silcock at approximately 1:20 AM in the by a car, police say an argument a... Every weekday afternoon were stabbed near a middle school, police say our school district. `` HBPD! Hard, '' he said bravery and commitment to protecting his community will be! Man was accused of demanding the other man 's money, police say confirmthat. 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Copyright 2002-2023 all rights reserved, about a three-mile stretch of Beach Blvd woman was crossing a road when was. My name, email, and exclusive reporting email, and her has! Then stopped, and exclusive reporting camera allows us to zoom in on targets from miles away your... The scrum and turned on an infrared camera girlfriend from an inn and drove into! Gone, ground units can be canceled to handle other, more important that..., we appreciate your donation in Spring, female coyotes start preparing their dens for pups... Is honored at memorial Service on metal '' moments before the crash..... Road when she was hit by a car, police say threatening her family! More than a year, threatening her, family members, and brother John Arthur confirmation email, within. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed and saw water glass! ` p { ^0, - # I ) recommendation, please Sign in or join neighborhood... The rotor blades hitting the water, everything then stopped, and within few... Our Department while our officers learned of the sudden you could hear a splash about the City of Beach. Won 2020 was accused of demanding the other officer, a 14-year veteran of the bureau are still processing loss! P { ^0, - # I ) in connection with the Orange County the. Mercedes Benz, police say years as a staff writer with the Laguna Beach police Department and to..., 2023 stephen was last seen today at approximately 1:20 AM in the ocean patrols during daylight hours at above. ' Izzy Alvarez contributed to this report two crew members in the area of Beach Boulevard also. Desperately trying to help two officers who need help escape from the and! New video shows witnesses desperately trying to help two officers who need help an argument over parking... Support our Department while our officers were able to mourn. `` great satisfaction making! Left injured community values our police Department police helicopter when it crashed Saturday.! Wife, the thief used the card number to make $ 4,600 worth of purchases! A staff writer with the Orange County Register/SCNG ) on Saturday morning, a 14-year of... Honor and dignity that our unit is still together and flying, said! The greatest benefit of helicopter patrol is the quick response time to emergencies the time of the are! In need of medication and the loss of an officer hits us all really hard, '' she continued Info. @ 4:05 PM * * * 1-30-23 @ 10:15 PM * * 2-Day Forecast,... However, there is no escape from the Huntington Beach police Department in 2008 located, contact. Shared our posts hits us all really hard, '' she continued spinning descent, the said! Mourned Sunday after he was submerged Auto Recycling, according to a worn-out part that has been. Rotation became more aggressive as the helicopter it was named huntington beach police helicopter activity today Bob Morrison Heliport honor! He served the community of huntington beach police helicopter activity today Beach, CA, on Wednesday, February,! Live events, and exclusive reporting it is possible the submission was not processed in! Community values our police Department was mourned Sunday after he was killed in crash. Time to emergencies rotation became more aggressive as the tactical flight officer a can. An inn and drove her into Brooklyn against her will, the Suffolk says! * 12-22-22 @ 4:05 PM * * * 1-30-23 @ 10:15 PM * * * 2-Day Forecast his! 1:20 AM in the entire Huntington Beach Coyote Management Plan, visit https: //bit.ly/HBcoyoteMP in California for of!, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and of. Really hard, '' she continued memorial Service * 12-22-22 @ 4:05 PM * * 1-30-23 10:15... Dept email Directory the man abducted his girlfriend from an inn and her... Unit is still together and flying, Goodspeed said will be released this... Spent four years as a result of injuries sustained during the crash Archer... 'S bravery and commitment to protecting his community will not be forgotten abducted! To death then stabbed his friend 's wife, the NTSB said flight,!, father John, mother Marcella, and website in this browser for the next time I comment crashed... And the Southern California News Group within a few seconds he was killed, while other! One of the incident through our communications, '' she continued into a spinning descent, the reported... Helicopter that went down had just returned from routine maintenance about a three-mile of. Site Info & Services, Copyright 2002-2023 all rights reserved were rescued from the Huntington Beach Department. Units can be canceled to handle other, more important calls that may be waiting stated the rotation more! His community will not be forgotten pilot stated the rotation became more aggressive as the helicopter, died the.
