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Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Tag Archives: sapd

Missing person Claudia Ruelas has been found

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UPDATE – Missing person Claudia Ruelas has been located and reunited with her family.

– ORIGINAL MESSAGE –

Missing Person: Claudia Ruiz Ruelas (35) Transient

Missing Person Claudia Ruelas was last seen on May 12, 2020 as she walked away from her residence in the area of 1100 N. Flower Street. Ruelas typically returns after she leave the house. Ruelas’ mother believes that Ruelas suffers from mental health issues although she has not been formally diagnosed by a medical professional. She is known to have a transient lifestyle.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Claudia Ruelas please contact Detective Garcia at (714) 245-8408.

The SAPD is trying to identify an ATM robbery suspect

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

On May 12, 2020, at approximately 2:56 pm, a victim was withdrawing money from the ATM, at 1317 W. Warner Avenue, Santa Ana, and he placed his wallet on the counter while he conducted his transaction.

While this was occurring, a white BMW X5 SUV (the above pictured vehicle) pulled into a parking stall behind the victim.

The above pictured suspect exited the right front passenger seat and approached the victim while armed with a knife. The suspect demanded all of the victim’s money, and also grabbed the victim’s wallet off the counter at the same time. The victim fled the location and the suspect entered the BMW SUV and drove away. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective D. Prewett at (714) 245-8323 / DPrewett@santa-ana.org or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS

The Santa Ana Police Department’s lobby is once again open to the public

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On March 16, 2020, the lobby of the Santa Ana Police Department was closed due to COVID-19. Today, we are pleased to announce the lobby has reopened for our community members to conduct important police business.

Until further notice – the temporary hours for the Santa Ana PD lobby and the Santa Ana Jail lobby are 9AM – 4PM. The following guidelines have been implemented in accordance with CDC guidelines to keep you and our employees as safe as possible.

• ALL people entering the lobby MUST wear a face mask.

• There are two lines in the lobby, a Records Line and a Traffic Line. Each line is marked with floor markings to ensure proper social distancing.

• There are three people allowed in each line at one time-all others MUST wait outside patiently in the appropriate line.

• There is ABSOLUTELY NO WAITING inside the lobby-other than those standing in a line.

• Please keep your visit brief and concise so others can be assisted.

• The restrooms are closed at this time.

• The Santa Ana Jail has implemented modified operations to maximize social distancing in the facility. Social visits remain suspended until further notice.

If you are sick or do not feel well, please stay home and call the police department business line at (714) 834-4211 for assistance.

Santa Ana City Hall is expected to reopen to the public in the coming days, and other City buildings and amenities will gradually be reopened when deemed safe to do so in accordance with County and State health guidelines. For more information on City services and facilities, please visit www.santa-ana.org.

EL VESTÍBULO DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE POLICÍA DE SANTA ANA VUELVE ABRIR SUS PUERTAS AL PUBLICO – 20 DE MAYO DE 2020

El 16 de marzo de 2020, el vestíbulo del Departamento de Policía de Santa Ana se cerró debido a COVID-19. Hoy, nos complace anunciar que el vestíbulo ha reabierto para que los miembros de nuestra comunidad realicen importantes negocios policiales.

Hasta nuevo aviso: el horario de recepción temporal para el vestíbulo del Departamento de Policía de Santa Ana y la Cárcel de Santa Ana es de 9:00 a.m. a 4:00 p.m. Las siguientes pautas se han implementado de acuerdo con las pautas de los CDC para mantenerlo a usted y a nuestros empleados lo más seguros posible.

• TODAS las personas que ingresen al vestíbulo DEBEN usar una mascarilla.
• Hay dos líneas en el vestíbulo, una línea de registros y una línea de tráfico. Cada línea está marcada con marcas en el piso para garantizar un distanciamiento social adecuado.
• Se permiten tres personas en cada línea a la vez; todas las demás DEBEN esperar pacientemente en la línea correspondiente.
• ABSOLUTAMENTE NO ESPERA dentro del vestíbulo, aparte de los que están en una fila.
• Por favor, mantenga su visita breve y concisa para que otros puedan recibir asistencia.
• Los baños están cerrados en este momento.
• La Cárcel de Santa Ana ha implementado operaciones modificadas para maximizar el distanciamiento social en la instalación. Las visitas sociales permanecen suspendidas hasta nuevo aviso.

Si está enfermo o no se siente bien, quédese en casa y llame a la línea publica del departamento de policía al (714) 834-4211 para obtener ayuda.

Se espera que el Ayuntamiento de Santa Ana se vuelva a abrir al público en los próximos días, y otros edificios y servicios de la Ciudad se reabrirán gradualmente cuando se considere seguro hacerlo de acuerdo con las pautas de salud del Condado y el Estado. Para obtener más información sobre los servicios e instalaciones de la Ciudad, visite www.santa-ana.org.

The SAPD is looking for a man who stole a wallet and used the victim’s credit cards

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The SAPD is searching for a suspect who broke into a victim’s parked vehicle on March 4, 2020, between 7:15 and 7:45 a.m. The suspect stole a wallet containing cash and several credit cards.

The suspect used the victim’s credit card at the Walmart located at 3600 W. McFadden Avenue, Santa Ana. The same suspect used the victim’s credit card at the Home Depot located at 3500 W. MacArthur Boulevard, Santa Ana, an hour later.

Anyone with information to identify/locate wanted suspect, contact Detective Romero at (714) 245-8529.

A hit and run driver killed a jogger last night near Valley High School

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One of our Facebook readers reported last night that a jogger had been struck and killed by a hit and run driver, at Raitt and Warner, at about 11 p.m. This has now been confirmed.

The Santa Ana Police Department received several calls of a male down in the roadway near the intersection of Raitt Street and St. Anne Place on May 18th, 2020 at approximately 11:02 p.m. That is just south of Valley High School and north of Adams Park.

The preliminary investigation has revealed the male, who was either walking or jogging, was in the roadway when he was struck by a vehicle driving north on Raitt Street.

The vehicle involved was possibly a white four-door sedan. The vehicle fled the scene prior to the arrival of police and fire personnel; the vehicle and driver remain unidentified. Investigators are still determining if alcohol played a role in this collision.

The police have not provided a description of the driver or the vehicle.

The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigation Unit (CIU) is handling the ongoing investigation. Anyone having information about this collision is asked to contact Investigator N. Quinones at (714) 245-8284

The SAPD busted two illegal gaming locations

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On May 13, 2020, Santa Ana PD Vice detectives, with the assistance of the MET team, executed a search warrant at a Slap House at ‪4902 W. 6th Street‬.

Thirty subjects were detained, the team seized 11 illegal gambling machines, arrested 4 subjects for warrants, and the building was red-tagged by Code Enforcement.

On May 14, 2020, Vice Detectives with the assistance of the MET team, executed a search warrant at a Cyber Cafe at ‪312 E. 1st Street‬. 

Seven subjects were detained, the team seized 11 illegal gambling machines and $7,067 US currency. The building was red-tagged by Code Enforcement.

The SAPD is trying to identify several armed robbery suspects

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On May 8th, at 2:00 a.m., both suspects arrived at the gas station in the suspect vehicle, a Silver four door Nissan Altima. Immediately upon entering the victim business, Suspect #1 walked to the checkout counter, pointed a chrome revolver at the victim and demanded the money from the register. The victim opened the register and stepped back. Suspect #2 walked behind the counter, took several packs of cigarettes, and removed the money from the register. Both suspects exited the store and returned to the suspect vehicle, which fled the scene northbound from the location.

Location: 710 E. Dyer Rd. (Shell Gas Station)

Suspect Descriptions:

  • (S-1) Male, Hispanic 5’8”- 5’10” tall, 160-175 pounds. Wearing a black hat with an unknown red logo on the front, yellow reflective vest, black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and black shoes. Armed with a chrome revolver (still outstanding).
  • (S-2) Male, Hispanic 5’6”- 5’8” tall, 155-165 pounds. Wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, black surgical mask, yellow reflective vest, dark colored gloves, black warmup pants and black shoes.
  • Suspect Vehicle: Silver four door Nissan Altima, possible rear plate beginning with 3XL____.

Anyone with information on the identity of either of these suspects is asked to please contact Detective Corporal D. Padron at (714) 245-8545 / dpadron@santa-ana.org or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS

Santa Ana church fire deemed arson and remains under investigation

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Santa Ana, CA – May 13, 2020 – A four-alarm fire in the City of Santa Ana on Thursday, May 7, deemed arson, remains under investigation by Orange County Fire Authority and Santa Ana Police. Since the abandoned building, a former United Presbyterian church, was known to be frequented by transients, it was determined that a thorough search for any possible victims was needed.

Due to the extensive damage to the three-story building, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Type IV Urban Search and Rescue Task Force was deployed to help stabilize the structure and search through the rubble to ensure no one perished in the fire. The highly trained team utilized heavy equipment and rigging to remove large structural members and sections of the floor. During the three days of clearing, OCFA human remains detection canines continued to work the scene, in conjunction with Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD), and the Orange County Sheriff’s Coroner’s office.

Following an exhaustive search, it has been concluded that no one was lost in the fire.

In addition, fortunately, none of the 100 firefighters who battled this blaze in the 100 block of Santa Ana Boulevard that was reported at 2:27 a.m. was injured.

OCFA and SAPD investigators are continuing to work to identify the arson suspect(s) and make an arrest.

Santa Ana Man charged with beating, raping and carjacking a 75-Year-Old homeless woman at a Tustin church parking lot

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SANTA ANA, Calif. – A 24-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder for beating a 75-year-old homeless woman unconscious and sexually assaulting her in the parking lot of a Tustin church on April 30, 2020. After the attack he dragged the badly beaten woman into nearby bushes and stole her car.

The victim was still unconscious when she was discovered the following morning. Fernando Valdovinos, 24, of Santa Ana, was arrested by Tustin police on May 2, 2020 after they saw him riding in the victim’s car.

Valdovinos has been charged with one felony count of attempted murder, one felony count of sexual penetration by foreign object and force, one felony count of attempted forcible rape, and one felony count of carjacking.

Valdovinos has also been charged with two felony enhancements of causing great bodily injury on an elder, one felony enhancement of attempted premediated murder, and one felony enhancement of inflicting great bodily injury during the commission of certain sex offenses.

He faces life in prison if convicted on all counts. Valdovinos is scheduled to be arraigned on May 20, 2020 in CJ1 and is being held without bail at the Orange County Jail.

“The depravity with which this heinous attack was carried out demonstrates just how vulnerable the homeless population – and especially homeless women – is to violence,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is committed to getting justice for this woman who shouldn’t have been living on the streets and couldn’t fend for herself. No one should be forced to endure that kind of viciousness.”

Deputy District Attorney Mena Guirguis is prosecuting this case.

The SAPD is looking for a male suspect for attacking police officers, hit and run, auto theft and drug charges

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On 05/04/20 at approximately 11:00am, Gang Detectives attempted to contact Maximiliano Osorio (23) during an occupied stolen vehicle check in the parking lot of the Pueblo Motel. Osorio failed to comply with commands and accelerated toward detectives and additional citizens near the exit of the motel. Osorio intentionally rammed three police vehicles as he drove onto Harbor Blvd to escape.

The stolen vehicle driven by Osorio was later recovered in the City of Garden Grove along with over 100 grams of methamphetamine. Osorio is currently on PRCS for Assault With A Deadly Weapon.

Description: Male Hispanic, 5’09” tall, 180 lbs., medium build, short brown hair and brown eyes.

Location: 1501 North Harbor Blvd.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of wanted suspect Osorio is asked to contact Detective Thai at 949-407-7878, email at dthai@santa-ana.org or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

The Santa Ana Family Justice Center is still open to help crime victims

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During the COVID-19 stay-at-home order, the City of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Police Department encourage the public to report suspected domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking.

The new Santa Ana Family Justice Center (SAFJC) remains open to help anyone who believes they may be a victim of these crimes. We also encourage use of other hotlines and resources.

Santa Ana Family Justice Center
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Friday
Office Phone: 714-245-8278
Email: FamilyJusticeCenter@santa-ana.org

Santa Ana Family Justice Center Advocates
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday
All three family justice advocates can be reached via voice call or text.

• 714-222-3207
• 657-210-1401
• 949-410-1640

Human Options 24/7 Hotline
Relationship abuse support and services.
877-854-3594

Women’s Transitional Living Center Inc. 24/7 Hotline
Support for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
877-531-5522

National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7
800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522

Centro de Justicia Familiar y Otros Recursos para la Violencia Domestica

Durante la orden de permanencia en el hogar para COVID-19, la Ciudad de Santa Ana y el Departamento de Policía de Santa Ana alientan al público a reportar la violencia doméstica, abuso infantil, abuso de ancianos, asalto sexual y trata de personas.

El nuevo Centro de Justicia Familiar de Santa Ana (Santa Ana Family Justice Center) permanece abierto para ayudar a cualquiera que crea que puede ser víctima de estos crímenes. También alentamos el uso de otras líneas directas y recursos.

Centro de Justicia Familiar de Santa Ana
Horario: 8 a.m. a 5 p.m., martes a viernes
Teléfono de la oficina: 714-245-8278
Correo electrónico: FamilyJusticeCenter@santa-ana.org

Defensores del Centro de Justicia Familiar de Santa Ana
Horario: 8 a.m. a 5 p.m., de lunes a viernes
Se puede contactar a los tres defensores de la justicia familiar a través de llamadas de voz o mensajes de texto.

• 714-222-3207
• 657-210-1401
• 949-410-1640

Línea Directa 24/7 de Human Options
Apoyo y servicios de abuso de relaciones.
877-854-3594

Women’s Transitional Living Center Inc. Línea Directa 24/7
Apoyo a sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica y trata de personas.
877-531-5522

Línea Directa Nacional de Violencia Doméstica 24/7
800-799-7233 o envíe un mensaje de texto con LOVEIS al 22522

A released high risk sex offended was arrested again by the SAPD

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Today, April 30, 2020, Rudy William Grajeda Magdaleno was arrested. Magdaleno is a high-risk registered sex offender that was released from the Orange County Jail on April 13, 2020, after serving 71 days in jail. Magdaleno was given credit of an additional 71 days totaling 142 days credit time served on a parole violation for failing to charge GPS monitor, despite a 180-day minimum sentence.

Magdaleno was released with a GPS monitor and he once again failed to charge the device. The GPS monitor stopped tracking him just three days later on April 16, 2020. On April 17, 2020, Santa Ana Police were dispatched to a parole resource center after Magdaleno was reported to have exposed himself to staff members. Magdaleno fled the scene before police arrived. On April 20, 2020, a parole warrant was issued for his arrest.

Magdaleno has an extensive criminal history that includes prior convictions for Robbery, Narcotics possession, Assault and Battery, Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Threats and Child Annoyance.

“The arrest of this dangerous sex offender just days after he walked out of jail demonstrates the Court’s grave error in releasing him and six other high-risk sex offenders early,” Santa Ana Mayor Miguel A. Pulido said. “These ill-conceived decisions risk the safety of the Santa Ana community. I urge the Court to reconsider and place these criminals back behind bars for the remainder of their sentences.”

“On behalf of our Santa Ana community and all my officers that work diligently to help keep our City safe, I find it extremely troubling that this high risk sex offender was authorized for release, in spite of his significant documented criminal history. This high-risk offender has a track record of victimizing innocent people, without impunity” said Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin.

On January 17, 2019, Magdaleno was arrested after he broke into a Santa Ana home while naked from the waist down. The home was occupied by an 11-year-old girl and her mother. Magdaleno was reported to be peeking into the child’s room while covering his penis with his hand. The child and her mother locked themselves in a bathroom and Magdaleno fled but was arrested by police a few blocks away.

On May 24, 2018, Magdaleno entered a law office located in Santa Ana, removed his shoes, sat on the floor and began to masturbate while staring at an adult female in the office. Magdaleno fled the scene and was later identified after his arrest in January of 2019. Magdaleno was convicted of indecent exposure on both cases.

On May 7, 2010, Magdaleno attacked a 41-year-old mentally disabled person at a restaurant located in Santa Ana. During the attack, Magdaleno forced the victim to orally copulate him. Magdaleno was arrested and convicted of abuse of a dependent adult.

Santa Ana Police Detectives began an extensive search for Magdaleno, located him today and took him into custody. He was booked at the Orange County Jail for the parole warrant and held without bail.

Detectives are actively investigating the indecent exposure, as well as the failure to register, and will seek additional charges.

Santa Ana Police Department Detectives believe Magdaleno may have committed other crimes due to his actions and criminal history. Detectives are asking for anyone with information to contact Detective Michael Nolan at 714-245-8302, mnolan@santa-ana.org or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

The SAPD is looking for a violent robbery suspect

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On 4/18/20, at approximately 11:15 AM, the pictured suspect attempted to gain entry into the Salvation Army Hospitality House building located at 818 E. 3rd St., in Santa Ana.

The victim did not allow the suspect inside and began to close the door. The suspect grabbed the door and attempted to force it open. The victim continued to pull the door shut, at which time the suspect punched the victim in the face. At the same time, the suspect pulled the prescription eyeglasses from the victim’s face. The suspect fled on foot, eastbound on 3rd Street, with the victim’s glasses.

The Hospitality House opened its doors in the city of Santa Ana in 1964 and has been a beacon of hope and transformation to thousands of individuals. according to the Salvation Army. The 75-bed residential emergency shelter is a place where spiritual and physical comfort is given 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

Anyone with information identifying the wanted suspect in this case contact Detective Greaver at (714) 245-8362 or DGreaver@santa-ana.org.

Bail reduced for street racer who watched two men burn to death after a crash in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Accidents, Courts, Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana, SAPD 1 Comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – An appointed Orange County Superior Court commissioner Friday reduced bail to $20,000 for a man charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter in connection with a street racing crash that killed two people after the car they were in crashed into a tree and burst into flames. The other driver fled the scene after watching the car burn with the two men inside.

Damian Chavez, 24, of Bellflower, was arrested on April 18, 2020 following a year-long investigation by the Santa Ana Police Department into the April 20, 2018 crash on Bear Street between Alton Avenue and Segerstrom Avenue in Santa Ana.

Jerman Marquez, 39, and Richard Inda, 29, both of Santa Ana, died in the fiery crash.

Chavez posted the $20,000 bail shortly after 11 p.m. Friday, just hours after the unelected court commissioner ordered Chavez’ bail to be reduced from $100,000 to $20,000 over the objection of prosecutors. The commissioner referenced the current COVID-19 pandemic in explaining his decision to reduce the bail.

Prosecutors appeared before the commissioner for a second hearing Friday to ask for a reconsideration to the bail reduction. The commissioner left the bail at the reduced $20,000.

The population of the Orange County jail system has been reduced by more than 40 percent over the last six weeks in an effort by Sheriff’s Department officials to reduce the spread of COVID-19 within the jails. Social distancing, new quarantine rules for incoming inmates, and the increased use of technology for court appearances has significantly reduced inmate movement to further slow the spread of the virus.

“Knowing the inherent – and potentially deadly – risks, this individual chose to engage in illegal street racing which resulted in the deaths of two people,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “The Santa Ana Police Department worked diligently to track down this dangerous driver, and within a few days he’s back on the street. Our law-abiding residents are being ordered to stay home, but dangerous and violent inmates are being allowed to walk out the front door of our jails and right back into our communities on $0 bail or substantially reduced bail. This pandemic cannot be used to defy common sense. This has to stop.”

Chavez has been charged with two felony counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and one felony count of hit-and-run causing death. Chavez has also been charged with two felony enhancements of fleeing the scene after committing vehicular manslaughter.

He faces a maximum of 11 years in state prison if convicted of all charges.

Deputy District Attorney Brian Orue of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

The SAPD seized 1,370 pounds of marijuana at a grow operation this week

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Based on community complaints of an illegal business operating in the 2000 Block of South Ritchey, SAPD Special Investigations-Vice and Narcotics Detectives were investigating the complaints. They were able to obtain search warrants for two separate buildings.

On Thursday, April 23, 2020, SAPD detectives served the search warrants and located a sophisticated marijuana grow facility.

The SAPD detectives seized 1,370 pounds of marijuana, 2,523 plants, 660 clones, seized grow equipment and $1,060 in U.S Currency.

The SAPD detectives also made two arrests for illegal cultivation.

The SAPD Vice/Narcotics continue to address community complaints to safeguard our community.