On Sunday, January 20, 2019, at 2:14 PM, SAPD officers responded to reports of a shooting at 300 South Birch Street, according to the SAPD.

Officers located the scene of the shooting but the victims and suspect were no longer at the location. Witnesses described a suspect firing a handgun at a vehicle.

Two men later flagged down officers in the area of Oak Street and E. 1st Street, directing them to an adult male (20-30 years) shooting victim. Officers began life saving measures. Orange County Fire Authority arrived on scene, treated the victim, and transported him to a local trauma center. Attending physicians declared the victim deceased at 3:08 PM.

SAPD Homicide Detectives responded and assumed the investigation. The preliminary investigation revealed the motive for the shooting was gang rivalry. Detectives determined the suspect confronted other motorists in the area prior to the shooting. Homicide detectives are collaborating with Gang detectives in an effort to identify and locate the suspect.

Homicide detectives are requesting to speak with anyone that observed the suspect in the area prior to the shooting, was contacted or confronted by the suspect, or witnessed the shooting. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call SAPD Homicide Section detectives at (714) 245-8390, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS. This case may be eligible for the Santa Ana Homicide Reward Program.

The SAPD closed off part of Birch, stretching from West Camile St. to West Chestnut Ave., as they investigated the shooting, heading further north to Pine by about 3:45 p.mm.