Crime & Safety
Chief Weighs In on His Deputy's Shooting
Lt. Brian Schmutz calls Manuel 'Manny' Cruz an 'excellent deputy.'
By Martin Henderson
For much of the investigation into the non-fatal officer involved shooting in Rancho Santa Margarita, Lt. Brian Schmutz was out of the loop—as he expected to be.
The Orange County District Attorney's office investigated one of Schmutz's deputies, Manuel Cruz, without divulging its findings to RSM's chief of police services as it went along. That's standard protocol as it conducts an independent investigation to determine if there was criminal wrongdoing on the part of the deputy.
• Read an account of the D.A.'s findings
From what Schmutz knew of the March 10, 2012 incident, he was cautiously optimistic that Cruz's shooting of Dennis Mitchell Mueller would stand up to scrutiny. On Monday, more than 15 months after Cruz shot Mueller five times, the deputy was vindicated.
It was the first officer involved shooting in the city's history, and at the time, it had come on the heels of the officer involved shooting that resulted in the death of Manny Loggins at San Clemente High.
"I was confident during this entire process the D.A. would conduct a thorough and impartial investigation," Schmutz said. "I'm gratified the investigation has been completed.
"Deputy Manny Cruz has been and continues to be an excellent deputy sheriff for the city for Rancho Santa Margarita and I have no doubt his professionalism will continue."
Cruz, a motorcycle deputy, had his gun drawn and warned Mueller to stop advancing toward him while reaching into his jacket; Cruz shot Mueller twice, but the 20-year-old—who had been guilty of speeding at more than 100 mph through city streets—kept advancing. So Cruz shot him three more times and Mueller fell to the ground.
More than half the city's annual budget goes to police services. On Wednesday night, the City Council approved the sheriff department's contract of $7.4 million for fiscal year 2013-14.
Part 1 crimes, which are considered the most serious, dropped 14 percent from 2011 to 2012. There are 32 positions that service RSM, including 15 patrol deputies and two motorcycle deputies.
For much of the investigation into the non-fatal officer involved shooting in Rancho Santa Margarita, Lt. Brian Schmutz was out of the loop—as he expected to be.
The Orange County District Attorney's office investigated one of Schmutz's deputies, Manuel Cruz, without divulging its findings to RSM's chief of police services as it went along. That's standard protocol as it conducts an independent investigation to determine if there was criminal wrongdoing on the part of the deputy.
• Read an account of the D.A.'s findings
From what Schmutz knew of the March 10, 2012 incident, he was cautiously optimistic that Cruz's shooting of Dennis Mitchell Mueller would stand up to scrutiny. On Monday, more than 15 months after Cruz shot Mueller five times, the deputy was vindicated.
It was the first officer involved shooting in the city's history, and at the time, it had come on the heels of the officer involved shooting that resulted in the death of Manny Loggins at San Clemente High.
"I was confident during this entire process the D.A. would conduct a thorough and impartial investigation," Schmutz said. "I'm gratified the investigation has been completed.
"Deputy Manny Cruz has been and continues to be an excellent deputy sheriff for the city for Rancho Santa Margarita and I have no doubt his professionalism will continue."
Cruz, a motorcycle deputy, had his gun drawn and warned Mueller to stop advancing toward him while reaching into his jacket; Cruz shot Mueller twice, but the 20-year-old—who had been guilty of speeding at more than 100 mph through city streets—kept advancing. So Cruz shot him three more times and Mueller fell to the ground.
More than half the city's annual budget goes to police services. On Wednesday night, the City Council approved the sheriff department's contract of $7.4 million for fiscal year 2013-14.
Part 1 crimes, which are considered the most serious, dropped 14 percent from 2011 to 2012. There are 32 positions that service RSM, including 15 patrol deputies and two motorcycle deputies.
"All of the deputies assigned to RSM appreciate the support of the community and are grateful to work in a beautiful and pleasant environment like our city," Schmutz said. "Each of them is chosen based on their dedication to the residents here ... The City of RSM is in good hands with these men and women who are committed to their safety."
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