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Category Archives: Guns

Man arrested for using a drone to try to smuggle drugs into the Theo Lacy Jail

Posted on by Posted in Costa Mesa, Drugs, Guns, OC Sheriff, Orange, Orange County Leave a comment

ORANGE, Ca. (Sept. 16, 2021) The Custody Intelligence Unit (CIU) on Tuesday, Sept. 14, arrested a man suspected of using a drone in an attempt to smuggle drugs into the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange.

CIU investigators were advised of a drone carrying narcotics that landed in an outdoor recreation area of the jail. The drone was carrying 2 grams of heroin, 4 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 15 Xanax pills and approximately 15 muscle relaxers.

Through their investigation, the CIU identified a possible suspect in the city of Costa Mesa and obtained a search warrant for the man’s residence. During their search, investigators confiscated numerous illegal firearms, fentanyl and a controller determined to pair with the drone that landed at Theo Lacy.

The suspect also was found to be in possession of a stolen vehicle and had been renting his residence using fraudulent identification. Investigators also recovered materials determined to be associated with identify theft and fraudulent criminal activity in the man’s residence.

Chey Cody Smart, 43, of Costa Mesa was arrested on suspicion of multiple felony drug and firearms charges, along with grand theft. He was booked into the Orange County Jail on Sept. 14. It also was determined Smart had a warrant for his arrest issued by Mendocino County, California for felony weapons charges.

“The Custody Intelligence Unit is extremely proactive in intercepting narcotics attempting to come into our jails,” said Sheriff-Coroner Don Barnes. “They have adopted an investigative strategy that includes locating the outside entities attempting to bring narcotics into our facilities, and this case is a great example of that work. We will continue to stay diligent in keeping those entrusted to our custody and care safe, and we will hold accountable those who attempt to threaten that safety.”

The SAPD is investigating the fatal shooting of a man in the Pico-Lowell Neighborhood

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On Thursday, September 9, 2021, at approximately 10:57 PM, Santa Ana Police Officers responded to reports of shots fired at the 900 block of South Shelton Street, in the Pico-Lowell Neighborhood.

Officers arrived on scene and located an adult male with an apparent gunshot wound to his upper torso.

Orange County Fire Authority treated the victim at the scene and subsequently transported him to a local hospital. The victim underwent emergency surgery but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

The identity of the decedent is pending identification by the Orange County Coroner’s Office.

The initial investigation revealed this is possibly a gang related homicide and qualifies for the Gang Reward Program.

The Santa Ana Police Department’s Homicide Unit is handling the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call SAPD Homicide Unit at (714) 245-8390 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

The SAPD seized firearms and drugs at an illegal marijuana grow operation

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Yesterday, SAPD Vice Detectives, with the assistance of Directed Patrol and Code Enforcement, served a search warrant at a suspected illegal cannabis business in the area of the 100 block of E. Alton Avenue. just north of the Sandpointe Neighborhood.

Upon entry into the business, officers and detectives located cannabis and firearms.

In total, over 20 pounds of cannabis, 4 firearms & 1 shotgun were seized.

The investigation continues.

A convicted New York felon was arrested again in Costa Mesa

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On Sunday, Costa Mesa police officers stopped two suspects in a vehicle for expired tags and for littering as they left a parking lot on Bristol St.

The male driver gave false identifications, and multiple counterfeit ID’s and checks were found in the car. The driver was arrested and while they searched him, officers found he had a loaded gun in his underwear.

The driver was identified as a convicted felon from New York who had attempted to murder a police officer. The driver and female passenger, from Baltimore, were also in possession of over $10k in cash.

They were both arrested for fraud with an additional booking charge of felon in possession of a firearm for the driver.

The SAPD’s weekly gun and drug seizure roundup

Posted on by Posted in Drugs, Guns, Santa Ana, SAPD, Street Racing Leave a comment

SAPD Directed Patrol officers conducted a car stop for vehicle code violations and discovered the driver was on active probation with search and seizure conditions. During their investigation, the driver was found to be in possession of fentanyl. Directed Patrol officers also conducted a search of the driver’s residence in the city of Garden Grove and located a loaded shotgun, 9mm semi-automatic handgun and additional ammunition. The driver was arrested for the illegal possession of narcotics, firearms and ammunition.

SAPD gang detectives stopped a vehicle for minor traffic violations. The two occupants in the vehicle were recognized in having gang affiliation and being on informal probation. The driver of the vehicle gave consent to the search of the vehicle. Detectives located a loaded 9mm semi-automatic “ghost gun” inside a black, nylon, tool bag. They also discovered manufacturing tools to make “ghost guns” and ammunition.

SAPD MET detectives conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Comfort Inn Hotel. Upon contact, the driver admitted to having a firearm on his person. A loaded 9 mm “ghost gun” was found in his waistband. Detectives located a briefcase inside the vehicle with multiple bags containing large quantities of narcotics. Further investigation revealed the driver was registered at the Comfort Inn Hotel. A search of the room revealed more narcotics and a loaded AR15 “ghost” rifle with high capacity magazines.

On Friday, August 20th, the STEARRD Partnership, consisting of Santa Ana PD, Garden Grove Police Department, Brea Police Department, and Westminster Police Department, conducted street racing enforcement in the City of Santa Ana. The results of the enforcement were a total of 30 Citations, 1 impound and 2 seized firearms.

SAPD Directed Patrol Officers, along with the AB 109 Task Force initiated a traffic stop during a patrol check. The vehicle was occupied by a male driver and female passenger. The driver was discovered to be on active probation and out on bail for a stolen vehicle and narcotic violations. The female had prior convictions for narcotic sales. Directed Patrol officers completed a probation check of their motel room. During the search, officers located an unloaded 9mm semi-automatic “ghost gun” and a large quantity of methamphetamine individually packaged for sales.

The Santa Ana School Police recovered a gun at a high school

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Guns, Santa Ana, SAUSD, Valerie Amezcua 1 Comment

The Santa Ana School Police posted on their Instagram account that during an ongoing investigation, a gun was recovered at one of our high schools. The on-campus SRO worked closely with a local agency to confiscate the weapon.

The gun was recovered with no incident and no disruption to students’ learning.

SAUSD School Board Member Valerie Amezcua responded to the incident on her Facebook page:

Can you imagine getting the phone call that there was a shooting at your child’s school or hearing about it on social media????

I appreciate the quick and professional response from the SAUSD School Police Officers and the OCPD .
This is just another example why I will not support defunding police. I want all students and staff to be safe at school and in the community.

Thank you Sànta Ana Unified School Police Officers.

The SAPD seized more guns and drugs this week

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A witness called to report a subject brandishing a handgun at pedestrians. Responding SAPD police officers located a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description.

SAPD Patrol and Directed Patrol officers initiated a car stop and detained the driver. Officers located a 9mm “ghost gun” in plain sight under the driver seat.

SAPD gang detectives developed information on an active gang member in possession of firearms/narcotics and authored a search warrant for his residence.

As a result of the investigation, detectives located two loaded revolvers, a large amount of narcotics, and several rounds of ammunition inside the suspect’s bedroom.

While conducting a patrol check, the SAPD AB109 Task Force officers initiated a traffic stop and contacted two subjects in the vehicle. The officers located a .380 Bersa handgun during a search of the vehicle.

A man was shot to death in Garden Grove on Wednesday morning

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Wednesday morning, August 11, 2021, at 1:22 AM, Garden Grove Police Department officers responded to a residence on the 8000 block of Lampson Ave., after receiving reports of gunshots.

Upon arrival, they located a 33-year-old male victim in front of a residence with multiple gunshot wounds. Life saving measures were taken, but the victim succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect fled the location prior to officers arriving, and the description is not known.

At this time, the police investigators do not believe this is a random act and the community is not in danger.

This investigation is on-going and anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Det. Garcia at 714-741-5830.

All lanes of Lampson Ave (btw Chateau Ct & Arrowhead St) were shut down for a few hours during the investigation.

The Tustin Police pulled over a suspect and found a gun and cocaine

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While patrolling the area of McFadden Ave & Tustin Village Way on Thursday night, Tustin Police Officers made a traffic stop on a vehicle.

Resulting from the investigation, the male driver was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm (loaded 9mm handgun) and a controlled substance (cocaine).

The male subject was booked into Orange County Jail.

The SAPD busted a suspected gun dealer involved with local gangs

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SAPD gang detectives working in conjunction w/ patrol officers, developed information on an active gang member associate attempting to sell firearms to local gang members.

Detectives authored a search warrant for his apartment located in the city of Orange. The suspect was detained outside his apartment without incident.

As a result of the investigation, detectives located:- (3) loaded 9 MM semi-automatic handguns – (1) loaded AR Style rifle – several magazines loaded with ammunition – several bags of ammunition All inside the suspects bedroom. A record search revealed one of the handguns was reported stolen from the city of Anaheim.

The suspect was arrested for several felony charges and transported to the Santa

SAPD gun seizures reported this week

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SAPD patrol officers observed several subjects loitering near a parked vehicle and inhaling nitrous oxide.

Five subjects were detained and a search of the vehicle was conducted.

During the search, officers located a loaded .22 caliber “Ghost” gun inside the vehicle.

SAPD gang detectives developed information on an active gang member attempting to sell firearms and narcotics. Detectives authored a search warrant for his residence.

The suspect was detained outside his residence without incident.

Detectives recovered: two loaded 9 MM semi-automatic handguns, large amount of narcotics, US currency and ballistic body armor inside the suspect’s bedroom.

A woman died after being shot while driving in Fountain Valley

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On July 19, 2021, at 6:11 p.m., Fountain Valley Police Officers responded to the residential area of Tradewinds Street and Slater Avenue in the City of Fountain Valley regarding a traffic collision.

Upon arrival, several citizens and the Fountain Valley Fire Department were attempting to render medical aid to the unresponsive driver, a 26-year-old female resident of Long Beach.

The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene, and a gunshot wound was discovered.

Investigators believe the involved parties of the shooting were associated with one another, and there is no public threat.

The Fountain Valley Police Department is actively investigating the homicide. The victim’s name will not be released until next of kin is notified.

For investigative leads, contact Detective Roddy at (714) 593-4465 or Detective Holmes at (714) 593-4480. (DR #21-22826)

SAPD police officers seized guns, drugs and cash from two probationers

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The SAPD’s AB 109 Task Force along with their Directed Patrol officers responded to the 4900 block of W. Crystal Ln. (a few blocks northeast of Mile Square Park) for a compliance check of a subject on probation.

During a search of the subject’s vehicle officers located a loaded 9mm “Ghost” gun, along with a large amount of fentanyl.

While conducting a traffic stop in the area of the 600 block of N. Harbor Blvd.,(a few blocks west of Cesar Chavez Campesino Park) SAPD MET detectives contacted two subjects in the vehicle.

The passenger advised detectives he had a firearm in his waistband and was on probation.

The subject was handcuffed and a loaded firearm was removed from his waistband.

The driver was also in possession of approximately 40 grams of narcotics and roughly, $5,000 in cash was also recovered from the vehicle.

The SAPD seized a gun from a gangbanger on probation after shots were fired

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SAPD gang detectives responded to the area of the 1600 block of North Spurgeon Street regarding a “shots fired” call.

The SAPD detectives located two male subjects on foot in the area of the 1400 block of North Ross Street. They recognized both subjects from previous contacts as gang members on probation for firearm violations.

Upon seeing detectives, both suspects fled on foot in different directions.

Detectives without incident quickly detained one of the suspects. A search of his person revealed a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic pistol in his front waist area. The suspect was arrested and booked for several felony charges.

This incident occurred less than a half mile away from the headquarters of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association, the union that represents the SAPD’s police officers.

The SAPD has seized 200 firearms with 77 of them being ghost guns year to date.