Last Thursday, a license plate reader notified police officers that a wanted vehicle used in a robbery from Los Angeles County was driving through Irvine, according to the Irvine Police Department.
The IPD drone flew over the Woodbury Town Center as a First Responder and found the vehicle parked in a stall.
They gave updates to our Directed Enforcement Team, who safely took the driver into custody.
Kevin Zuniga, 20, of Stanton, was arrested for several warrants, such as kidnapping, domestic violence, and stealing a vehicle.
Zuniga was booked at the Orange County Jail.
Based on California law, Kevin Zuniga could face the following penalties for the charges mentioned:
1. Kidnapping (California Penal Code §207 & §209)
- Simple Kidnapping (e.g., moving someone against their will using force or fear):
- 3, 5, or 8 years in state prison
- Considered a violent felony and counts as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law
- Aggravated Kidnapping (e.g., for ransom, robbery, or causing bodily harm):
- Life in prison, with or without the possibility of parole
2. Domestic Violence (California Penal Code §13700)
- Misdemeanor Domestic Violence:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fines up to $2,000
- Mandatory batterer’s intervention program
- Felony Domestic Violence (e.g., involving serious injury or prior convictions):
- 2 to 4 years in state prison
- Possible restraining orders
- Loss of firearm rights under federal law
3. Vehicle Theft (California Penal Code §487(d)(1) or §10851)
- Grand Theft Auto (if charged under PC §487(d)(1)):
- 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
- Fines up to $10,000
- Unlawful Taking or Driving of a Vehicle (PC §10851):
- Can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony
- Felony: up to 3 years in prison
Additional Consequences
- If convicted of multiple felonies, sentences may be served consecutively, increasing total prison time.
- A strike under the Three Strikes Law increases penalties for future convictions.
- Probation may be denied due to the violent nature of the offenses.