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Tag Archives: sapd

The SAPD is searching for a teen who has been missing since 7/25

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Missing person Maria Garzon, age 17, last spoke to her mother 07/25/2020 at approximately 8 p.m.

During their conversation, Garzon advised she was with a friend, Jose Maria Rumbo-Salinas, age 51.

Additionally, Rumbo-Salinas was reported missing to the Anaheim Police Department on 07/30/2020, and has not been seen or heard from since 07/25/2020 at approximately 2 p.m.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Maria Garzon is asked to please contact Detective Corporal Padron at (714) 245-8545.

Fatal hit and run accident due to street racing shuts down part of Bristol

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Bristol Street is closed in all directions from Memory Lane to 17th Street, according to the SAPD’s Twitter account.

The SAPD is investigating what has turned out to be a fatal traffic collision involving street racing. One vehicle has fled the scene.

The SAPD has warned that live wires & fire are present at the scene. Stay clear of the area. Streets will remain close until further notice. Please keep away from this area.

The SAPD is searching for a man who stole a purse at a bus stop

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On July 3, 2020 at approx. 6:50 A.M., the victim was waiting at the bus stop on the 3300 block of South Bristol Street. As the victim attempted to board the bus, the suspect attempted to pull her purse away from her. The victim resisted and attempted to retain her purse until she was knocked to the ground by the suspect. The suspect took the victim’s purse and began running northbound on Bristol Street as the victim and a witness gave chase.

As the victim and witness were chasing the suspect, the suspect stopped, turned toward the victim and produced a knife, pointing it at the victim. Fearing for her safety, the victim stopped chasing the suspect, and he was able to escape with the victim’s property.

We are grateful to the OCTA for providing their bus surveillance videos. OCTA equips each bus with cameras to ensure the safety and security for their passengers.

Anyone with information to identify/locate wanted suspect please contact Detective Prewett at (714) 245-8323 / DPrewett@santa-ana.org

The man killed today near Spurgeon Park had a gunshot wound

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Once the Orange County Coroner’s Office arrived on scene and examined the victim’s body, it was discovered the victim sustained what appears to be a gunshot wound to the upper torso. The motive for the attack is unknown and the investigation is ongoing.

Detectives request anyone with information contact the Santa Ana Police Department Homicide Section (714) 245-8390 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-(855)-TIP-OCCS

  • ORIGINAL MESSAGE –

On Friday, July 24, 2020, at 5:49 AM, SAPD Officers responded to reports of a man down on a dirt path adjacent to the Santa Ana Riverbed north of 5th Street. (Near Spurgeon Park).

Upon arrival, officers located an unidentified adult male on the ground and unresponsive, bleeding from an unseen injury. The man appeared deceased. Orange County Fire Authority paramedics arrived and declared the man deceased at 6:04 AM.

SAPD Homicide Section Detectives responded and assumed the investigation. The identity of the decedent is being withheld pending identification by the Orange County Coroner Division and notification of next of kin.

Dangerous sex offender Cary Smith is now back in Costa Mesa

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The Costa Mesa Police Department reported tonight on Facebook that they have received information that Cary Smith is currently located at a healthcare facility in Costa Mesa.

The CMPD will continue to monitor the situation and collaborate with their law enforcement partners.

The OCDA recently released a warning about Smith, who spent 20 years in forced hospitalization at a state mental hospital.

Smith, who is 59-years-old, was sent to Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino in 1999 on a 72-hour psychiatric hold after his wife provided a psychiatrist with a letter in which Smith described sex acts he wanted to perform on a 7-year-old boy who lived in his Costa Mesa neighborhood.

The SAPD is conducting a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday night

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The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday, July 24, 2020. It will begin at 8:30 PM and is scheduled to conclude at 2:00 AM. It will be conducted in the area of 1500 E. McFadden Avenue (Santa Ana, CA).

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 searching for a transient who broke into a residence

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On 06/29/2020, wanted suspect Jonathan Serrano, 26, forced entry into a residence. During the commission of the crime, Serrano cut himself and bled throughout the victim’s residence.

Serrano is a transient known to frequent the area of Hickory Street and McFadden Avenue in the City of Santa Ana.

Anyone with information on Serrano’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Wilson at (714) 245-8551 or rashadwilson@santa-ana.org.

A man was found shot to death in his vehicle near the Flower St. Park tennis courts

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Monday, July 20, 2020, at 12:24 AM, SAPD Officers responded to reports of a man down in a vehicle in the 500 block of South Flower Street (near the Flower Street Park tennis courts).

Upon arrival, officers located an unidentified adult male slumped behind the wheel of a vehicle in the middle of the street. The male was unresponsive with apparent gunshot wounds to his upper body. Orange County Fire Authority paramedics arrived and declared the man deceased at 12:42 A.M.

SAPD Homicide Section detectives responded and assumed the investigation. The identity of the decedent is being withheld pending identification by the Orange County Coroner’s Division and notification of next of kin.

The motive for the killing is unknown at this time. Detectives encourage anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward and provide a statement.

Santa Ana Police Department Homicide Section (714) 245-8390

Orange County Crime Stoppers 1 (855) TIP-OCCS / 1 (855) 847-6227
https://occrimestoppers.org/

A pedestrian was killed by a hit and run driver last night in Santa Ana

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On Friday, July 17th, 2020 at approximately ‪9:25 PM‬, the Santa Ana Police Department(SAPD) received several calls of a male down in the roadway at the intersection of S. Harbor Blvd. and W. McFadden Ave.

Officers responded to the area and found a male down in the roadway suffering major injuries.  Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) personnel responded and began to treat the male before pronouncing him deceased at the scene.  
 
The preliminary investigation has revealed the male was standing on the center median of McFadden Ave. when he was struck by a vehicle headed west.  The vehicle involved was a white Jeep Cherokee which fled from the scene prior to the officers’ arrival.  It remains outstanding and it, along with the driver, remain unidentified.  

It is unknown if alcohol is to have played a role in this collision.  The collision remains under investigation. The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigation Unit (CIU) is handling the investigation.  

Anyone possibly having information about this collision is asked to contact Cpl. W. Hadley at ‪(714) 245-8216‬.

The SAPD busted a large marijuana grow operation near Century High School

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SAPD Vice Detectives and Directed Patrol Officers served a search warrant on a suspected illegal marijuana grow facility at the 1400 Block E. Borchard Ave. today according to their Twitter account.

Upon entry, officers located several rooms containing marijuana in various growth stages.

The SAPD investigation is continuing.

The marijuana grow operation was located across the street from Century High School.

Per Findlaw.com these are the penalties the suspects could be facing:

  • Manufacturing of a controlled substance or illegal drug may be punished by felony sentencing. A conviction may result in a fine of up to $50,000 and imprisonment for a term of three, five, or seven years in state prison. The prosecutor may also request enhanced sentencing based on the defendant’s prior or current criminal record.
  • Possession of chemicals or compounds used to manufacture specified drugs, including PCP or methamphetamine, may result in a sentence of two, four, or six years in state prison. The prosecutor can also look at the defendant’s prior criminal history and past offenses related to drug manufacturing.
  • The penalties for cultivating marijuana without complying with state laws, will depend on the age of the defendant and where he or she has prior convictions.

The SAPD seized a 9mm handgun from a convicted felon

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SAPD Gang Detectives stopped a vehicle for minor traffic violations yesterday, according to their Twitter account.

In plain view, on the front passenger seat of the vehicle was a black box containing a concealed 9mm semi-automatic pistol with a magazine containing 8 bullets.

The driver was a previously convicted felon.

California gun laws prohibit individuals from owning, possessing, or purchasing a gun if they have been convicted of certain offenses. Though California Penal Code 29800 is commonly known as the “felon with a firearm law”, the law also applies to those who have been convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses, according to the law firm Wallin & Klarich.

Under PC 29800, it is a felony offense to have a gun or ammunition if you:

  • Have any prior felony offense;
  • Have two or more misdemeanor brandishing a weapon convictions under California Penal Code 417; or
  • Are addicted to the use of any narcotic drug.

Penalties for violating California’s felon with a firearm law are severe. If you are convicted of illegal possession of a firearm under PC 29800, you face:

  • A maximum sentence of three years in county jail;
  • A fine of up to $10,000; or
  • Both a jail sentence and fine.

The SAPD did not identify the suspect.

Suspected Santa Ana street racer arrested after a fatal pedestrian accident

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On Sunday, July 5, 2020 at 10:07 PM, the Santa Ana Police Department received several calls of a male down in the roadway at the intersection of S. Bristol St. and W. Myrtle St. Officers responded to the area and found an adult male down in the roadway suffering major injuries. Orange County Fire Authority personnel responded and began to treat the male before pronouncing him deceased at the scene.

The preliminary investigation has revealed the male pedestrian was crossing S. Bristol St at W. Myrtle St. when he was struck by a vehicle that was traveling south. The driver of the vehicle was contacted at the scene. A witness stated the vehicle that remained at the scene was involved in a street race with a second vehicle, prior to striking the pedestrian. At this time, it is unknown if a street race occurred but speed did play a factor in the collision.

Bryan Lemus

The driver, identified as Bryan Lemus, was arrested at the scene for felony vehicular manslaughter. He was booked at the Santa Ana Jail.

The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigations Unit (CIU) is handling the investigation. Anyone possibly having information about this collision is asked to contact Cpl. W. Hadley at ‪(714) 245-8216‬ or the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at ‪(714) 245-8200‬.

The SAPD reminds us to avoid illegal fireworks this 4th of July

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As 4th of July approaches, we would like to remind our community that only fireworks bearing the “Safe and Sane” seal are permitted to be used within the City limits, during the following days and hours only:

• Wednesday, July 1st – 12:00pm (noon) to 10:00pm
• Thursday, July 2nd – 10:00am to 10:00pm
• Friday, July 3rd – 10:00am to 10:00pm
• Saturday, July 4th – 10:00am to 9:00pm

The use of illegal fireworks may contribute to serious injuries and fires in our community. The Santa Ana Police Department wants to remind the community that “Possession and/or Use of Illegal Fireworks” is a CRIME. Violators may be subject to $1000 fines and up to one year in jail. Community members can anonymously report the use of illegal fireworks at (714) 245-8771 or via email reportfireworks@santa-ana.org.

SOLO SE PERMITE “SEGURO Y SANO” FUEGOS ARTIFICIALES

A medida que se acerca el 4 de julio, La Ciudad de Santa Ana les recuerda que sólo los fuegos artificiales que llevan el sello “Seguro y Sano” (“Safe and Sane”) están autorizados para uso dentro de los límites de la ciudad y solo durante los siguientes días y horas:

• miércoles, 1 de julio – 12:00pm (mediodía) a 10:00pm
• jueves, 2 de julio – 10:00am a 10:00pm
• viernes, 3 de julio – 10:00am a 10:00pm
• sábado, 4 de julio – 10:00am a 9:00pm

El uso de fuegos artificiales ilegales puede contribuir a lesiones graves e incendios en nuestra comunidad. El Departamento de Policía de Santa Ana quiere recordarle a la comunidad que “posesión y / o uso de fuegos artificiales ilegales” es un DELITO. Los infractores pueden estar sujetos a multas de $ 1000 y hasta un año de cárcel. Miembros de la comunidad pueden reportar el uso de fuegos artificiales ilegales anónimamente al (714) 245-8771 o por correo electrónico reportfireworks@santa-ana.org.

The SAPD busted a marijuana grow operation a half mile north of Century H.S.

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SAPD Vice Detectives, Directed Patrol & City Code Enforcement served a search warrant on a suspected illegal marijuana grow at 1305 E Wakeham, on Saturday.

Upon entry the investigators discovered the illegal dispensary was in its infancy stages and was being built to be a large scale sophisticated facility.

The illegal marijuana grow operation was located just north of the Orange County Probation Department, off of Grand Ave., between E. Chestnut Ave. and E. McFadden Ave., in a light industrial zone, a half mile north of Century High School.

A fatal car accident at 1st and Lacy claimed the life of an unborn child

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On Friday, June 26th, 2020, at approximately 9:46 pm, the Santa Ana Police Department received a call of a traffic collision involving multiple vehicles in the area of 1st and Lacy. Officers responded to the area and located the collision involving two vehicles. Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) personnel responded and began to treat the injured parties. All three of the injured parties were transported to the hospital for further medical attention. One of the injured passengers, who was eight months pregnant, underwent emergency surgery. During the surgery, the fetus was pronounced deceased as a direct result of the collision.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that one of the vehicles was traveling east on 1st making a left turn onto Lacy. A second vehicle, traveling west on 1st at a high rate of speed, struck the vehicle making the left turn onto Lacy. The driver traveling west on 1st fled the scene on foot prior to the arrival of police. Investigators are still determining if alcohol played a role in the collision, but speed is believed to be a factor. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigation Unit (CIU) is handling the investigation. Anyone having information about this collision is asked to contact Investigator Cpl. Danny Carrillo at (714) 245-8208 or the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at (714) 245-8200.