Officer Jason Muro is a graduate of Colton High School and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps with eight years of service. He and his wife Marisa are the proud parents of three lovely children. Officer Muro has been with the Tustin Police Department for six years and is currently assigned to the North Area Command. Jason is also assigned to the joint SWAT team with Irvine Police Department as a SWAT Operator.
On April 25th, just after midnight, Officer Muro attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of Tustin Ranch Road and Heritage Way for vehicle code violations. The driver of the vehicle continued at a slow pace failing to stop immediately. The vehicle finally yielded in the parking lot of the Congregation B’Nai Israel.

As the vehicle came to a stop, the front passenger opened up the door and fled on foot. Officer Muro radioed for assistance and used great restraint in staying with the suspect vehicle as he still had the driver to contend with. As Officer Muro remained in a tactically safe position near his patrol car, the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. It was later determined the vehicle was stolen in Garden Grove a few hours prior to this incident.
Officer Muro re-entered his patrol car and attempted to catch up to the suspects. The suspects were able to elude Officer Muro. Based on the information broadcasted by Officer Muro, responding units were able to quickly set up a perimeter. During a search of the area, a loaded 22 caliber revolver and an article of clothing from one of the suspects was located in the path the suspects took to flee.

A police helicopter was requested to assist in a search for the suspects. Costa Mesa Police Department “Eagle” responded, using their FLIR, and located the suspects in the backyard of a nearby residence. An arrest team was formed and both suspects were located hiding in the backyard. They were quickly taken into custody without incident.
Officer Muro interviewed both suspects and obtained a full confession. The suspects admitted to stealing the vehicle and discarding the firearm as they fled the scene. The suspects are both juveniles with extensive criminal histories and self-admitted gang members from Santa Ana. They were booked at the Orange County Juvenile Hall on a myriad of criminal charges.

Based on this and several additional outstanding arrests which stemmed from solid police work and outstanding initiative, it is with great pleasure to announce Officer Muro as the recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Officer of the Month Award for April. Congratulations Officer Muro!