Earlier this week, patrol officers responded to a critical call regarding a suicidal man seated inside a parked vehicle near 2400 W. 1st Street, according to the SAPD.
When the police officers arrived, they observed an AR-15-style rifle lying between the man’s legs.
The man was immediately taken into custody without incident, and officers recovered:
- A loaded assault rifle
- Four .22-caliber rounds
- 63.3 grams of methamphetamine packaged in a Ziploc bag
The suspect was arrested and booked at the Santa Ana Jail on multiple felony charges, including possession of a controlled substance while armed and various weapons violations.
Here’s a summary of the potential penalties the suspect in Santa Ana could face under California law:
1. Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed (HS §11370.1)
- Felony offense.
- Punishable by 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison.
- Fines up to $10,000.
- Not eligible for drug diversion programs like Prop 36 or PC 1000.
- May receive felony probation instead of prison, which includes strict conditions like drug counseling, testing, and supervision1.
2. Possession of an Assault Weapon (PC §30605)
- Wobbler offense (can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony).
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or $1,000 fine.
- Felony: Up to 3 years in jail or prison.
- Additional penalties may apply if the weapon was unregistered or used in a crime2.
3. Possession of Methamphetamine (HS §11377) – 63.3 grams
- Simple possession is usually a misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine.
- Possession for sale (likely given the quantity and packaging): Felony, punishable by 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines 3.
- Judges may grant probation or allow drug diversion for simple possession, but not when combined with weapons charges.
Additional Consequences
- Lifetime firearm ban if convicted of a felony.
- Loss of civil rights, including voting while incarcerated.
- Permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and licensing.