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Turn in your unwanted, unused and expired drugs on April 24 at the SAPD Westend Substation

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The SAPD will accept your old, unused and expired medications on April 24, 2021, which is National Take Back Day, at the Westend Substation located at 3750 W. McFadden Ave., Suite I, in Santa Ana, from 10am – 2pm.

You can turn in your old medications for free, anonymously, with no questions asked!

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

If you can’t make it on April 24, the SAPD has also partnered with KidCents and The Rite Aid Foundation to bring a Safe Medication Disposal Box to be located in their front lobby at the SAPD HQ.

The SAPD seized more guns, cash and drugs in several arrests this week

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While conducting a traffic stop in the area of the 1700 block of N. Fairview Avenue, SAPD officers observed a firearm wedged between the driver and the center console. The driver was ultimately arrested for being in possession of a loaded .380 caliber firearm.

While on patrol in the area of Tech Center Drive and Dyer Road, SAPD officers stopped a vehicle for traffic violations. While talking with the driver, officers learned he was on parole for a firearms violation. A search of the vehicle was conducted and a loaded semi-automatic handgun was located in the glovebox.

Orange County Probation Officers and SAPD Gang Unit detectives contacted four subjects in the parking lot of El Salvador Park. They were all documented gang members and one of the subjects was on active probation for weapon violations. Detectives searched a vehicle associated with the group and located a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol, narcotics, scales, and US currency in the vehicle.

While conducting a traffic stop in the area of the 2600 block of W. Adrin Way, the driver attempted to walk away from SAPD MET Detectives, while at the same time discarding narcotics. The driver was contacted and additional narcotics were located inside the vehicle. A records check revealed the driver is prohibited from owning / possessing firearms. During the investigation, the driver admitted to having firearms in his residence. A search of his residence was conducted and two loaded semi-automatic firearms were recovered.

SAPD Gang Unit Detectives patrolling the alley of the 900 block of S. Standard Avenue made contact with a probationer. A search of his person and vehicle resulted in the recovery of a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Detectives completed a follow up search of the probationer’s residence and located additional ammunition and a holster for the seized firearm.

While completing a probation search of an active gang member on formal probation for weapons violations, SAPD Gang Detectives & Crime Suppression Officers seized a loaded semi-automatic AR-15 Pistol Rifle with an extended magazine, a loaded Glock 43 9mm and a loaded Taurus 9mm. A further search of the residence revealed narcotics packaging material, narcotics, and more than $14,000 in US currency.

SAPD MET Detectives conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Hampton Inn Hotel. A records check revealed the driver had a recent arrest for narcotics sales from the City of Irvine, and the passenger was on probation with search and seizure terms. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of approximately 5oz of methamphetamine and a rifle cleaning kit. Subsequently a probation search was conducted of their hotel room which resulted in the recovery of an AR-15 pistol with ammunition, additional narcotics and an Aimpoint rifle scope.

This week’s SAPD gun-related arrests

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A team of SAPD Traffic Division motor officers responded to the 2400 blk of W. Edinger Ave. to serve a vehicle seizure court order as follow-up to an intersection takeover incident #STEARRD which occurred in January. The vehicle was located at the residence & the registered owner was contacted. During the inventory search of the vehicle, the officers located a loaded .40 cal. Glock handgun in the passenger compartment, with one round in an illegal high-capacity magazine.

While conducting a patrol check in the area of W. Myrtle St., the SAPD Gang Suppression Unit contacted an individual who was in possession of a loaded 9mm firearm.

During a traffic stop in the area of 5th St. and Sullivan St., the driver & passenger consented to a search of the vehicle. As a result, a loaded .22 caliber revolver was located adjacent to the driver’s seat.

SAPD MET detectives observed a vehicle commit traffic violations in the area of 1st St. and Newhope Ave. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a firearm from the driver’s side door pocket & a loaded magazine from the glove box.

While on patrol in the area of Standard Ave and St. Andrew Pl,. SAPD Directed Patrol officers observed a vehicle driving erratically. Upon contact, the driver displayed signs of intoxication. A search of the driver’s vehicle revealed numerous open alcohol containers along with 2 unsecured semi-auto handguns.

SAPD Gang Detectives & State Parole officers completed a parole search of a documented gang member living in the City of Orange. A search of his residence revealed a loaded 10 mm Glock semi-automatic pistol. A further search of the residence, revealed 3 additional high capacity magazines with several rounds of ammunition.

SAPD Directed Patrol officers assisted Vice Detectives with a search warrant of an illegal marijuana distribution center. Upon searching the vehicle of an employee associated with the location, a loaded .45 caliber semi-auto handgun was recovered from the backseat.

While conducting a search of a vehicle due to a traffic stop, the SAPD Gang Suppression Unit recovered a loaded 9mm firearm.

While conducting a follow up investigation on a recent narcotic sales case, SAPD Directed Patrol officers responded to Motel 6 for a probation search where they encountered 4 people inside the room. During a search of the room officers located additional narcotics & a loaded .40 caliber handgun.

SAPD Civic Center Patrol officers assisted OC Probation officers with a probation check in the area of the 1400 blk of S. Shelton St. During the search of the residence, a loaded 9mm semi-auto handgun was recovered.

Costa Mesa K9 officers help to make a big drug bust

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Earlier this week, Costa Mesa police officers made a traffic stop of a vehicle that resulted in a search of the car.

The police officers located approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine, an assault rifle with a drum magazine, a fully automatic “ghost gun,” ammunition, body armor, and other contraband.

Two Costa Mesa police K9s assisted with K9 Bodi helping to locate the drugs. An arrest was then made.

SAPD police officers seized two guns and drugs in two arrests on Friday

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The SAPD police officers were busy on Friday seizing two guns and narcotics in two separate incidents.

SAPD Gang Detectives conducted a vehicle stop in the area of 2900 S Douglas St. During a search of the vehicle, a loaded .45 semi-auto pistol was located under the passenger seat. A search of the female passenger revealed she was in possession of narcotics.

SAPD MET Detectives conducted a patrol check in the area of 4th St. and Eastwood Ave.

During a traffic stop, narcotics were seen in plain view inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted & a loaded semi-auto handgun and additional narcotics were located.

Bike theft suspect arrested in Tustin was selling meth too

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An observant Tustin Police Department K-9 Officer stopped a bicyclist for a California Vehicle Code (CVC) violation, on Friday.

The suspect, Eulalio Rivera, was riding a stylish pink beach cruiser bicycle. Earlier that day, Tustin PD investigated the theft of a very similar bicycle.

A search of Mr. Rivera revealed 20 individual bags of methamphetamine and he admitted to possessing them with the intention of sales.

Mr. Rivera was arrested for possession of drugs for sale and booked into jail. We are still attempting to contact the owner of the possible stolen bicycle.

Costa Mesa convict caught with drugs again

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During a patrol check yesterday, at about 10AM, Costa Mesa police officers contacted an individual staying in the 2000 block of Harbor Boulevard who is on Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS) with search conditions.

Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) is a form of supervision provided to an offender who has been released from a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) institution to the jurisdiction of a county agency, pursuant to the Post Release Community Supervision Act of 2011.

During a search of the room, the police officers located 31 grams of methamphetamine, over eight grams of what is suspected to be fentanyl, a large amount of cash, a scale, and drug paraphernalia.

The individual on PRCS and another subject who was present were then taken into custody.

The Garden Grove police arrested 21 suspects and seized guns, cash and drugs at a slap house

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It was a busy weekend for the Garden Grove Police Department. On Friday evening, February 19, 2021, their Special Investigations Unit (SIU) served a search warrant on a suspected slap house (illegal gambling location) on the 13000 block of Cypress St., with the assistance of the Community Impact Unit (CIU), Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), the K9Unit and patrol officers.

The police officers located and seized $4K+ in cash, a Mac-10 with a loaded high capacity magazine and suppressor, two loaded handguns, and one dismantled assault rifle from the illegal gambling operation at that location. Eight gambling machines were also located in the detached garage.

A total of 21 people were arrested for either a warrant, illegal gambling and/or obstructing an officer/resisting arrest.

The Irvine police arrested a couple who had a stolen gun and drugs

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On Friday night, an Irvine Police Department officer was patrolling the parking lot of an Irvine business and observed a suspicious vehicle.

As the officer got closer, an adult male exited the vehicle and ran. A female remained in the vehicle and was ultimately arrested for drug related offenses.

In addition to finding narcotics in the vehicle, the officer located a handgun that was determined to be left behind by the male.

Officers searched the area and located the male a short distance away. He was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun.

After conducting follow up, the officer determined the handgun had been stolen from a vehicle in the City of Tustin an hour prior.

Probably not a great idea to leave any valuables in your cars – including guns!

The SAPD seized several guns and drugs in two arrests this week

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While conducting a traffic stop in the area of 2723 S. Hotel Terrace, SAPD Gang Detectives noticed a small amount of narcotics in plain view inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded 9mm semi-automatic firearm on the rear floorboard where the rear passenger was seated. A second loaded 9mm semi-automatic firearm was located concealed in the purse belonging to the front female passenger. She also admitted to be in possession of a large amount of “fentanyl” (33 grams) inside her jeans.

SAPD Gang Detectives were in the area of the 9000 block of W Chapman Ave in the City of Garden Grove completing a probation check on a subject who was on felony probation and believed to be engaging in the sale of firearms. During the search of the subject’s apartment, a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol, several hundred miscellaneous parts for firearms and a small amount of narcotics were recovered.

All subjects involved were arrested for firearm violations

A convicted felon was arrested in Garden Grove with a crossbow, a gun and meth

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The Garden Grove Police Department SRT and Resorts Units worked a joint outreach and enforcement in the area of Harbor Blvd/Chapman Ave to address the recent increase in criminal activity, on Jan. 20.

The assigned Garden Grove police officers noticed a subject who they had contacted a few days earlier and advised of the trespassing laws.

During the search and inventory of the suspect’s property, the police officers located a crossbow, loaded firearm with a high capacity magazine and methamphetamine.

It was later learned, Anthony Chargualaf is a convicted felon with a prior firearms arrest.

The subject was ultimately arrested. He was later booked into Orange County Jail.

We were also able to refer two individuals to our outreach partners, for assistance.

Santa Ana man and two others arrested for selling drugs

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During the months of December 2020 and January 2021, the Fountain Valley Police Department Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) investigated an individual that was known to sell narcotics and firearms throughout Orange County. CSU learned this seller was staying at the Fairfield Inn in Tustin.

On January 14, 2021, surveillance was established at the hotel. Arnoldo Meraz, a 20-year-old resident of Santa Ana, Alexander Almaraz, a 21-year-old resident of Irvine, and a juvenile were contacted at Meraz’s vehicle in the parking lot of this hotel.

A search of the vehicle yielded a loaded .22 caliber revolver in the passenger door, 31 Oxycodone, 244 Adderall, 94 Xanax pills and approximately $4,900 in cash.

Search warrants were obtained for Meraz’s two hotel rooms as well as his residence in Santa Ana. 351 Oxycodone, 82 Xanax pills, 41 Suboxone strips and approximately one ounce of cocaine were located in one of the hotel rooms. Ammunition, firearm parts and 11 grams of cocaine were located at Meraz’s residence.

Meraz was already out on bail for weapons and narcotics trafficking violations.

Meraz and Almaraz were booked into OCJ for various weapons and narcotics trafficking violations as well as child endangerment.

The juvenile was booked into OC Juvenile Hall for various weapons and narcotics trafficking violations. Incident 21-01314

Man arrested for selling psychedelic shrooms in Fountain Valley

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On January 18, 2021, the Fountain Valley Police Department Crime Suppression Unit received a citizen complaint regarding a Fountain Valley resident selling psilocybin mushrooms online.

Detectives conducted an investigation into the online account and arranged an undercover narcotics buy of psilocybin mushrooms.

21-year-old Vincent Kang of Fountain Valley was arrested for the possession and transportation of psilocybin mushrooms with the intent to sell.

Kang was booked at the Orange County Jail.

The FVPD appreciates the citizen who alerted our attention to Kang and his nefarious activities both online and in the City of Fountain Valley.

Three full-grown men from L.A. County arrested for vandalism in Fountain Valley

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On January 21, 2021 at approximately 0036 hours, Officers responded to the area of Bushard & the I-405 Freeway regarding a vandalism in progress.

When Fountain Valley Officers arrived on scene, three subjects immediately fled on foot.

After a brief foot chase, Jesse Walcher, a 30-year-old of North Hills was detained. A short time later, Javier Valle, a 31-year-old of Los Angeles and Alex Ramirez, a 35-year-old of Pacoima were also detained.

During the investigation, Officers located a significant amount of spray paint and a small amount of narcotics as well as narcotic paraphernalia.

All three subjects were booked into Orange County Jail for vandalism, possession of vandalism tools, and conspiracy. FVPD is thankful for our strong community partnership and to the reporting party who notified FVPD of this crime in progress.This arrest and investigation serves as a great reminder “if you see something, say something.” (21-01994)

The Tustin police arrested three armed drug dealers

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Tustin Police Officers stopped a vehicle in the area of Bryan and Parkcenter. One of the passengers, a male juvenile, immediately fled the vehicle on foot.

The three other vehicle occupants were detained and the fleeing passenger was quickly located in the nearby area.

Among other illegal items, a search of the vehicle yielded an unlawfully possessed handgun and drugs packaged for sale. During a search of the area where the passenger fled, another handgun was located.

Balatazar Santos, Chase Hauser, and the male juvenile were arrested.