Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: SAPD

Two suspects in a Santa Ana 2018 gang homicide case facing homicide charges

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Gangs, OCDA, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

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.

The SAPD has arrested the mobile home arson suspect

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Fires, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

Update: Suspect Ruben Valdez Garcia (44) In Custody

On 4-19-2019 at approximately 1:45pm a community member contacted SAPD Communication advising, the wanted arson suspect they saw posted on social media was walking southbound in the 700 block of South Harbor Blvd. Responding officers located suspect Garcia in the 1100 block of South Harbor Blvd where he was taken into custody without incident. Garcia was booked into SAPD Jail for the charge of Arson.

Original Post: Suspect: Ruben Valadez Garcia (44) Santa Ana: Male Hispanic, 5-6, 190, Black Hair and Brown Eyes

On 4-18-19 at 8:47am, Officers were dispatched to assist the Orange County Fire Authority with a fire located at the Gable Estates Mobil Home Park, 4800 Block of West First Street. After the fire was extinguished by the OCFA, their Arson Investigators responded and took over the investigation. Arson Investigators worked with detectives from SAPD and determined the fire was an arson. The suspect was identified as Ruben Valdez Garcia (44). Video from the complex shows Garcia walking up to an inhabited mobile home where he lit two large bushes on fire that were located along the west side of the mobile home. The fire spread causing the front of the home to catch fire. At the time of the fire, there were two residents inside who were able to escape unharmed.

Video Surveillance: https://youtu.be/sT5RkL9gRvg

Suspect Garcia resides at the Gable Estates Mobil Home Park; however, has not returned to his residence since the fire and remains at large. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of suspect Garcia is asked to SAPD Detective A. Castro at 714-245-8375, acastro@santa-ana.org or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

The SAPD has identified the suspected arsonist who set fire to a mobile home

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Fires, SAPD Leave a comment

Suspect: Ruben Valadez Garcia (44) Santa Ana: Male Hispanic, 5-6, 190, Black Hair and Brown Eyes

On 4-18-19 at 8:47am, SAPD police officers were dispatched to assist the Orange County Fire Authority with a fire located at the Gable Estates Mobil Home Park, 4800 Block of West First Street. After the fire was extinguished by the OCFA, their Arson Investigators responded and took over the investigation. Arson Investigators worked with detectives from SAPD and determined the fire was an arson.

The suspect was identified as Ruben Valdez Garcia (44), by the SAPD. Video from the complex shows Garcia walking up to an inhabited mobile home where he lit two large bushes on fire that were located along the west side of the mobile home. The fire spread causing the front of the home to catch fire. At the time of the fire, there were two residents inside who were able to escape unharmed.

Suspect Garcia resides at the Gable Estates Mobil Home Park; however, has not returned to his residence since the fire and remains at large.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of suspect Garcia is asked to SAPD Detective A. Castro at 714-245-8375, acastro@santa-ana.org or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

The SAPD is conducting a DUI and Driver’s License checkpoint tonight

Posted on by Posted in Alcohol, Crime, Drugs, Santa Ana, SAPD 1 Comment

The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday April 19th, 2019. It will begin at 6:30 PM and is scheduled to conclude at 1:30 AM. It will be conducted in the area of 500 W. Warner Avenue, in the City of Santa Ana.

The primary purpose of a DUI Checkpoint is to deter impaired driving, not to increase arrests. All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI / Driver’s License check point is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as ensuring drivers have a valid driver’s license. The DMV reports that unlicensed drivers are 4.9 times more likely to cause a fatal crash than a licensed driver.

The checkpoint will be staffed by officers trained in the detection of alcohol and drug impairment to provide on-the-spot assessments of drivers suspected of alcohol or drug impairment. All checkpoints are conducted in accordance with the guidelines for DUI checkpoint operations outlined in the California Supreme Court decision, Ingersoll v. Palmer.

All vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs will be arrested. Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and / or drugs – Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest. The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver. Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The SAPD has arrested a man on charges of having sex with a 15-year-old boy

Posted on by Posted in Cochino Alert, Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD 1 Comment

Santa Ana Police Special Crimes Detectives arrested Michael Komoto, a 59-year-old male, for engaging in sex acts with a minor. Komoto met the victim, a 15-year-old boy, on the Grindr dating app. On Sunday, April 14, 2019, Komoto picked up the victim near his home. Komoto agreed to take the victim shopping in exchange for “making out” with him.

Komoto drove the victim to his business in the 1300 block of East Edinger Avenue in Santa Ana. Komoto engaged in sex acts with the minor victim. After assaulting the victim, Komoto took the victim shopping at South Coast Plaza. While shopping, the victim messaged a friend and said he was scared of the suspect. The victim’s friend picked him up and reported the crime to the Santa Ana Police.

On April 18, 2019, Detectives arrested Komoto at his business. Komoto was arrested and booked for engaging in sex acts with a minor. His bail has been set at $100,000.00.

Santa Ana Police Department Detectives believe there may be additional victims and ask anyone with information to contact Detective Julio Gallardo at 714-245-8378, jgallardo@santa-ana.org or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS. The Santa Ana Police Department would like to remind parents to closely monitor their child’s social media activity for any inappropriate content.

The SAPD is looking for a home invasion suspect who also stole a vehicle

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

On 4-18-2019 at 5:00 am, SAPD police officers responded to the 900 block of West Riviera reference a male suspect who had broken into the victim’s residence, according to the SAPD.

The female victim was sleeping on the family room couch was awoken and confronted by the suspect. The victim attempted to flee and was struck by the suspect with the chair. The suspect then grabbed the victim by the throat and demanded her vehicle keys. The victim complied and handed the car keys to him. The suspect took the victims keys and fled out the front door where he was captured on home video surveillance. The suspect stole the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene.

During the investigation, the California Highway Patrol advised the suspect vehicle had crashed into the center divider of the I-5 Freeway at Main Street where he fled on foot. With the assistance of the CHP, officers searched the freeway and immediate area, the suspect was not located and remains at large. The investigation remains active at this time.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect seen on the video is asked to contact Robbery Detective D. Greaver at 714-245-8362.

The SAPD busted another illegal gambling den posing as a cyber cafe

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

In response to community complaints, the Santa Ana Police Department served a search warrant this morning at the Fantasy Royal Gift shop located at 413 West 17th Street. This establishment had been at the center of a wide range of community complaints of illegal gambling and narcotics activity. Police Officers have made several arrests in and around the location pursuant to these ongoing community complaints.

Inside of the business, detectives found a fully operational gambling establishment. Pursuant to the search warrant, the detectives seized 5 gaming machines, which accommodated at least 33 gambling stations. 5 individuals were detained at the establishment. Approximately $1,600.00 in cash, a DVR, computers, a money counter, and miscellaneous paperwork indicative of an illegal gambling establishment were seized as evidence. Three of the 5 individuals detained 3 were arrested for gambling and warrants.

The Santa Ana Code Enforcement Unit responded to the location and “Red Tagged” the building, deeming it unsafe for occupancy.
The Santa Ana Police Department will continue to work diligently to address illegal cyber cafes/casinos throughout the City, which continue to negatively impact the safety and quality of life for residents, businesses and community members.

Anyone with information regarding possible illegal gambling establishments, please contact the Santa Ana Police Vice Unit at (714) 245-8502 or Santa Ana Code Enforcement at (714) 667-2780.

The SAPD is looking for a man suspected of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old victim

Posted on by Posted in Cochino Alert, Crime, SAPD Leave a comment

Suspect: Jose Frias (48)

Vehicle Description: White Ford Ranger, License Plate # 25189L1

Last known address: 1100 Block of South Golden West Avenue, Santa Ana.

On 05-4-2016, SAPD Special Victims Detectives arrested Jose Frias for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old victim. Frias was a family friend of the victim, and molested her for over the course of one year. This criminal case was filed by the Orange County District Attorney’s office on 5-5-2016. On 05-10-2016, Frias bailed out of jail and ordered back to court on 5-27-2016 for his arraignment. Suspect Frias never returned to court and the judge issued a $100,000 warrant for his arrest.

Police have not located suspect Frias since bailing out of jail, and remains wanted for the outstanding warrant. According to the victim’s family, Frias has been seen recently driving in the area of McFadden and Raitt. Anyone with information on Frias’s whereabouts is asked to please contact Detective Cpl. Perez at (714) 245-8351.

A man was shot and killed on Wednesday night near El Salvador Park

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Gangs, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

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.

A Santa Ana condo was damaged when a suspected drug lab exploded this morning

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Drugs, Fires, OCFA, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

A fire broke out at a Santa Ana condominium this morning just before 10:45 a.m. when a suspected drug lab exploded, according to the SAPD’s Twitter account.

Witnesses heard an explosion before the fire began. Fortunately no one was injured.

A suspicious car was pointed out to the first-responders by witnesses. SAPD police officers stopped the vehicle and searched it, about a block away from the condo. The officers found about five pounds of marijuana and items that are used to extract the drug’s oils in the vehicle, according to the O.C. Register.

The driver of the vehicle was arrested. The SAPD has not yet made his name available to the media.

Because of the explosion the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Bomb Squad was called to the scene to investigate.

The SAPD busted an illegal gambling operation at a cyber cafe early this morning

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

In response to community complaints, the Santa Ana Police Department served a search warrant yesterday morning at the Lucky 999 Cyber Internet Café, located at 1314 N. Grand Ave. This particular establishment had been the center of a wide range of community complaints of illegal gambling and narcotics activity. Police Officers have made numerous arrests in and around the location ranging from assault with a deadly weapon violations, to prostitution, robbery, and various weapons violations.

Inside of the business, detectives found a fully operational gambling establishment. Pursuant to the search warrant, the detectives seized 19 gaming machines, which accommodated at least 45 gambling stations. 22 individuals were detained at the establishment. Approximately $9,200.00 in cash, a DVR, computers, a money counter, and miscellaneous paperwork indicative of an illegal gambling ring were seized as evidence. One subject was arrested for working at the gaming establishment. Four patrons of the business were arrested for outstanding arrest warrants.

The Santa Ana Code Enforcement Unit responded to the location and “Red Tagged” the building, deeming it unsafe for occupancy.

The Santa Ana Police Department will continue to work diligently to address illegal cyber cafes throughout the City, which continue to negatively impact the safety and quality of life for residents, businesses and community members.

Anyone with information regarding possible illegal gambling establishments, please contact the Santa Ana Police Vice Unit at (714) 245-8502 or Santa Ana Code Enforcement at (714) 667-2780.

Santa Ana church youth leader arrested for sexually assaulting two minor female victims

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Churches and Religion, Cochino Alert, Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD 3 Comments

SAPD Detectives Arrest Church Youth Leader For Sexually Assaulting Two Minor Female Victims

Suspect: Jesse Francisco Hernandez Perez (22) Anaheim

Santa Ana Police Special Crimes Detectives arrested Jesse Francisco Hernandez Perez, a 22-year-old resident of Anaheim, for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. Perez is a youth leader for the Iglesia De Restauracion church located at 1621 East 17th Street in Santa Ana. Perez has been a member of the church for the past three years and was involved in the church’s music program.


Jesse Francisco Hernandez

An 11-year-old female victim reported that on March 5, 2019, Perez communicated with her during church services and lured her into a restroom where he sexually assaulted her. The victim did not immediately disclose this incident and continued to attend church services with her family.

Detectives learned that Perez sexually assaulted a second victim, a 14-year-old girl from Anaheim, while leading a youth program from his home. That victim reported the incident to the Anaheim Police Department sometime in March 2019.

Santa Ana Police Detectives worked closely with Anaheim Police Detectives throughout this investigation. Santa Ana Police Detectives arrested Perez this morning at his home in Anaheim. Perez was booked at the Orange County Jail on multiple child abuse charges and his bail has been set at $100,000.00.

Santa Ana Police Department Detectives believe there may be additional victims and ask anyone with information to contact Detective Corporal Johanna Perez at 714-245-8351, jperez5@santa-ana.org or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

The SAPD is looking for a violent robbery suspect

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

SAPD Detectives Requesting Assistance In Located Wanted Suspect For Strong Armed Robbery

Suspect Description: Male, Hispanic, 5’8”, 22-26 years old, 130-150 lbs., black hair, dark eyes, and medium complexion

On 06/06/18, the wanted suspect forcefully removed a gold chain from the victim’s neck as she was walking into a liquor store located in the 1800 block of S. Standard Avenue. Surveillance video was able to capture the suspect committing the crime and fleeing the scene on a bike.

On 6/12/18, the same suspect entered a hair salon located in the 2000 block of S. Main Street and punched the victim in the face causing her to fall to the ground. The suspect then attempted to open the cash register and remove money from the till, but was unsuccessful in doing so.

Suspect is wanted for strong-armed robbery. Anyone with information in identifying the suspect and his whereabouts is asked to please contact Detective Cpl. D. Padron at (714) 245-8545 or OC Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

The SAPD is conducting a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint this Saturday night in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Alcohol, Crime, Drugs, Public Safety, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

SAPD conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Saturday, March 30, 2019 in the area of 2500 W. 5th Street

The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Saturday March 30th, 2019. It will begin at 9:00 PM and is scheduled to conclude at 2:30 AM. It will be conducted in the area of 2500 W. 5th Street, in the City of Santa Ana.

The primary purpose of a DUI Checkpoint is to deter impaired driving, not to increase arrests. All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as ensuring drivers have a valid driver’s license. The DMV reports that unlicensed drivers are 4.9 times more likely to cause a fatal crash than a licensed driver is.

The checkpoint will be staffed by officers trained in the detection of alcohol and drug impairment to provide on-the-spot assessments of drivers suspected of alcohol or drug impairment. All checkpoints are conducted in accordance with the guidelines for DUI checkpoint operations outlined in the California Supreme Court decision, Ingersoll v. Palmer.

All vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs will be arrested. Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and / or drugs – Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest. The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver. Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The SAPD is looking for a suspect alleged to have molested two young relatives

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment
Wanted Suspect: Omar Ricardo Baron (48) Santa Ana Location: Unknown – Suspect is known to frequent Santa Ana hotels Vehicle: Unknown On 11/02/2018, suspect Omar Ricardo Baron sexually assaulted two of his family members, ages 10 and 13. One of the victims disclosed to an older relative who confronted Baron on the allegations and contacted SAPD to report the crimes. Suspect Baron fled his residence prior to police arriving and was not located. On 11/19/18, after submitting the case to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for filing a $1,000,000 arrest warrant was issued for Omar Ricardo Baron. Suspect Baron is currently wanted by the SAPD for oral copulations and lewd acts with a child. Baron is aware officers are attempting to locate him regarding this incident. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Suspect Baron is asked to please contact Detective G. Tapia at (714) 245-8516, email gtapia@santa-ana.org or contact Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.