Armed Santa Ana auto theft suspect caught with the help of a County helicopter

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: OCSD Airship “Duke” Assists SAPD Locate Armed Auto Theft Suspect After Pursuit

On Thursday 9-10-15 at midnight, an officer was patrolling the area of 500 S. Oak Street when he observed a suspicious vehicle occupied by a lone male occupant. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle for traffic violations but the driver failed to yield and led officers on a pursuit. During the pursuit, suspect Jeffery Zavala tossed a handgun out of the vehicle.

The pursuit ended in the city of Tustin when the driver fled on foot to a nearby school. The officer chased Zavala and used his Taser but it was ineffective. Zavala temporarily eluded capture until Orange County Sheriff’s Air Support “DUKE” observed him inside a nearby apartment complex. Officers established a perimeter and ordered Zavala to surrender. When he refused, the K9 was deployed and the suspect was taken into custody. The weapon Zavala tossed out of the vehicle during the pursuit was located and recovered by assisting officers.

Arrested Jeffery Zavala (23) Santa Ana – Charges:

• PC 25400(a)(3) Carrying Concealable Weapon in a Vehicle
• PC 496 Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
• VC 2800.2 Evading Peace Officer – Wanton Disregard
• PC 148 Obstructing
• PC 29800 – Felon in Possession of Firearm
• VC 10851 – Auto Theft