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The SAPD is looking for a homeless man who stole alcohol from a Rite Aid

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On 6/1/19 at approximately 8:59 AM, Suspect Michael Boyce Davis, a 35-year-old transient, entered the Rite Aid located at 3325 S. Bristol St. Davis removed a bottle of alcohol from a shelf and attempted to leave without paying for the item, according to the SAPD.

When Davis was contacted by store security, he raised the bottle in the air as if he was going to strike the security guard. Fearing for her safety, the security guard backed away and Davis left the location with the merchandise.

Davis is homeless and currently on informal probation for robbery. An arrest warrant has been issued for Davis in the amount of $150,000.00.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of suspect Davis, please contact Detective D. Prewett at (714) 245-8323 or dprewett@santa-ana.org

The SAPD arrested two suspects for stealing marijuana plants after they crashed into a house in Garden Grove

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Drugs, Garden Grove, Marijuana, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

Santa Ana police arrested two suspects early this morning, who they say fled from officers in a stolen car after they stole marijuana plants and then crashed into an unoccupied house in Garden Grove, according to the O.C. Register.

At about 2 a.m. officers near Hazard Avenue and Euclid Street saw a car speeding. They tried to pull the driver over at about 2:15 a.m., according to KABC.

However the police lost sight of the suspect’s car and then finally noticed that the driver had crashed into a home at the 10400 block of West Hazard in Garden Grove, according to the SAPD.

The suspects took off on foot, leaving their damaged vehicle. The police officers then set up a perimeter and began to search for them. Local residents informed the police officers that the suspects were hiding in a backyard. They were both arrested.

One of the suspects, a juvenile, was determined to have been a passenger in the car. He was arrested and then taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries incurred in the crash.

The police officers found two replica handguns in the car as well as several marijuana plants. The passenger admitted that they had stolen the plants from a house in Santa Ana. In Santa Ana residents can legally grow certain types of marijuana grows in their homes.

The police arrested the driver, an unidentified adult. He was arrested on suspicion of grand theft auto, petty theft and driving under the influence.

The police officers later found the owner of the marijuana plants who said the suspects jumped over his fence and stole the plants from his backyard.

A bicyclist died after being struck by a vehicle that jumped the curb in Santa Ana last night

Posted on by Posted in Accidents, Santa Ana, SAPD 1 Comment

On Tuesday, June 11th, 2019 at approximately 10:14 PM . the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) Dispatch received several calls reporting a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian or bicyclist near the intersection of Fairview and Harvard Streets, according to the SAPD.

As the first officers arrived on-scene, they found a male laying on the west sidewalk near a bicycle with major trauma. Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) personnel responded and briefly treated the male before CARE Ambulance transported him to OC Global Medical Center for treatment. The male was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. In addition to the injured male at the scene, officers were contacted by a male who identified himself as the driver of the vehicle that was involved in this collision.

The preliminary investigation of this collision has revealed the involved vehicle was headed south on Fairview Street while the pedestrian or bicyclist was headed north on the west sidewalk. While traveling south on Fairview, the vehicle jumped the west curbline for some unknown reason and struck the male who was either riding the bicycle or walking adjacent to it. After colliding with the pedestrian, the involved vehicle continued for a short distance south on Fairview before turning into a parking lot. The driver then called police and ran back to where the injured male was lying on the sidewalk.

The cause of this collision remains under investigation. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a factor in this collision. The identity and cause of death for the decedent will be determined by the Orange County Coroner’s Office.

The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigations Unit (CIU) responded to the collision scene and handled the investigation. Anyone having possible information about this collision is asked to contact the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at (714) 245-8200.

The SAPD has released a sketch of the man who broke into a home to sexually assault a girl

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

A 15-year-old girl was sexually assaulted just after midnight on Monday, June 10, 2019 morning in the 1000 block of North Lincoln. The victim was asleep in her bed when she woke up while being sexually assaulted by an unknown male suspect. The suspect was lying next to her in bed and the victim screamed for help. The victim’s family confronted the suspect before he walked out of the residence, according to the SAPD.

The suspect is described as a tall, lean build, male Hispanic with buzzed hair. The suspect had a beard and was wearing glasses. He was wearing a red flannel shirt and dark jeans. The suspect appeared to be transient and had an odor of alcohol.

Santa Ana Police Department Detectives are advising the public of this incident as the suspect has not been identified and is not in custody. Detectives are asking for 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 SAPD is conducting a DUI checkout tonight

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SANTA ANA POLICE STEP UP DUI ENFORCEMENT

The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday June 7th, 2019. It will begin at 9:00PM and is scheduled to conclude at 2:30AM. It will be conducted in the area of 100 N. Ross 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 City of Santa Ana got permission to clean up the homeless trash along the train tracks

Posted on by Posted in Crime, homeless, Public Safety, public works, Santa Ana, SAPD, Waste 3 Comments

SANTA ANA, CA – On May 9, 2019, a Superior Court judge granted the City’s application for an Inspection and Abatement Warrant, which allows City staff to legally enter Union Pacific property and abate public nuisance or dangerous conditions, according to the City of Santa Ana.

On May 22, 2019 at approximately 8:00AM, over 50 City of Santa Ana staff (Code Enforcement, Police Department, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Community Development) as well as private contractors, began a large scale service of the inspection and abatement warrant at five locations within the city.

The locations impacted were:
• 1200-1300 E. Edinger
• 1716 S. Santa Fe
• 2500 S. Main/Goetz
• 1000-1100 E. Chestnut/Santa Fe
• 1200-1300 E. Warner

The warrant authorized City staff to enter the private property of Union Pacific Railroad, to perform inspections and abate any dangerous conditions. For example, at the 1200-1300 E. Edinger location (3 blocks south along the railroad right of way), staff discovered over 60 encampments/shanty’s occupied by 16 individuals. Trash and debris was strewn around the area. Staff determined it was imperative, for public health and safety, to immediately abate the dangerous condition. Public works crews and private contractors began cleanup efforts.

Police Officers and representatives of the Orange County Health Care Agency provided outreach to all 16 contacted individuals experiencing homelessness. None accepted services. One (1) individual was arrested for narcotics violations.

This abatement effort comes after months of repeated attempts to ensure that Union Pacific properly addresses their railroad right-of-ways in our City and hold them accountable for their property much like we do with any other property owner. Based on State law and the Santa Ana Municipal Code, the City will be billing Union Pacific for the recovery of the city’s costs required for abatement of these areas. These areas were chosen due to the high number of violations that were visible from the public right-of-way. This is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness and the quality of life of all residents.

More information about the totality of the operation will be forthcoming at operation conclusion.

About City of Santa Ana

Santa Ana is downtown for the world famous Orange County, California. As the County Seat, home to a vibrant evening scene and one of the most diverse communities in California, Santa Ana is gaining national attention for its efforts to innovate and address a changing County. Over 1,200 City employees work hard every day to deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community to ensure public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents. Learn more at http://www.santa-ana.org.

The SAPD is looking for a suspect who keeps defrauding payday centers

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

Wanted Suspect: Adrian Bustamante-Munoz (51)

Adrian Bustamante-Munoz entered a Pay Day Money Center in Santa Ana and presented a check from his employer that he had previously cashed.

The business cashed the check and was unaware that the check had already been negotiated.

Bustamante-Munoz’ employer advised this is the second time he has committed a similar crime.

A records check revealed Bustamante-Munoz has two additional misdemeanor warrants.

Anyone with information on Bustamante’s whereabouts is asked to contact Police Investigative Specialist F. Munoz at FMunoz@santa-ana.org.

The SAPD is conducting a pre-Mother’s Day DUI and Driver’s License checkpoint tonight

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

SANTA ANA POLICE STEP UP DUI ENFORCEMENT

The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday May 10th, 2019. It will begin at 9:00PM and is scheduled to conclude at 2:00AM. It will be conducted in the area of 2000 W. First 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 used DNA evidence to identify a brutal sexual assault suspect

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

Suspect: Cornelio Chairez-Velasquez (37)

DNA evidence has identified the suspect in a brutal sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. The assault occurred on November 24, 2018, as the victim sat on a park bench. Santa Ana Police responded to Cabrillo Park after midnight and found the victim beaten and sexually assaulted. Santa Ana Police Special Crimes detectives released a sketch of the suspect and sought help from the public. The case remained open as detectives followed up on several leads, but the suspect was never captured. Cornelio Chairez-Velasquez was recently identified as the suspect though DNA evidence.

Chairez-Velasquez has been in custody since he attacked a woman at a Santa Ana motel in January of 2019. In this case, Chairez-Velasquez attempted to sexually assault a woman before strangling her. Santa Ana Police were called to the scene and arrested Chairez-Velasquez. He was booked for attempt-murder and multiple sexual assault charges.

Chairez-Velasquez was still in custody at the Orange County Jail when he was identified as the suspect in the Cabrillo Park case. Rape and child molest charges have been added and he is currently held without bail.

Santa Ana Police Department Detectives believe there could be additional victims and ask anyone with information to contact Detective Corporal Maria Lopez at 714-245-8542, mlopez15@santa-ana.org or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

Wanted child abuser rearrested in Santa Ana after returning from Mexico

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

In 2016, Santa Ana Police Department Special Crimes Detectives investigated allegations of child abuse made against 45-year old Jose Frias. The 11 year-old victim was a close family friend and claimed Frias sexually assaulted her on several occasions. On one occasion, Frias drove the victim to a hotel where he intended on sexually assaulting her.

In May 2016, Jose Frias was arrested and booked at the Orange County Jail and his bail was set at $100,000.00. The Orange County District Attorney’s office filed felony child abuse charges against Frias who bailed out of jail and fled to Mexico just days after his arrest. Frias remained in Mexico for some time then returned to the United States. He evaded prosecution for three years.

Detectives received information that Frias returned to the United States and made several attempts to locate and arrest him. Frias had surveillance cameras and utilized counter surveillance measures to avoid arrest. On April 17, 2019, Jose Frias was featured as a wanted person on the Santa Ana Police Department’s “Most Wanted Wednesday” social media post. Detectives received numerous tips from the public regarding Frias’ whereabouts.

On May 2, 2019, Santa Ana Police Special Crimes Detectives conducted surveillance and arrested Frias as he left his home. Frias pulled into a shopping center in the 1000 block of South Fairview; detectives were right behind him. Frias saw the police vehicle and accelerated through the parking lot but had nowhere to run. He was taken into custody without incident.

  • ORIGINAL MESSAGE –
    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 carjacked and shot on Monday night in Santa Ana

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

A carjacking was reported on Monday night in Santa Ana and a man who was shot and wounded ended up in the hospital, according to KTLA.

The incident went down at the 500 block of East Central Ave., which is just south of Delhi Park, Monroe Elementary and the Santa Ana Armory.

The SAPD police officers who responded to the scene found the victim, who was not identified, with a gunshot wound to his upper body and arm.

A 2004 Ford F-150

The victim is now in stable condition at a local hospital. Unfortunately the carjacked vehicle, a 2004 Ford F-150, is still missing.

The victim told the police that he had picked up a woman in the area of South Bristol Street and Central Avenue, which is located just north of the South Coast Global Medical Center.

The woman who was given a ride then apparently asked the victim to give her two male friends a ride to a different location.

That subsequent ride did not work out as the men eventually carjacked the victim, shot him and left him just south of Delhi Park.

The SAPD police investigators have not provided a description of ths suspects. They did however indicate that the Ford F-0150 that was carjacked had dark gray stock rims.

Two people died when their car slammed into a tree in Santa Ana tonight

Posted on by Posted in Accidents, OCFA, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

https://www.facebook.com/QuePasaEnOC/videos/1763731803727057/

A car crashed into a tree at Bear St. and Alton Ave. this evening at about 9:18 p.m., killing two people, according to the O.C. Register.

OCFA firefighters responded to the scene. Only one car was involved.

The two occupants of the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. Their names, ages and genders were not made available.

The cause of the crash is being investigated by the SAPD..

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

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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.

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.