Orange County DA opens anonymous hotline

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said on May 23 that his office opened an anonymous tip hotline as investigators examine the chemical tank emergency at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove. The announcement came as local, state and federal agencies continued responding to a failed storage tank containing methyl methacrylate that triggered evacuations affecting about 50,000 residents, according to local news reports. Spitzer said his office was opening a criminal investigation and seeking information from workers, contractors and other witnesses after what he described as unsatisfactory answers about how the incident developed. ### Which incident is the district attorney asking about? Garden Grove officials and regional responders have spent days dealing with a compromised chemical storage tank at GKN Aerospace, an aerospace facility in the city. ABC7 reported the tank contained methyl methacrylate and was at risk of spilling or exploding, prompting a broad emergency response and evacuation orders in surrounding neighborhoods. (cbsnews.com) CBS Los Angeles reported that Spitzer said his office had launched an investigation into the Garden Grove facility after the leaking tank forced tens of thousands of people from their homes. The station quoted him as saying, “We are not getting satisfactory answers,” tying the hotline to a wider effort to gather evidence outside the company’s formal accounts. (abc7.com) ### What did the district attorney’s office set up? The Orange County District Attorney’s Office said it established an anonymous tipline and an online reporting form to collect information related to the failed tank. MyNewsLA reported the office announced the tipline on Saturday and said it was seeking information about the circumstances surrounding the chemical storage failure. (cbsnews.com) The Daily News article on the announcement said tipsters were asked to call the Orange County District Attorney Anonymous Tip Hotline, email prosecutors, or submit information directly online. USA Today’s live coverage also reported that the office had created an anonymous tip line and online reporting form on Saturday afternoon. (mynewsla.com) ### How can people send information? The Daily News and CBS Los Angeles reports said the office directed people with information to call 714-347-8714. An MSN pickup of the CBS report said the office also directed witnesses to an online form, while the Daily News report said prosecutors provided an email address for direct submissions. (dailynews.com) CBS Los Angeles reported the office asked for information from anyone who knows more about the events leading to the incident. NBC Los Angeles also reported on May 23 that Spitzer had set up an anonymous tip hotline as part of the investigation. ### Why is the DA involved alongside fire and hazmat agencies? (msn.com) Todd Spitzer said the district attorney’s role is investigative, not operational, as fire, hazmat and environmental agencies continue managing the tank itself. CBS Los Angeles reported that his office framed the inquiry around whether the company or others withheld information, ignored warning signs or otherwise contributed to the emergency. (cbsnews.com) MyNewsLA reported the DA’s office described the reporting channels as a way to gather facts from people who may not want to identify themselves publicly. That approach mirrors how prosecutors often build early timelines in incidents involving workplace safety, hazardous materials and possible corporate misconduct. ### What comes next? (cbsnews.com) The Garden Grove response remained active on May 24, with ABC7 reporting that firefighters were back at the scene as experts worked on options for the unstable tank. The district attorney’s office said its investigation is ongoing, and the hotline, email address and online form remain the main public channels for workers, witnesses and nearby residents who want to provide information. (abc7.com) (mynewsla.com)