Seven detained after panga-style boat lands in Laguna Beach

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde Contact Reporter


Police have detained seven people after a panga-style boat landed Thursday morning on the shore of Laguna Beach.
Officials said they found two “takeaway” vehicles near West Street Beach in the South Laguna neighborhood where the boat landed, the Laguna Beach Police Department said. Police were searching on foot for more individuals they think were on the boat, Laguna Beach police spokesman Jim Cota said.

Video recorded from a nearby residence overlooking the beach showed 13 people dressed in dark clothing running from the boat. Police said they think the two vehicles found nearby were picking up the boat’s occupants.

Law enforcement officials, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection authorities, are on the scene.

It was not immediately known why the individuals were detained or whether there is a suspicion of drug trafficking.

alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com
Twitter: @r_valejandra
UPDATES:
9:20 a.m.: This article was updated with information about vehicles found near the landing.
8:40 a.m.: This article was updated with information about additional detainments.
This article was originally published at 8:10 a.m.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/california/la-me-ln-laguna-beach-arrests-20181129-story.html