On 6/28/19, at approximately 6:15 PM, the wanted suspect was asked to leave the location, the Bristol Swap Mall, by two security guards. The suspect then removed his belt and used it to strike the security guards. He then entered the passenger seat of a pickup truck and told the driver to “get the gun.” The suspect shouted “Lopers” as the vehicle drove off.
Anyone with information identifying the wanted suspect in this case is asked to contact Officer Sanudo at ASanudo@santa-ana.org
On July 2, 2019, Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) Gang Investigators worked with California State Parole Agents to conduct probation and parole compliance checks of documented gang members and known gang associates in Costa Mesa and Lake Forest, according to the Costa Mesa Police.
The operation included the search of six locations, and resulted in 12 subjects being contacted, and four arrests made. Arrested subjects included 31-year old Westminster resident Binh Giang for a parole violation; 27-year old Lake Forest resident Luis Ruiz Orellana for a parole violation, possession of narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia; 26-year old San Juan Capistrano resident Alessia Flores for possession of narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia; and 31-year old Costa Mesa resident Alexa McConnell for possession of methamphetamine for sales, and possession of heroin for sales.
Arrested subjects were all booked at the CMPD Jail, and later booked at Orange County Jail in Santa Ana. Gang Investigators seized over $8,300 cash; approximately 85 grams of fentanyl (powder form) and approximately 100 fentanyl pills; 30 grams of heroin; and six grams of methamphetamine.
After serving 8-years in prison for assault with a firearm on a Santa Ana police officer, a documented gang member-parolee again violently assaults another SAPD police officer, according to the SAPD.
On Monday July 1, 2019 in North Court in front of the honorable Judge Rogan, Carlos Michael Rodriguez (34) from Santa Ana, was sentenced to 55 years to life in state prison for the attempted murder of Santa Ana Gang Detective, Corporal M. Lemmon. At the conclusion of the criminal trial, the jury found Rodriguez guilty of:
This sentencing arose out of a violent confrontation that occurred in the City of Santa Ana on February 17, 2016. Gang Detectives were conducting proactive enforcement in the 2700 block of West McFadden when they attempted to contact Rodriguez. During the encounter, Rodriguez fired one of his weapons at Cpl. Lemmon, striking him with a graze wound to the head. Cpl. Lemmon returned fire striking the suspect in the upper and lower torso. Detectives recovered Rodriguez’s two loaded handguns at the scene.
Following the court’s decision, Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin stated, “By way of this sentencing the message is clear. As a community we cannot tolerate continued violence against anyone, especially violent acts committed against our uniformed police officers.”
On 11-05-2018, SAPD Homicide Detectives investigated the shooting death of 20-year-old Victor Palomera in the 2300 block of South Ramona. This homicide was determined to be gang related.
During their investigation, detectives were able to identify Vincent Alcaraz (47) a Santa Ana Gang Member and Dorsa Pourhajir (21) and Santa Ana Gang Associate as suspects in the crime and both were taken into custody for unassociated criminal violations.
On 04-18-2019, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office filed charges of Homicide and associated enhancement(s) in both Alcaraz’s and Pourhajir’s names.
DETECTIVES INVESTIGATING HOMICIDE IN THE 1700 BLOCK OF WEST 9TH STREET
Decedent: John Doe
On Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at 8:17 PM, SAPD officers responded to reports of a shooting at the 1700 block of West 9th Street. Officers found an adult male suffering gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Orange County Fire Authority Paramedics responded, treated, and transported the man to a local trauma center. The man died while undergoing emergency surgery. The attending physician declared the time of death at 10:52 PM.
A witness observed a lone gunman fleeing the scene on foot after the shooting. The witness described suspect as a Hispanic male wearing dark clothing.
SAPD Homicide Detectives responded and assumed the investigation, which is ongoing. Detectives have not determined the motive for the shooting at this time.
Homicide detectives are requesting to speak with anyone with information regarding this case. Anyone with information 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.
An unidentified man who shot at SAPD gang unit police officers on Monday, in Santa Ana, was shot and wounded by police officers, when they tried to take him into custody, according to the O.C. Register.
SAPD police detectives were working on a gang enforcement detail in the 1800 block of South Evergreen Street, in a marked vehicle that was driving north in an alley next to Evergreen, near Occidental St., when the suspect exited a garage and then fired multiple rounds at the police officers, as they sat in their vehicle.
The police officers then got out of their squad car and chased the suspect on foot into the surrounding residential neighborhood, which is full of apartment complexes.
They finally caught up with the suspect and then they wounded him in his upper torso. He was then taken to a hospital. The detectives were able to recover a weapon from the scene.
There were two other people who fled from the scene as well. They were detained but the police are still trying to ascertain their involvement in the incident.
The OCDA will, as per their protocol, investigate the shooting as will the SAPD’s internal affairs and homicide units.
The SAPD asks that any witnesses please call their homicide detectives at 714-245-8390.
Natanael Perez, a 17-year-old, has been identified as the suspect who was killed during a robbery attempt at a Santa Ana automotive business in which two of his alleged accomplices were also shot, according to the O.C. Register.
Perez was fatally shot just before 3:45 p.m. Sunday at Pro Audio Wheels and Tires at 2015 W. 17th St., according to the SAPD.
Our sources tell us that the shooter was the owner of the tire shop. The SAPD has not clarified or verified this. But they did say that they questioned the shooter.
Besides Perez two other robber suspects were shot and wounded. One of them is reportedly in grave condition while the other is expected to survive. The SAPD has not revealed their names or ages.
The SAPD indicated that Perez and his fellow suspected robbers were members of a street-gang. The SAPD is looking for additional suspects.
My sources also tell me that supporters of the suspects showed up at the tire store the day after the shooting and were looting the store until the police showed up and they took off.
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.
Eric Alan Cabrera, 20, Garden Grove, AKA Eric Alan Cabrera Mora, will serve the 16-month sentence concurrently with a two-year term for burglary, according to the Orange County Register. Cabrera got caught vandalizing a mural depicting nearly 200 portraits of Mexican-American men and women who served in the U.S. Military in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Cabrera was accused of vandalizing a mural, “Among Heroes,” on the side of a small business on Washington Avenue in Santa Ana by spray painting graffiti on the wall, between March 11, 2018, and March 12, 2018.
He was also accused of vandalizing a clothing store on 1st Street in Santa Ana by tagging graffiti on its exterior wall, at approximately 2:30 a.m. on March 12, 2018. That incident was captured on surveillance cameras and reported to the Santa Ana Police Department, who investigated this case.
The popular mural, which was painted onto the side wall of the historic La Chiquita market, was restored by its artist with the help of more than $11,000 raised by SAPD police officers and a crowdfunding campaign. The father of Officer John Rodriguez, one of the police officers who helped raise the money, is featured on the wall and was present to help hand a donation check to Aguilar, according to the Orange County Register.
Cabrera got caught because SAPD police officers viewed surveillance footage and were able to see his vehicle’s license plate number and thus linked him to the crime.
Cabrera apparently committed these crimes on behalf of a criminal street gang.
On March 15, 2018, Cabrera was arrested in Anaheim on unrelated charges.
SANTA ANA, California – Authorities with the Orange County Violent Gang Task Force this morning arrested nine defendants on federal narcotics and firearms charges stemming from an investigation into gang activity in Santa Ana and surrounding communities.
The arrests are the result of 10 federal indictments issued by a federal grand jury that charge a total of 20 defendants. The indictments allege a series of methamphetamine and heroin transactions, as well as firearms offenses. Seven of the defendants are believed to members of Alley Boys street gang, and four others are believed to be members of other Orange County gangs.
One of the indictments details an illicit narcotics-trafficking operation based in a budget hotel in Santa Ana where the drugs were sold and distributed. A second indictment alleges a transaction at an Anaheim hotel where two defendants allegedly sold a half-pound of methamphetamine to a prospective buyer for $3,500 in cash.
In addition to those arrested this morning, nine defendants are currently in custody on other charges, including two who were taken into custody yesterday on state charges. Two defendants are currently being sought by federal authorities.
“As part of our violent crime initiative, we are taking the fight to local street gangs such as the Alley Boys who destroy our communities with drugs and guns,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “The federal criminal cases being announced today are the latest in a long string of investigations in which federal and state agencies have partnered to target the gang activity that takes a devastating toll on neighborhoods. Jurisdictional boundaries don’t matter to street gangs and drug traffickers, which is why my prosecutors and federal agents will continue to work with local authorities to improve public safety.”
“Street gangs and their members with extensive criminal histories continue to remain a menace to neighborhoods herein Orange County and throughout California,” said Paul Delacourt, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “We will continue to work with our local and federal partners on the Orange County Violent Crimes Task Force to target the most notorious gangs who continue to wreak havoc on our communities.”
“Today’s announcement of ‘Operation King Midas’ is an example of our collective success in protecting our communities,” said Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin. “The outcomes displayed here today are a direct reflection of the successful collaboration between the Santa Ana Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation,and all our task force partners working toward a common goal – safety of all the good people of our communities. The residents of Santa Ana and Orange County have confidence in law enforcement and the results of this case provide evidence of why their trust and confidence exists. As the host agency of the FBI-sponsored Orange County Violent Gang Task Force, we are proud of this impactful collaboration.”
The 20 defendants named in the indictments unsealed this morning are:
(One additional defendant named i none of the indictments recently died and will be dismissed as a defendant in that case.)
The 11 defendants taken into custody this morning are expected to be arraigned on the indictments this afternoon in United States District Court in Santa Ana.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
These cases were investigated by the Orange County Violent Gang Task Force, which is made up of agents and officers with the Anaheim Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the California Department of Corrections – Parole; the Correctional Intelligence Task Force; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Fullerton Police Department; IRS Criminal Investigation; the Orange County Probation Department; and the Santa Ana Police Department.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Scally, Ann Luotto Wolf and Jake Nare of the Santa Ana Branch Office.
Costa Mesa Police Department
Advisory: Joint operation targeting local parolees and gang members results in 12 arrests
On Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, CMPD Gang Investigators, an OC Deputy Probation Officer, and State Parole Agents conducted a joint operation targeting local parolees and gang members, which resulted in the arrest of 12 subjects: Continue reading
Date: October 5, 2018
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Orange County District Attorney (OCDA) Tony Rackauckas will be recognized among others by the Angel Light Academy as honorees of the ninth Annual Above and Beyond Award for their work with the Orange County Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership (OC GRIP) and keeping kids out of gangs. The honorees selected for this award are local citizens who have proven excellence in community leadership and service and have consistently gone above and beyond. Continue reading
California Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill that will allow teenage gangbangers to kill each other without having to worry about being sentenced as adults. Please remember this when you vote for our next Governor as Gavin Newsom is likely to continue such policies! Here is the official press release:
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Brown today signed research-based criminal justice reforms to improve rehabilitation and reduce the odds of re-offending. Continue reading
Charles Oswald
Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) Gang Investigators, the CMPD TARGET Deputy Probation Officer, and a State Parole Agent conducted a joint enforcement sweep targeting several local gang parolees on Sep. 26.
The sweep targeted four locations of interest within Costa Mesa and resulted in the arrest of four subjects including Angel Estrada, 25, Lake Forest, Bryant Islas, 35, Santa Ana, and Binh Giang, 31, Westminster, for being in violation of their parole. Continue reading
If you were wondering what happened this afternoon in Santa Ana, on 17th Street, we now know that the SAPD raided the Happy Times Cyber Internet Café, which was investigated as a front for gang activity, according to ABC News.
The SAPD SWAT team searched the Happy Times Cyber Internet Cafe, which is located at 1117 17th Street, at about 3:30 p.m. while police questioned dozens of people in an adjacent parking lot after receiving multiple complaints of suspicious activity from nearby residents, according to the O.C. Register. Continue reading