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Category Archives: Guns

The SAPD seized more illegal fireworks and guns this week

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SAPD gang detectives conducted a vehicle stop in the area of the 4600 block of 5th Street; two LA County juvenile gang members were detained.

A loaded stolen .45 cal black semi-automatic handgun and narcotics for sales were recovered after a search of their vehicle.

While on patrol, SAPD officers observed a subject attempting to conceal what appeared to be a handgun case underneath a jacket. The subject was detained and a loaded Glock 17 was recovered.

Continuous SAPD illegal fireworks enforcement 06/14 – 06/15: 1,886 mortar/arterial shells and 500 aerial type illegal fireworks were confiscated – a total of 3 citations ($1,000 fine) given.

And the count continues … 360 mortar/arterial shells confiscated & 2 citations given ($1,000 fine) on June 18.

The SAPD seized ghost guns and drugs during several arrests this week

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SAPD police officers responded to reports of a man with a gun in the area of the 400 block of E. 16th Street. The officers reviewed surveillance video and confirmed the man was in possession of a firearm.

While the officers were still on scene, the suspect returned. Officers attempted to stop the suspect but he failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit ensued.

The suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot, discarding a handgun as he ran. Officers apprehended the suspect shortly thereafter without further incident.

SAPD police officers conducting proactive enforcement in the area of Pacific Avenue and Lingan Lane observed three subjects walking away from them as officers approached the alley. All subjects ran from the officers and one discarded an item from his waistband. The officers detained all three suspects and recovered a loaded 9mm “ghost” gun from the area.

SAPD gang detectives observed a known gang member outside an apartment complex. Upon contact, the gang member discarded a loaded firearm and was detained without incident. A 9mm “ghost” gun was recovered.

SAPD gang detectives observed an individual walking in the area of the 900 block of W. Highland Street, when the subject grabbed his front waistband area and fled.

As gang detectives pursued the subject, he discarded a loaded firearm and was detained without incident. The firearm was recovered and found to be a 9mm “ghost” gun.

While conducting a probation compliance check of a documented gang member’s residence, SAPD Directed Patrol officers and AB 109 Task Force located 3 handguns, (including a .45 caliber ghost gun), a ½ pound of methamphetamine, more than 3,000 OxyContin pills, marijuana, heroin, U.S. currency and illegal fireworks.

SAPD gang detectives received information about an active gang member in possession of illegally possessed firearms. A search warrant was obtained for his apartment and the suspect was detained without incident.

A search of the apartment was completed and detectives located (4) AR rifles, (1) 9 mm semi-automatic pistols, 9 ounces of heroin, 8 ounces of methamphetamines, weapons manufacturing tools, several extended magazines, US currency and 320 pieces of illegal fireworks.

The subject was arrested for several felony violations and transported to the Santa Ana Jail.

Convicted O.C. felon is sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug and firearms charges

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On August 26, 2019, undercover Detectives from the Fountain Valley Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit conducted an investigation into a subject, Tyler Conklin (30), who was wanted on a no-bail PRCS probation violation warrant.

Detectives initiated a surveillance on Conklin who, with the assistance of Costa Mesa Police Department, was arrested on multiple felony charges including firearms and narcotics offenses. When arrested, Conklin was wearing an empty firearm holster with a Glock-style privately made firearm (ghost gun/firearm manufactured by unlicensed subject) under the passenger seat where he was seated. The firearm had a round in the chamber and the magazine had seven additional rounds. Two additional magazines with seven rounds each were also found under the passenger seat.

A search of Conklin’s residence revealed multiple additional firearms, magazines and ammunition. Conklin was booked at the Orange County Jail with no bail.

In collaboration with agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FVPD Detectives continued to investigate the case. Ultimately, Conklin was prosecuted federally for this case.

As a result of this prosecution, the defendant, Tyler Conklin, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for his conviction on federal narcotics and firearms charges.

This was an excellent example of collaboration between FVPD and our Federal counterparts.

Here is the press release from the ATF regarding Conklin’s conviction:

LOS ANGELES – A convicted felon from Orange County has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for his conviction on federal narcotics and firearms charges, including that he possessed five privately made firearms without serial numbers, aka “ghost guns.”

Tyler Jacob “Jake” Conklin, 31, of Huntington Beach, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge James V. Selna. Conklin after he pleaded guilty in July 2020 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Conklin was arrested following a traffic stop on an outstanding warrant in August 2019 for violating the terms of his Post-Release Community Supervision in relation to multiple drug dealing convictions from O.C. Superior Court dating back from August 2018.

When arrested, Conklin was wearing an empty firearm holster with a Glock-style privately made firearm (ghost gun) under the passenger seat where he was seated. The firearm had a round in the chamber and the magazine had seven additional rounds. Two additional magazines with seven rounds each were also found under the passenger seat.

According to the federal complaint, following Conklin’s arrest, his residence was searched and law enforcement seized 2,243 rounds of ammunition, various components to manufacture firearms, and four privately made firearms including:

  • One Glock-style, .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol bearing no serial number.
  • One SIG SAUER-style firearm, 9 mm semi-automatic, subcompact pistol bearing no serial number.
  • Two Glock-style, 9 mm semi-automatic pistols, bearing no serial number.
  • A Glock-style frame with rear rail system and locking block rail system installed.
  • Glock-style slide.
  • Three Glock-style barrels.
  • Jig and bits used to complete a SIG SAUER-style frame.
  • SIG SAUER-style barrel.
  • Springs and base plates for Glock-style magazines.
  • Fire control and other internal components for Glock-style and SIG SAUER-style pistols.
  • Five large-capacity magazines with capacities ranging from 17 to 33 rounds of ammunition.

Also seized at Conklin’s residence were various drugs including nine baggies totaling 189 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, empty baggies, syringes, glass pipes, and a ledger with pay-owe entries next to a list of firearm components consistent with those used to make private firearms. Conklin admitted in his plea agreement to possessing five privately made firearms without serial numbers.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Fountain Valley Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Bradley E. Marrett of the Santa Ana Branch Office prosecuted this case.

ATF recognizes the role privately made firearms play in violent crimes. ATF’s mission is to target armed violent offenders and career criminals, firearms traffickers, violent gang activity, and domestic and international arms traffickers. ATF investigates and recommends prosecution of these offenders to reduce the level of violent crime and to enhance public safety. ATF also strives to increase state and local awareness of available federal prosecution under federal statutes.

Guns, drugs and cash seized from two suspects by the Tustin Police

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Tustin Police Department officers were dispatched to a local electronics store regarding two suspicious subjects who were possibly engaged in thievery.

Officers contacted Anthony Francis and Clay Curfman outside the store by a truck and a motorcycle. The initial field investigation resulted in the arrest of Francis for possession of a concealed dirk or dagger and the arrest of Curfman for possession of drug paraphernalia.

During a search of the truck, officers located about 95 grams of fentanyl, over 15 grams of methamphetamine, over $25,000 in cash, a functional unserialized semi-automatic pistol, drug sales indicia, drug paraphernalia, and other illegal items.

Both Francis and Curfman were booked into Orange County Jail facing a myriad of felony and misdemeanor offenses.

The SAPD busted a suspect who was allegedly trading guns to gangs for drugs

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Gang detectives served a search warrant at a residence located at the 500 block of N. Linwood Avenue, a few blocks northwest of the home of the Santa Ana Mayor, Vince Sarmiento.

The suspect was selling firearms to gang members in exchange for narcotics.

Two rifles, several hundred rounds of ammunition, and magazines were recovered from the residence.

The suspect was arrested for several felony violations and transported to the Santa Ana Jail.

The SAPD seized a ghost gun from a gangbanger on probation

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SAPD patrol officers responded to assist Orange County Probation who conducted a compliance check at the residence of a known probationer/gang member.

During the search of the residence, a magazine and single bullet were located in a drawer inside of a bedroom.

The probationer admitted to being in possession of a .45 caliber handgun with multiple illegal extended magazines.

Further inspection of the handgun revealed it to be an undetectable prohibited firearm (ghost gun).

Two L.A. gangbangers arrested for killing a man in Garden Grove

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On January 17, 2021 at approximately 3:48 AM, Garden Grove Police Department officers responded to the Hyatt Regency Hotel, located at 11999 Harbor Blvd., regarding a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, they located Eddie Barajas (28-years-old of Stanton), with a single gunshot wound to the head.

All subjects involved in the incident had fled the scene, prior to officers’ arrival. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

After hours of investigation, police detectives were able to locate witnesses who assisted with identifying the suspects as Los Angeles gang members.

On May 18, 2021 at 5:00 AM, a multi-location search warrant was executed in Los Angeles County that led to the arrest of suspects Enrique Torres (19-years-old of Los Angeles) and Agustin Cortez (31-years-old of Hawthorne) for PC 187(a), homicide with Gang Enhancements.

Several Garden Grove Police Department internal units including the K9Unit, SIU, GSU, CIU and SWAT and a number of outside agencies including the El Segundo Police Department SWAT, Hawthorne Police SWAT, North County SWAT, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Ana Police Department, Orange County District Attorney and the Long Beach Police Department Gangs Unit assisted and made the search warrant successful.

The SAPD seized a gun from an anti masker who flipped out at a market

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A subject entered the El Toro Market and was asked to put on a mask by store management. The subject refused, produced a handgun and pointed it at the employee. Store security responded, however the subject fled the scene prior to police officers’ arrival. Through investigative leads, the suspect was identified. A search warrant was served at the suspect’s residence and the firearm used during the commission of the crime was recovered by SAPD police officers.

While SAPD Gang Detectives attempted to contact a subject on parole, the subject turned away, fled on foot, and immediately reached for his waist area. Detectives observed him discard a loaded 9mm “Glock style” ghost gun onto the ground. Detectives chased him into a nearby driveway and took him into custody without incident. The firearm was recovered next to a nylon holster.

Upon contacting a subject in a vehicle, SAPD Gang detectives observed the subject sitting on a loaded magazine. Detectives searched the subject and recovered a loaded Glock .40 cal firearm from his waist area.

SAPD Gang Detectives contacted a subject in a vehicle in the area of the 400 block of N. Eastwood Avenue. A search of his person revealed he was in possession of narcotics and US Currency in different denominations. A search of his vehicle revealed additional narcotics packaged in several baggies, digital scales, and a loaded .40 cal handgun concealed in the vehicle.

SAPD police officers were dispatched to the laundry room area of the Nantucket Apartments to investigate a possible burglary in-progress. Upon the officers’ arrival and contact with the suspects, one immediately fled on foot, while the other two were detained. After a search of the nearby area, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun with a very large drum-style magazine attached, which was loaded with 34 rounds of ammunition. Various narcotics and indicia of narcotic sales were also recovered.

Couple arrested in Garden Grove facing felony weapon and drug charges

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Last week, Garden Grove Community Impact Unit (CIU) police officers were conducting patrol when they noticed a car displaying vehicle code violations, in the area of Katella Ave and Mac St.

They initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle, where the driver, later identified as Alyssa Lira (18-years-old of Gardena), immediately exited the car, upon stopping. Both she and the passenger, Jose Rivera (22-years-old of Anaheim), were continually uncooperative with officers.

They were eventually taken into custody and booked at Orange County Jail for felony possession of a firearm and multiple charges of controlled substance for sale.

During the search and inventory of the car, officers located a loaded Glock 43 “ghost gun”, methamphetamine, Xanax, $3658.00 in currency and indicia indicative of narcotic sales.

This week’s SAPD arrest recap includes a big illegal fireworks bust

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Directed Patrol officers received a tip via the SAPD Firework Tip Line, regarding sales of illegal fireworks at the 2000 blk. of South Oak Street. Further investigation revealed a subject living in this residence is on probation for attempted murder. A probation check was completed of the residence, which resulted in the location and confiscation of a large amount of illegal fireworks with an estimated monetary street value of $50,000.

Possession or use of illegal fireworks is a crim. Violators may be subject to a $1,000 fine & up to 1 year in jail. Report the use of illegal fireworks at (714) 245-8771 / reportfireworks@santa-ana.org.

SAPD MET detectives observed a suspicious vehicle occupied by two adult males parked in the rear lot of the Comfort Inn Hotel. Upon contact, detectives immediately observed a firearm in the center console in between both subjects. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Both subjects were prior convicted felons and one was on probation from the state of Iowa.

While completing a probation check of the residence of an active gang member on probation for firearm violations, SAPD gang detectives and OC probation officers seized a loaded .40 caliber “Glock-style” ghost gun with extended 30 round magazines.

SAPD gang detectives received information regarding a male subject walking in the area of the 2200 block of E Joanna Way holding a shotgun. Detectives responded to the area and detained the subject without incident, and several shotgun shells were found in his possession. A record search revealed the subject is an active gang member from the City of Anaheim living in Santa Ana. A pistol grip shot gun concealed under a mattress was seized from a search of a nearby apartment associated to the subject.

Felon arrested in Santa Ana had weapons and drugs in his possession

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On May 4, 2021, Detectives from the Fountain Valley Police Crime Suppression Unit received information that a wanted subject, 43-year-old David Kalani Gardner, an Orange County Probationer out of the City of Irvine, was hiding out at a Motel 6 in the City of Santa Ana.

Gardner was previously arrested in March 2021 by Fountain Valley Police patrol officers after a traffic stop was initiated in the area of Harbor Blvd and Heil Ave, in the City of Fountain Valley. During that incident, Gardner was in possession of a loaded handgun, approximately 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 1.5 ounces of heroin, and a large sum of cash. (DR# 21-07781).

Detectives worked with Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) to issue a federal complaint and warrant for Gardner regarding the previously mentioned case.

In an attempt to avoid apprehension, Gardner had fled to Northern California and Oregon. Upon his return to Orange County, Detectives conducted surveillance on Gardner and he was taken into custody for the federal warrant, as well as several other Orange County warrants. Detectives conducted a probation search of Gardner’s hotel room and located a stolen rifle, a loaded handgun, body armor, two rifle scopes, and methamphetamine.

Gardner was booked at Orange County Jail for the arrest warrants as well as various weapons violations charges, to include felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. (DR# 21-13728).

The Anaheim police pursued and arrested a suspect armed with a rifle

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Late Tuesday night, Anaheim Police Dispatch received several calls reporting a male brandishing a rifle at passerby’s in the 200 block alley of E. Wakefield Avenue in Anaheim. The crew of Anaheim airship “Angel” located the suspect and confirmed he was armed with a rifle before he entered a vehicle and drove away from the location. The crew of Angel coordinated with APD ground units who attempted a high-risk car stop on the vehicle. The driver initially appeared to yield, but quickly sped away leading officers on a high speed pursuit.

During the pursuit, the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Anaheim resident Lorenzo Armenta fired his rifle at a pursuing Anaheim PD Sergeant. Luckily, the Sergeant was not struck by gunfire. The suspect continued to flee before throwing his weapon from the vehicle. Ultimately, the suspect drove onto the dead end of 200 S. Elders Street where pursuing police units used their vehicles to block the suspect from exiting. On-duty Anaheim Tactical Negotiators began working on communicating with the suspect to convince him to surrender peacefully. Still unwilling to surrender, the suspect attempted to escape by unsuccessfully driving through residents’ yards. Arriving Anaheim PD SWAT personnel used armored vehicles to immobilize the suspect’s car while negotiators continued to appeal to him. After over an hour of negotiations, the suspect surrendered to officers without incident.

ARV’s – or armored rescue vehicles are a valued and effective tool utilized by our department to contain armed and dangerous suspects. The vehicles are used to provide a safe working space for our officers as they attempt to deescalate and negotiate for compliance. As seen in this incident, the armor can help immobilize and prevent the suspect’s gunfire from striking civilians. They can also transport, evacuate and rescue citizens and officers alike.
These tools, coupled with our Tactical Negotiators continue to give our officers options to reach peaceful resolutions, when feasible. This incident occurred after the shooting deaths of two California law enforcement officers. Detective Luca Benedetti of the San Luis Obispo Police Department and Officer Jimmy Inn of the Stockton Police Department were each killed in the line of duty by gunfire in the previous 24-hour span.

Santa Ana female gang shooting suspect arrested

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Santa Ana PD 04/28/2021 Most Wanted Wednesday suspect Patricia Noyola (27) has been taken into custody.

Original Message –

Wanted Suspect: Patricia Noyola (27) Santa Ana

Description: Female, Hispanic, 5’03” tall, 140 lbs., brown eyes, black hair and has a mole under her right eye.

On 02/02/2020, Patricia Noyola and a second suspect confronted the victim about his gang affiliation as he exited a convenience store. During the confrontation, the victim was shot in the upper body. The second suspect has been taken into custody.

Noyola is known to frequent the area of Pacific Avenue and Warner Avenue, Santa Ana.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Noyola is asked to contact Homicide Detective Corporal Lemmon at (714) 245-8363 or MLemmon@santa-ana.org

A man was fatally shot just south of Centennial Park

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On Monday, May 10, 2021, at 10:33 p.m., Santa Ana Police officers responded to a call of a male shot in the 1900 block of S. Fairview Street.

Officers located the male unresponsive with apparent gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Orange County Fire Authority responded and pronounced the subject deceased. SAPD Homicide Detectives responded and assumed the investigation.

The circumstances surrounding the male’s death are currently being investigated. The Orange County Coroner’s Division is on scene and conducting their investigation.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call SAPD Homicide Section Detectives at (714) 245-8390, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

The SAPD’s latest gun-related arrests

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While patrolling the area of the 2700 block of W. 1st Street, SAPD gang detectives observed a suspicious vehicle in the area. Detectives contacted both occupants of the vehicle and discovered they were in possession of narcotics.

During a search of the vehicle, 6,500 Xanax pills (street value of $60K) along with approximately $15,000 and a loaded 9mm handgun were located on the front passenger seat.

SAPD MET police detectives attempted to make contact with a male subject when he ran from them.

During the foot pursuit, the subject discarded a loaded firearm. A record check revealed he was on probation.