Investigators Honored For Valor, Life Saving

Two Orange County Sheriff's investigators assigned to Lake Forest were honored Tuesday evening for their bravery and courage in the line of duty.

"These two investigators assigned to Lake Forest were recently recognized by the Orange County Sheriff's Department for acts of valor above and beyond their normal course of duties," Lake Forest's Lt. Pat Higa said at the meeting. 

Investigator Marcus Perez was recognized for his apprehension of the suspect in , Higa said. He spotted a man in a ski mask running away from an AT&T store near Rockfield Boulevard and gave chase.

He followed the armed suspect, who repeatedly refused to drop his weapon. Perez fired, injuring the suspect and subsequently taking him into custody.

The robber pled guilty to the heist and now serving a 14-year prison sentence.

Perez was awarded the Medal of Valor for the apprehension.

Lake Forest investigator Adam Koliha—then a deputy—earned the Medal for Life Saving for performing chest compressions on a 68-year-old male having a heart attack at his home.

"Before parademics arrived the victim was able to breathe on his own," Higa said. "The doctors say it's a miracle he even survived this kind of heart attack."

The council presented Perez and Koliha with certificates recognizing their accomplishments.

"I'm very proud of these two individuals," Higa added.