Early Morning Search Nabs Four Suspects

Four subjects were apprehended Friday morning in Mission Viejo, two after a ground and air search.

According to Lt. Steve Gil of the Orange County Sheriff's Department, two men and two women were in custody after deputies happened upon a vehicle near La Barca and Jornada on the eastern perimeter of the city near Rancho Santa Margarita.

The vehicle was stolen about a week ago in Costa Mesa.

A man and woman escaped into the neighborhood, igniting a search that included the OCSD helicopter.

The incident began about 4:30 a.m. and concluded about three hours later, according to Gil, who said the suspects are believed to be responsible for thefts from a half-dozen cars in the area during the early morning.

"We're looking for victims," Gil said, noting that anyone who noticed anything missing from their vehicles can call 949-770-6011 to report it.