Behind the Badge
The body of a man was found in the flood control channel at Bolsa Chica and Rancho Road in Westminster on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 9.
At about 1:30 p.m., Westminster Police officers were dispatched to the area after the body was reported. WPD detectives and investigators with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Coroner’s Office were called to the scene.
“We are in the early stages of this investigation and the identity or cause of death is unknown,” said WPD Commander Cameron Knauerhaze. “We always urge people to stay out of flood control areas, especially during rain storms.”
According to the National Weather Service (weather.gov), as little as 6 inches of fast-moving flood water is enough to sweep someone off his or her feet.
“Based on the rain and steady flow of water, this man could be from a neighboring city, but we won’t know until he’s identified,” said Knauerhaze.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the WPD at (714) 898-3315 or for anonymous tips, contact Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
