Yesterday, SAPD Vice Detectives, with the assistance of Directed Patrol and Code Enforcement, served a search warrant at a suspected illegal cannabis business in the area of the 100 block of E. Alton Avenue. just north of the Sandpointe Neighborhood.
Upon entry into the business, officers and detectives located cannabis and firearms.
In total, over 20 pounds of cannabis, 4 firearms & 1 shotgun were seized.
The investigation continues.
SAPD police officers responded to a call of a female who had been assaulted in the area of S. Flower Street and W. Sunflower Avenue.
When officers arrived, Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) had treated the victim for injuries. The victim indicated she had been assaulted but could not provide further information. OCFA transported her to the hospital for an evaluation.
At the hospital, it was determined she had sustained a traumatic head injury. Officers and Detectives are canvassing the area for a possible crime scene and to locate witnesses. The Investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Moroyoqui at (714) 245-8390.
SAPD police officers responded to the area of Shannon Street and 1st Street regarding an adult victim that was struck by a vehicle. The incident happened in the Riverview West Neighborhood.
The victim suffered a bump to the left side of his head and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
The investigation revealed the victim was chased by three vehicles when one of the vehicles struck him.
After being struck, several occupants exited the vehicles and punched and kicked the victim while on the ground.
The suspects fled in their respective vehicles before police arrived.
The victim is in stable condition after being transported to a local hospital. Investigation is ongoing and we seeking the public’s assistance.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Ana Police Department at (714) 245-8030.
On Friday, September 3rd, 2021 at 9:54 PM, the Santa Ana Police Department received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic collision at 1st Street and Standard Avenue. Officers responded to the area and found an adult male down in the roadway suffering major injuries. Orange County Fire Authority personnel responded and pronounced the male deceased.
The preliminary investigation has revealed the male pedestrian was in the roadway at 900 E. 1st Street. Vehicle #1 was traveling west on 1st Street and struck the male. The vehicle involved in this collision remained at the scene and the driver was cooperative. The driver of the vehicle was not believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The sobriety of the pedestrian remains unknown pending the release of the Orange County Coroner’s investigation. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
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 Inv. W. Hadley at (714) 245-8216 or the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at (714) 245-8200.
During the shooting this Thursday night, near Madison Park, that resulted in a homicide, one of the bullets went through a nearby apartment, hitting the resident’s television – causing it to shatter.
SAPD officers collected money, bought the resident a new tv and delivered it to his home the next afternoon!
We have heard a lot this week about the shenanigans at the Santa Ana Police Officers Association and their greedy leader, Gerry Serrano. The good news is most of our local police officers are good people who sincerely want to help the community.
On Thursday, September 2, 2021, at approximately 5:01 PM, the Santa Ana Police Department responded to the 1600 South block of Evergreen Street (just south of Madison Park) after receiving calls of a shooting. Officers arrived on scene and located an adult male with apparent gunshot wounds to his upper body.
Officers immediately began life saving measures. Orange County Fire Authority paramedics arrived on scene and transported the victim to a local hospital. The victim underwent emergency surgery but ultimately succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
This is an active homicide investigation. Officers and Homicide detectives are currently working the crime scene. Initial investigation revealed this is possibly gang related homicide and qualifies for the Gang Homicide and Felony Assault Reward Program.
The Santa Ana Police Department’s Homicide Unit is handling the investigation. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact (714) 245-8390
For several months now, the City of Santa Ana has been aware of the fact the President of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association (SAPOA), Mr. Gerry Serrano, threatened to lead a vote of no-confidence against the Santa Ana Police Chief, David Valentin if he did not get what he wanted from the City. Indeed, Mr. Serrano stated that if he did not get what he wanted, he would “burn the City down” and bring this vote of no-confidence. This vote is his way of, “burning the City down”. Because this directly involves the police department and critically impacts public safety, the public must understand the outcome of this unwarranted vote is a result of the City holding Mr. Serrano, who is currently on paid administrative leave, accountable for his alleged actions, inappropriate influence and intimidation of City staff.
No police chief ever wants to be faced with a vote of no-confidence. It is a serious action meant to address significant deficiencies in the organization or in the Chief’s performance or leadership. That is absolutely not the case here. This vote is not based on actual legitimate reasons. Rather, it is a result of Mr. Serrano furthering his personal and political attack against the Chief.
The Chief, who has dedicated 31 years of his law enforcement career to the City, stated as follows in response to the outcome of this agenda-driven vote, “I will diligently and effectively continue to lead the dedicated women and men of this Department, in service to the 340,000 residents of Santa Ana. This unwarranted vote does not, and will not in any way, distract, disturb or deter me and the members of this Department from effectively delivering public safety services to the needs of the community we have been sworn to serve.”
Santa Ana Mayor Vicente Sarmiento stated, “Although I respect our officers’ opinions, and their right to collectively bargain for wages, benefits and workplace conditions, only the City Manager has the responsibility to decide who fills this essential public safety role. Police Chief Valentin has my full support and confidence. The community should rest assured that our police department will continue to operate professionally and ethically despite distractions that stem from a personal, rather than structural, problem.”
City Manager Kristine Ridge stated, “The Police Officers Association’s vote today is hardly an overwhelming display of opposition to Chief Valentin, but it is a sad day for the POA membership. It’s disappointing that the POA president’s desire for personal financial gain and use of misinformation have led to a vote that is not in the best interest of our police officers. I’m confident that in the future, the truth about these misstatements will come out. Furthermore, this vote is a union process that doesn’t result in any action by the City. I have complete faith in Chief Valentin’s leadership. I hope that we can move forward, heal the Santa Ana Police Department and focus on serving the residents of Santa Ana.”
The SAPD Police Chief, David Valentin has emailed a letter to each of his police officers just as their union, the Santa Ana Police Officers Association, is set to announce the results of their vote of no confidence against the Chief.
Here are a few excerpts from the letter:
It is critical that I provide you truth and clarity on the following issue, which has escalated over nearly three years. I am currently the target of an increasingly intense personal and political attack primarily led by one employee; centered on false, frivolous, harassing and retaliatory actions and claims. This harassment is focused on the assassination of my good character, leadership and department accomplishments.
This employee operates with impunity, disregard for any regulation or rule of law; and targets anyone that disagrees with their agenda or demands.
As chief, I lead independently without the mandate to operate beholden to any one compromised individual. I rely on data-driven research, the law and defensible, ethical-best practices, which guide my decision making. This is also principally about the employee’s personal pension dispute. No city staff member can influence or impact this issue. This dispute is between the employee and the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS).
Valentin does not mention him by name but it is obvious he is writing about Gerry Serrano, the head of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association. On Friday, Valentin placed Serrano on paid administrative leave.
Serrano often brags to his union members about the raises he has negotiated for them. While that is true it is also true that he is now embarrassing the union and the city. His quest to inflate his pension to ridiculous amounts is a slap to the taxpayers of Santa Ana.
Jonathan Ceclio Menjivar Lemus, a 27-year-old homeless man charged with beating another homeless man, 27-year-old Jesus Morales Jimenez, with an aluminum pipe in Santa Ana last week, is now facing a charge of attempted murder with sentencing enhancements, as Jimenez has died as a result of his injuries, according to the SAPD.
The beating happened at about 5 p.m. last Thursday at 828 N. Raitt St., just east of El Salvador Park, in the Artesia Pilar Neighborhood.
Lemus was seen swinging the pipe up and down as if he were slamming it into the ground, according to a witness, but she couldn’t see the victim, as her view was blocked. When the witness and another person walked closer to see what Lemus was up to they found Jimenez and immediately called 911.
Lemus was finally arrested several hours later but he was so high at the time, allegedly, that he could not answer any questions.
Jimenez passed away on Monday night as a result of his injuries.
The police investigators still don’t know why Lemus attacked Jimenez.
Lemus is being held without bail. His arraignment was pushed back to Sept. 15. He is said to work in construction.
This month marks one year since the SAPD debuted their first “For The Record: A Homicide Spotlight” episode.
To commemorate this achievement, they have compiled a montage of Season One episodes.
The SAPD is committed to solving these homicides and bringing justice to the victims’ families.
SAPD Homicide Detectives encourage anyone with information regarding these cases to come forward and help bring closure to family/friends of all these victim’s.
Please call (714) 245-8390 with any information.
Stay tuned for Season 2.
SAPD Directed Patrol officers conducted a car stop for vehicle code violations and discovered the driver was on active probation with search and seizure conditions. During their investigation, the driver was found to be in possession of fentanyl. Directed Patrol officers also conducted a search of the driver’s residence in the city of Garden Grove and located a loaded shotgun, 9mm semi-automatic handgun and additional ammunition. The driver was arrested for the illegal possession of narcotics, firearms and ammunition.
SAPD gang detectives stopped a vehicle for minor traffic violations. The two occupants in the vehicle were recognized in having gang affiliation and being on informal probation. The driver of the vehicle gave consent to the search of the vehicle. Detectives located a loaded 9mm semi-automatic “ghost gun” inside a black, nylon, tool bag. They also discovered manufacturing tools to make “ghost guns” and ammunition.
SAPD MET detectives conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Comfort Inn Hotel. Upon contact, the driver admitted to having a firearm on his person. A loaded 9 mm “ghost gun” was found in his waistband. Detectives located a briefcase inside the vehicle with multiple bags containing large quantities of narcotics. Further investigation revealed the driver was registered at the Comfort Inn Hotel. A search of the room revealed more narcotics and a loaded AR15 “ghost” rifle with high capacity magazines.
On Friday, August 20th, the STEARRD Partnership, consisting of Santa Ana PD, Garden Grove Police Department, Brea Police Department, and Westminster Police Department, conducted street racing enforcement in the City of Santa Ana. The results of the enforcement were a total of 30 Citations, 1 impound and 2 seized firearms.
SAPD Directed Patrol Officers, along with the AB 109 Task Force initiated a traffic stop during a patrol check. The vehicle was occupied by a male driver and female passenger. The driver was discovered to be on active probation and out on bail for a stolen vehicle and narcotic violations. The female had prior convictions for narcotic sales. Directed Patrol officers completed a probation check of their motel room. During the search, officers located an unloaded 9mm semi-automatic “ghost gun” and a large quantity of methamphetamine individually packaged for sales.
On Thursday, August 26th, 2021, at approximately 10:51 AM, the Santa Ana Police Department received several calls of a male down in the roadway in the 1700 block of West 3rd Street.
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. The male pedestrian was transported to an area hospital for further medical treatment where he remains in critical condition.
The preliminary investigation revealed the male was standing next to his parked vehicle when he was struck by a vehicle traveling west on 3rd Street. The vehicle involved was described as a Black 2 door Mercedes with major damage to the front windshield. The Mercedes 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. D. Carrillo at (714) 245-8208.
The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday, August 27th, 2021. It will begin at 8:00 PM and is scheduled to conclude at 2:00 AM.
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.
On 08/11/2021, at approximately 2:30 a.m., the wanted suspect forced entry into the business, Teresa’s Jewelers, located at 223 W. 4th Street, using an axe and stole jewelry.
Approximately ten minutes later, a second suspect entered the business and took jewelry as well, The suspects fled the scene prior to police arrival. The estimated loss was $5,000.
Anyone with information on the identity/whereabouts of the suspects is asked to contact Detective J. Guidry at (714) 245-8530 or JGuidry@santa-ana.org.
The next Santa Ana Communication Linkage Forum Meeting will be a Hybrid meeting will be both in-person and on Zoom on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 7 pm, at the Santa Ana Police Department Community Room, located at 60 Civic Center Plaza. Parking validation will be provided.
Zoom hyperlink https://zoom.us/j/99224779565 or dial in on your phone
at 346-248-7799 and enter Meeting ID: 992 2477 9565#
Agenda:
Note: Masks are required for persons who have not been COVID-19 fully vaccinated.
For more information click here to view the meeting flyer.
Reunión Especial En Persona y “Virtual” el jueves, 26 de agosto del 2021 a las 7 PM. Acompáñenos en una reunión especial en persona y virtual a través de la plataforma Zoom desde su computadora / laptop/ tableta/ o cel.
Para ver el seminario, haga clic en: https://zoom.us/j/99224779565 o para escuchar la reunión en Ingles desde su teléfono, marque el número gratuito 1(346) 248 7799 e ingrese el ID: 992 2477 9565#
Los servicios de interpretación de inglés a español estarán disponibles.
AGENDA
7:00 Comienzo de la Reunión e introducción de la Mesa Directiva
7:05 Actualizaciones de Comité y una presentación de Control de
Velocidad y Ruido por el Comandante de Tráfico del
Departamento de Policía de Santa Ana Chuck Elms
8:00 Anuncios
Nota: Animamos a los vecinos a asistir a esta reunión en persona. Para los que no han recibido la vacuna contra el COVID-19, por favor usen una máscara en esta reunión. Para los que están participando en Zoom, por favor prepárese para ingresar sus preguntas en el chat o en el cuadro de preguntas y respuestas en la aplicación de Zoom.