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A man was carjacked and shot on Monday night in Santa Ana

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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

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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.

A Santa Ana man got 50 years to life in prison for killing a man over a bike

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Jacob Michael Margo

Jacob Michael Margo, 24, a Santa Ana resident, was sentenced on Friday to 50 years to life in prison for killing Octavio Jesus Alcala, a 19-year-old man, at an Irvine construction site – because he thought the victim stole his bike, according to the O.C. Register.

Margo was convicted in October of first-degree murder as well as a sentencing enhancement for using a gun to commit murder.

The shooting occurred at a construction site near Wolf Trail and Orchard Hills, in Irvine. Margo lured Alcala to that site, according to the OCDA. Construction employees found Alcala’s body on June 5, 2015, as they were arriving at work.

The prosecutor told the jury that Margo had told one of his friends that he “was going to shoot the guy who stole his bike.”

Margo allegedly savagely beat Alcala before finally shooting him, according to the prosecutor. Police investigators found Margo’s DNA on a rock at the scene of the crime.

Margo’s defense attorney argued that the killing was a “strangulation” done in the “heat of the moment” but the prosecutor countered by saying that Margo chose the construction site because it was remote and not close to residences. He then dumped the gun and ammo in the nearby ocean, at Laguna Beach.

Margo also told the jury that only wanted Alcala to “walk home” and he did not intend to hurt him.

The prosecutor also alleged that Alala’s body was a bloody mess when he was found and that Margo clearly had the upper hand during the entire altercation. Margo was in fact seen after the killing with hardly a scratch on his body.

Margo also had to explain to the jury why he went to Mexico two days after the murder. He said he went there to “get away” not because of the case and the resulting publicity.

Armed robbers have targeted several stores and hotels in Santa Ana and in Irvine

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A man wearing a ski mask and using a gun robbed a hotel in Santa Ana, then attempted to rob a convenience store in Irvine, and authorities said Thursday morning he may be connected to other robberies carried out in Orange County this week, according to NBC.

The suspect walked into the Courtyard by Marriott hotel near MacArthur Blvd. and Main St., in Santa Ana, at about 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday night. He pulled out a gun and then robbed the hotel of $600, according to the SAPD.

A similar crime occurred in Irvine on Wednesday night at 7-Eleven, 8693 Irvine Center Drive. At approximately 11 p.m., the suspect entered the store, brandished a silver handgun and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk refused, and the suspect fled. The suspect is between 5’5” and 5’7” and weighs 130 to 160 pounds. He wore a white T-shirt with a black long-sleeve shirt underneath and concealed his face with a ski mask. Irvine Police believe there is a second suspect involved in the robberies. The suspect is described as 5’9,” weighing approximately 150 pounds. He has been seen wearing a black windbreaker jacket, an orange beanie, and ski goggles.

Other robberies in Irvine took place at the Doubletree Hotel, 60 Pacifica, on March 1; the Marriott at 7905 Irvine Center Drive on March 11; and the La Quinta Inn, 14972 Sand Canyon, also on March 11.

The Irvine Police Department has established a tip line for information on the four armed robberies that have occurred in the City this month. Residents are urged to call 949-724-7394 to report information. Call 9-1-1 for crimes in progress. The Irvine cases are believed to be tied to a string of robberies across Orange County.

The SAPD is looking for a carjacking suspect who kidnapped a blind victim

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Advisory: #MostWantedWednesday – Detectives Looking To Locate Suspect In Kidnapping In The Commission Of A Carjacking

Wanted Suspect: Henry Garcia (24)

Location of Crime: 430 W. 17th Street Santa Ana

On 7/2/18, at approximately 11:50 pm, the victim was collecting cardboard boxes from behind the AutoZone. The victim’s vehicle was parked in the loading dock of the AutoZone, while his blind wife was sitting in the front passenger seat. Three male suspects approached the victim. The victim was pushed to the ground and assaulted by one suspect, while the other two suspects entered his vehicle. Garcia entered the driver’s seat of the victim’s vehicle while the other two suspects got into the back seat.

The suspects fled the scene in the vehicle with the blind victim still seated in the front passenger seat.

SAPD officers located the vehicle several miles away. All three suspects fled from officers and only one of the suspects was apprehended. The blind victim remained in the vehicle and was found by Officers to be ok.

SAPD detectives recently obtained a DNA hit on the evidence left in the vehicle by Garcia. Garcia was positively identified as the driver by the victim.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of this wanted suspect is asked to please contact SAPD Robbery Detective D. Greaver at DGreaver@Santa-Ana.org , 714-245-8362 OR Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

A scuffle at 2525 Main St. this morning led to a homeless suspect being shot

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By all rights the luxury apartments at 2525 Main St. should be breaking ground. However our City Council punted on the project and it has been delayed, which directly led to an unfortunate incident at that property early this morning.

A security guard was patrolling the property at 2525 N. Main St when he encountered some transients, according to the SAPD. A scuffle ensued and the security guard had to discharge his firearm.

One of the transients was struck in the back and the other fled on foot.

The homeless suspect’s wound did not appear to be life threatening.

SAPD detectives provided an additional patrol presence and began an investigation of the incident.

This incident underscores what a mistake the NIMBY’s in the adjacent Park Santiago Neighborhood made when they opted to oppose this project. The real issue in the area is the crime committed regularly by the vagrants that live in Santiago Creek and in Santiago Park.

The delay in the 2525 Main St. project means the vagrants will continue to be a threat to the local community. That is because the project, once completed, will feature round-the-clock security that will also patrol the surrounding neighborhood and Santiago Park.

The SAPD arrested a homeless man for abusing a lost Chihuahua

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Advisory: SAPD Arrest Suspect For Animal Cruelty – Victim Dog Is Reunited With His Family

Arrested: Jose Manuel Pantoja (28) Transient

Charges: PC 597 Cruelty to Animal

Summary: On Sunday, 3-3-2019, at approximately 10:20pm officers responded to a call for service where a witness/calling party was reporting a small dog that was being abused behind the businesses located at 431 East First Street.

The calling party reported a male Hispanic adult had used wires to tie the dog’s legs and was kicking him repeatedly. Officers were directed by the witness to the area and found suspect Jose Manuel Pantoja standing over the small dog. He was immediately taken into custody by officers without incident.

Officers found the small brown male Chihuahua with a bungee cord around his throat and chest. The dog also had multi-colored electrical wire around his legs. Officers transported the injured dog to Orange County Emergency Pet Clinic for treatment. The dog had multiple visible injuries. The suspect, Jose Manuel Pantoja was transport ed to SAPD Jail where he was booked for Cruelty to Animals. The suspect informed officers the dog did not belong to him and that it was just following him around and he did not know whose it was.

On 3-4-2019, officers following up on the investigation were able to locate the dog’s owners. The small dog had escaped their yard after someone had left the gate open. The family was distraught and had been looking for their dog throughout the night. The 13-year-old dog “Max” has been with the family since he was a small puppy and is considered a member of the family. SAPD is working to reunite MAX with his family today.

The SAPD is looking for a burglary suspect who is a transient

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Advisory:#MostWantedWednesday – SAPD Detectives Requesting Media & Public Assistance In Locating Wanted Burglary Suspect

Wanted Suspect: Albert Sierra (34) Transient

Description: Male, Hispanic, 5’8, 165 lbs, black hair and brown eyes.

During the months of May – September 2016, Albert Sierra was involved in the commercial burglaries of 13 businesses throughout the City of Santa Ana, including the Mexican Consulate located at 2100 E. 4th Street. Sierra was identifies and arrested for these crimes.

Surveillance Video (Mexican Consulate):

Based on DNA evidence Sierra has been identified as the suspect in four additional commercial burglaries during the time of July – September 2016. He currently has outstanding warrants for these new cases and SAPD Detectives are requesting assistance in locating the wanted suspect. Albert Sierra is a transient and his whereabouts are currently unknown. Anyone with information on Sierra’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Alfredo Castro at (714) 245-8345 or ACastro@santa-ana.org

Five injured after suspect crashed his vehicle during an SAPD police pursuit

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Advisory: SAPD Investigates Pursuit and Traffic Collision – Intersection of Westminster and Euclid Avenue

Arrestee: Luis Enrique Ortiz (31) Whittier

On Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at approximately 4:08 AM, SAPD Officers initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle for observed vehicle code violations. Upon initiating the traffic stop, the suspect vehicle failed to yield and a short vehicle pursuit ensued westbound on Westminster Avenue toward the City of Garden Grove. As the suspect vehicle approached the intersection of Westminster and Euclid Avenues, it failed to stop for the red signal light and entered the intersection where it broadsided another vehicle which was headed south on Euclid.

As a result of the collision, the driver and three occupants of the suspect vehicle and the driver of the other involved vehicle were injured. The injured parties were briefly treated at the scene by both Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and Garden Grove Fire Departments (GGFD) before being transported by CARE Ambulance to local hospitals. The injuries of the involved parties ranged from complaint of pain to critical.

The Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) requested the assistance of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Santa Ana Office to conduct an independent investigation of the collision assisted by SAPD’s Collision Investigation Unit (CIU).

The initial investigation revealed the suspect vehicle, registered out of Whittier, CA, was being operated by Luis Enrique Ortiz. A record check revealed Ortiz had an outstanding “No Bail” felony warrant for a previous incident where he attempted to evade authorities by fleeing in a vehicle and an expired license. Once Ortiz is released from the hospital, he will be booked into jail for a violation of 2800.3(a) CVC, (Felony) Evading causing Injury, and other charges. Additionally, there was drug paraphernalia located inside the suspect’s vehicle. The female driver of the other involved vehicle received critical injuries and remains hospitalized.

The CHP, assisted by the SAPD CIU, handled the investigation of this traffic collision. SAPD will handle the criminal investigation of this incident. Any witnesses or other persons that may have information pertinent or related to this incident are asked to contact the SAPD CIU – Corporal Brett Nelson at (714) 245-8208.

Man the SAPD pursued and helped catch convicted of stabbing and killing his wife and infant son

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Case # 15NF1732

MAN CONVICTED OF SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES STABBING-MURDER OF WIFE AND THEIR INFANT SON

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man was convicted today of the special circumstances stabbing-murder of his wife and their infant son. Kwame Adom Carpenter, 27, Anaheim, was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 26, 2019, of two felony counts of murder with special circumstances for committing multiple murders and a sentencing enhancement allegation for the personal use of a deadly weapon. He faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison without the possibility of parole. Carpenter is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., in Department C-45, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

At the time of the crime, Carpenter and 24-year-old Moureen Gathua-Carpenter were living together with their 6-month-old son, Kyan Gathua-Carpenter, in an Anaheim apartment.

At approximately 12:00 p.m. on June 22, 2015, Carpenter got into a verbal argument with Moureen in their apartment. During the course of the argument, Moureen picked up Kyan, and the defendant stabbed both of the victims with a butcher knife. The defendant is accused of fleeing the scene in a relative’s car.

The Anaheim Police Department (APD), who investigated this case, responded to a 911 call and found both victims suffering from stab wounds.

Moureen was pronounced dead at the scene. Kyan was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. on June 23, 2015, Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) officers located the defendant sleeping in the back seat of the car in the parking lot of Fountain Valley Regional Hospital. The defendant drove away from SAPD officers. An SAPD officer fired a single shot, but did not hit the defendant. Carpenter led SAPD and Fountain Valley Police Department (FVPD) officers on a vehicle pursuit.

He crashed the vehicle in Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley and jumped into a nearby lake. APD arrived at the scene and arrested the defendant, and he was then transported to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries sustained from an FVPD K-9 bite during his arrest.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Steve McGreevy of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

The SAPD is conducting a DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday night

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Advisory: SAPD conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday, February 22, 2019 in the area of 1000 N. Harbor Blvd.

SANTA ANA POLICE STEP UP DUI ENFORCEMENT

The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday, February 22, 2019. It will begin at 9:00PM and is scheduled to conclude at 2:30AM. It will be conducted in the area of 1000 N. Harbor Blvd, 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.