A Santa Ana man was fatally shot while driving his SUV this morning

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: Detectives Investigating Homicide – 3000 Block of West Fifth

Victim/Deceased: Erik Montes (27) Santa Ana

On Thursday, July 5, 2018, at 5:18 AM, police officers from the Santa Ana Police Department responded to reports of a traffic collision at 5th Street and the riverbed overpass.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a sports utility vehicle on 5th Street west of the riverbed where it came to rest following a collision. Officers found the unidentified driver, a Hispanic male in his late 20’s, unresponsive behind the wheel.

Based on evidence at the scene, officers determined a shooting occurred. Orange County Fire Authority paramedics assessed the victim and declared him deceased at scene.

Santa Ana Police Homicide Detectives responded to handle the investigation, which is currently under way. The motive of the shooting has not been determined. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call SAPD homicide detectives at (714) 245-8390, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS

Art Pedroza Editor

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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