The SAUSD reacts to the arrest of a 14 year old for shooting a student

SAUSD Superintendent Thelma Meléndez de Santa Ana, Ph.D. issued a statement today in reaction to the arrest of a 14 year old suspected of shooting a Santa Ana High School Student:

“I commend both the Santa Ana Police Department and Santa Ana Unified School District Police Department on today’s arrest of the suspect in the Santa Ana High School student shooting. 

This is another important example of how both agencies work collaboratively and cohesively to ensure that justice prevails. 

The safety of our students is our highest priority, and we will remain vigilant in working with the community to provide a safe and secure learning environment around our schools.

The Community Oriented Policing program is built on community trust and partnership, and when tragic incidents like this off-campus shooting happen, those positive relationships and hard work translate into justice being served.”

Here is the press release issued by the Santa Ana Police Department, regarding the arrest of the 14 year old:

Santa Ana Police Department Advisory: 14 year old taken into custody for the shooting of Santa Ana High School Student

Santa Ana Police Detectives today arrested a 14 year old Santa Ana High School Student for the shooting of another student on 4/27/2012.

Case Facts:
Location: 900 West Walnut St.
Date: Fri, 4/27/12 15:14hrs

Summary: Officers responded to the report of a male subject who had been shot. Officers located a 16-year-old male lying down in the alley of 200 S. Flower. According to witnesses the victim had been walking when he was approached by a male Hispanic suspect, who was armed with a handgun. The suspect fired a shot from the handgun, striking the victim in the stomach. The suspect then fled on foot. The victim is a 16-year-old student at Santa Ana High School with possible gang affiliations. The victim was transported to a hospital and is in serious condition.

Update: As a result of media coverage of the incident numerous leads were received by the Gang Unit. A team of Gang Unit and School Police officers followed-up on each of the leads and eventually identified the suspect. The 14-year-old suspect was taken into custody, without incident, at Santa Ana HS where he is enrolled in the 9th grade. A search warrant is being served at the suspect’s residence in an effort to locate the firearm used in the assault.

The suspect and victim had an on-going rivalry due to gang affiliations.

Charges of attempt murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and gang enhancements have been alleged against the suspect who was booked at the Orange County Juvenile Hall. Based on the seriousness of the crime it is possible the suspect, a juvenile, will be charged as an adult.

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