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Category Archives: Guns

A man was shot and seriously wounded near the Fairview Mobile Home park

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An unidentified man was shot near the Fairview Mobile Home Park, at the 200 block of South Sullivan Street, in Santa Ana on Monday night.

SAPD police officers responded to the scene at about 8:35 p.m. They discovered the victim had been shot in his upper body.

The victim is expected to survive. He is in critical condition at a local hospital.

The victim went through several hours of surgery before the doctors could stabilize him.

The SAPD police investigators believe the victim was shot and wounded when he was standing near the entrance to the mobile home park.

The SAPD does not yet have a description of a suspect or a motive for the shooting.

The victims of the mass shooting in Orange have been identified

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The identities have been confirmed for the four victims killed in Wednesday’s tragic incident at 202 W Lincoln. Those deceased include 28 year-old Genevieve Raygoza, 50 year-old Luis Tovar, 9 year-old Matthew Farias and 58 year-old, Leticia Solis Guzman, according to the Orange Police Department. The 9-year-old boy’s mother Ismeralda Tamayo is believed to be the lone survivor of the shooting. She remains in the hospital in critical condition.

Thalia Tovar,  the daughter of Luis Tovar, and sister of Genevieve Raygoza, has started a GoFundMe page to help pay for for funeral services and medical expenses for all the families affected.

Thalia’s statement from her GoFundMePage:

We are so deeply saddened by the loss of our father, sister, and close family friends. We can use any and all support during this time. We are hoping to raise enough to help all of the families because my dad wouldn’t have had it any other way. – Vania Tovar (Daughter to Luis & Sister to Genevieve)

Genevieve Arlene Raygoza was an amazing mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, and loving friend. She leaves behind two beautiful boys who will be looked after by their father, Armando Raygoza. She had a smile that could light up any room and a caring nature of putting other’s needs before hers. Although her life ended prematurely, she made a huge impact in the lives of those who were fortunate to call her a loved one or a friend. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will live on in our hearts forever. We love and miss you, Gen! – Armando Raygoza (Husband to Genevieve).

In related news, Aminadab Gaxiola Gonzalez, the suspect in this week’s mass shooting in Orange, is facing several felony charges per our previous article posted earlier today.

Suspect in the mass shooting in Orange charged with 4 counts of murder and 3 counts of attempted murder

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SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man accused of shooting and killing four people, including a 9-year-old boy, and attempting to kill three more people Wednesday evening after chaining the gates of an Orange business complex closed has been charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. The suspect suffered gunshot wounds after opening fire on two Orange police officers.

Aminadab Gaxiola Gonzalez, 44, of Fullerton has been charged with four felony counts of murder, one felony count of attempted murder, and two felony counts of attempted murder of a police officer.

Gaxiola has also been charged with four felony enhancements of the personal discharge of a firearm causing death, one felony enhancement of the personal discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury, one felony enhancement of premeditation, one felony enhancement of the personal use of a firearm, one felony enhancement of the personal discharge of a firearm.

Prosecutors are also alleging the special circumstance of multiple murders. Gaxiola is eligible for the death penalty.

On Wednesday, March 31, around 5:34 p.m. a 911 caller reported a man shooting into a business at 202 W. Lincoln Avenue in the City of Orange.

Police arrived minutes later to find the gates to the business’ courtyard had been locked with a bicycle cable-type lock, preventing officers from accessing the property. A man, later identified as Gaxiola, is accused of shooting at the two officers, who returned fire. Gaxiola was wounded.

Officers used bolt cutters to cut the locks and found four people who had been shot to death within the business complex, including a 9-year-old boy. A man and two women were also found dead. A third woman was wounded and taken to a hospital where she remains in critical but stable condition.

The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of next of kin. Gaxiola and all the adult victims had both personal and business connections to each other.

Gaxiola remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. He is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon from his hospital bed with the hearing livestreamed from Department C5.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is continuing to investigate the officer-involved shooting that occurred during this incident as is standard with officer-involved shootings and custodial deaths involving the Orange Police Department. The legal conclusions and any relevant body-worn camera footage will be published on the District Attorney’s website at www.orangecountyda.org once the investigation is completed.

“Our hearts are shattered into a million pieces as the community mourns the loss of four innocent lives, including a young boy, as a result of the horrific events that unfolded Wednesday evening and we pray for the recovery of the sole survivor,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “The taking of the life of another human being is the most serious of crimes and the slaughter of multiple people while they were essentially locked in a shooting gallery is nothing short of terrifying. We ask our sworn police officers to answer calls for help and race into dangerous situations. Thankfully the police officers who answered the call that day escaped injury. The residents of Orange County can rest assured that the District Attorney’s Office is taking every possible step to ensure that every aspect of this case and the subsequent officer-involved shooting is thoroughly reviewed and that justice will be served for each and every victim.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Mena Guirguis of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

Fullerton man identified as the suspect in yesterday’s mass shooting in Orange

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Aminadab Gaxiola Gonzalez, a 44-year-old resident of Fullerton, has been identified as the suspect who allegedly conducted a mass shooting in Orange yesterday that resulted in the deaths of a man, two women and a a 9-year-old boy at an Orange business complex. The 9-year-old is believed to be the son of one of the victims who worked at the business. The child apparently died in his mother’s arms.

Gonzalez was shot in the head and hand and remained hospitalized in critical but stable condition on Thursday. Gonzales is believed to have been injured when Orange police officers fired their weapons at him as they responded to the shooting incident however it is also possible that he shot himself.

If convicted, Gonzalez would be eligible for the death penalty, according to OCDA Todd Spitzer, who has said that this will be treated as a special circumstance case.

The Orange Police Department stated that the attack was not a random one. All of the victims knew the suspect through either a business or personal relationship. The shooting happened at two business suites belonging to Unified Homes, a real estate business that specializes in mobile homes. The shooting was reportedly inside one of the multiple business suites in the building but spread to a courtyard area.

Police officers found a backpack they believe belonged to the suspect that contained pepper spray, handcuffs and ammunition.

Orange police officers were called at around 5:30 p.m. because of shots fired at a business at 202 W. Lincoln Avenue.

When the Orange police officers arrived at the scene, they found that the front and back wrought iron gates had been locked from the inside, with a bicycle-type cable lock, which meant they were not able to get into the premises in order to get to engage the suspect. The suspect shot at the responding police officers and they returned fire, from outside the gate.

The identities of the victims were not released because authorities are still working to notify the next of kin. Relatives with questions about loved ones who may have been victims of the shooting should contact the Orange Police Department.

Update from the Orange Police Dept. as of 3:00 p.m:

Reference the 9-1-1 calls and officer response time: We received five initial 9-1-1 calls. The first caller to OPD Dispatch was at 5:34:51 in which a male was reported to be shooting into a building across the street. The first Orange Police Officer on scene was at 5:36 p.m., which was under two minutes. Shots were reported to have been fired by officers within minutes of their arrival.

Regarding the suspect: Investigators have established the suspect arrived at the location in a rental car which has been located in the parking lot of 202 W. Lincoln Ave. The suspect is believed to have been living out of a motel in Anaheim.

We have obtained video footage from inside the business location which shows the suspect inside. The video is not available for release at this time, however a still image is available. The Orange County Crime Lab is currently at the location processing the scene. The identities of the victims are not yet confirmed. We will provide the identity of the victims as soon as they are available. We feel for the families who believe their loved ones may be one of the victims. Investigators will remain on scene throughout the day and likely into the night until the investigation is complete by the Orange County Crime Lab and the Orange County Coroner’s Office. The identities of the victims will be released in collaboration with the Orange County Coroner’s Office as soon as the information becomes available.

If anyone has any information about the incident, please call Orange Police Department at 714-744-7444.

A shooting suspect shot several victims and then the Orange Police shot him

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Today at 5:30 pm, the Orange Police Department responded to a call of shots fired at 202 W. Lincoln Ave. That’s the address of a multi-tenant office building.

Police officers arrived as shots were being fired and located multiple victims at the scene including fatalities.

An officer involved shooting occurred.

There were over a dozen police cars at the scene and a SWAT vehicle.

The situation has been stabilized and there is no threat to the public.

At least four people are reported dead, including a child, and two others injured, including the suspected shooter. 

Suspect arrested in Fountain Valley with guns, drugs and cash

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On 3/15/21 at approximately 11:15 pm, a Fountain Valley police officer conducted a traffic stop in the City of Fountain Valley near the area of Harbor Boulevard and Heil Avenue.

During the traffic stop, the Officer learned one of the vehicle’s occupants was on active post release community supervision (PRCS/Probation).

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, the officer located the following items:

  • (2) Loaded Glock handguns
  • Approximately 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine
  • Approximately 1.5 ounces of heroin
  • A large amount of cash
  • A digital scale
  • Narcotics paraphernalia

All three occupants of the vehicle were arrested for various charges including: felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of narcotics for sales, outstanding warrants, a probation hold, and other charges.

The SAPD seized more guns, cash and drugs in several arrests this week

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While conducting a traffic stop in the area of the 1700 block of N. Fairview Avenue, SAPD officers observed a firearm wedged between the driver and the center console. The driver was ultimately arrested for being in possession of a loaded .380 caliber firearm.

While on patrol in the area of Tech Center Drive and Dyer Road, SAPD officers stopped a vehicle for traffic violations. While talking with the driver, officers learned he was on parole for a firearms violation. A search of the vehicle was conducted and a loaded semi-automatic handgun was located in the glovebox.

Orange County Probation Officers and SAPD Gang Unit detectives contacted four subjects in the parking lot of El Salvador Park. They were all documented gang members and one of the subjects was on active probation for weapon violations. Detectives searched a vehicle associated with the group and located a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol, narcotics, scales, and US currency in the vehicle.

While conducting a traffic stop in the area of the 2600 block of W. Adrin Way, the driver attempted to walk away from SAPD MET Detectives, while at the same time discarding narcotics. The driver was contacted and additional narcotics were located inside the vehicle. A records check revealed the driver is prohibited from owning / possessing firearms. During the investigation, the driver admitted to having firearms in his residence. A search of his residence was conducted and two loaded semi-automatic firearms were recovered.

SAPD Gang Unit Detectives patrolling the alley of the 900 block of S. Standard Avenue made contact with a probationer. A search of his person and vehicle resulted in the recovery of a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Detectives completed a follow up search of the probationer’s residence and located additional ammunition and a holster for the seized firearm.

While completing a probation search of an active gang member on formal probation for weapons violations, SAPD Gang Detectives & Crime Suppression Officers seized a loaded semi-automatic AR-15 Pistol Rifle with an extended magazine, a loaded Glock 43 9mm and a loaded Taurus 9mm. A further search of the residence revealed narcotics packaging material, narcotics, and more than $14,000 in US currency.

SAPD MET Detectives conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Hampton Inn Hotel. A records check revealed the driver had a recent arrest for narcotics sales from the City of Irvine, and the passenger was on probation with search and seizure terms. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of approximately 5oz of methamphetamine and a rifle cleaning kit. Subsequently a probation search was conducted of their hotel room which resulted in the recovery of an AR-15 pistol with ammunition, additional narcotics and an Aimpoint rifle scope.

This week’s SAPD gun-related arrests

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A team of SAPD Traffic Division motor officers responded to the 2400 blk of W. Edinger Ave. to serve a vehicle seizure court order as follow-up to an intersection takeover incident #STEARRD which occurred in January. The vehicle was located at the residence & the registered owner was contacted. During the inventory search of the vehicle, the officers located a loaded .40 cal. Glock handgun in the passenger compartment, with one round in an illegal high-capacity magazine.

While conducting a patrol check in the area of W. Myrtle St., the SAPD Gang Suppression Unit contacted an individual who was in possession of a loaded 9mm firearm.

During a traffic stop in the area of 5th St. and Sullivan St., the driver & passenger consented to a search of the vehicle. As a result, a loaded .22 caliber revolver was located adjacent to the driver’s seat.

SAPD MET detectives observed a vehicle commit traffic violations in the area of 1st St. and Newhope Ave. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a firearm from the driver’s side door pocket & a loaded magazine from the glove box.

While on patrol in the area of Standard Ave and St. Andrew Pl,. SAPD Directed Patrol officers observed a vehicle driving erratically. Upon contact, the driver displayed signs of intoxication. A search of the driver’s vehicle revealed numerous open alcohol containers along with 2 unsecured semi-auto handguns.

SAPD Gang Detectives & State Parole officers completed a parole search of a documented gang member living in the City of Orange. A search of his residence revealed a loaded 10 mm Glock semi-automatic pistol. A further search of the residence, revealed 3 additional high capacity magazines with several rounds of ammunition.

SAPD Directed Patrol officers assisted Vice Detectives with a search warrant of an illegal marijuana distribution center. Upon searching the vehicle of an employee associated with the location, a loaded .45 caliber semi-auto handgun was recovered from the backseat.

While conducting a search of a vehicle due to a traffic stop, the SAPD Gang Suppression Unit recovered a loaded 9mm firearm.

While conducting a follow up investigation on a recent narcotic sales case, SAPD Directed Patrol officers responded to Motel 6 for a probation search where they encountered 4 people inside the room. During a search of the room officers located additional narcotics & a loaded .40 caliber handgun.

SAPD Civic Center Patrol officers assisted OC Probation officers with a probation check in the area of the 1400 blk of S. Shelton St. During the search of the residence, a loaded 9mm semi-auto handgun was recovered.

The SAPD seized several guns in a crackdown on paroled gangbangers

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In response to an increase in violent crime, SAPD Gang Detectives organized probation and parole compliance checks on several active gang members. With assistance from various SAPD units & OC Probation Department, compliance checks at 26 locations were completed.

As a result of “Operation Community First”, 8 violent gang members were arrested for probation violations or felony warrants.

During a search of a residence, a loaded sawed off pistol grip .22 caliber rifle was located in the kitchen, concealed in a backpack.

Officers were on patrol at Edna Park when they observed and detained a subject for loitering. During a search of his person, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun in his waistband. Officers also searched a vehicle associated with the subject and located an additional loaded 9mm magazine, gang indicia and narcotics.

Patrol officers conducted a patrol check in the area of the 500 block of E. Pine Street due to a recent homicide. Officers observed a vehicle parked adjacent to a red curb in front of a memorial for the victim. The vehicle was occupied by two gang members who were on probation. A search of the vehicle yielded a loaded Glock 40 caliber handgun under the passenger’s seat.

Gang Detectives and a Directed Patrol Officer were conducting gang and violent street crime suppression when they observed a vehicle commit several vehicle code violations. The driver and passenger were removed from the vehicle for narcotic related violations. During a search of the passenger, a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun was located in his pant’s pocket. During a search of the vehicle, 35 additional 9mm bullets were located. A record check revealed the passenger is a convicted felon.

In our continued commitment to impact community safety and remove guns off the streets, patrol officers conducted a patrol check in the area of Fairview Street and Trask Avenue. During a traffic stop, the driver self-admitted to being a member of a criminal street gang and on parole. A search of his vehicle yielded a loaded revolver under the passenger seat.

A Garden Grove man was arrested after repeatedly firing an assault rifle at his home

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Over the weekend, Garden Grove police officers responded to the 14000 Block of Flower St. regarding a subject shooting multiple rounds into the air.

Upon officers’ arrival, witnesses stated the suspect, later identified as David Briones-Torres, lived in a nearby residence and was last seen walking towards his garage.

The area was surrounded and K9 Officer Kody was utilized to check the garage and confirm someone was inside. Officers were then able to open the garage and give announcements for Briones-Torres to exit. After several announcements he appeared, holding a semi-automatic rifle; he rested the rifle between his legs, appearing to comply and give up.

A few seconds later he changed his mind and attempted to close the garage.

K9 Kody was deployed and was able to subdue the suspect before he could reach for the weapon and shut the garage.

Once Briones-Torres was taken into custody, it was determined the weapon was a loaded AR-15 style, .223 caliber rifle, with an attached 60 round drum magazine. The magazine contained over 40 rounds of live ammunition.

Further investigation found he likely only stopped firing because the weapon had malfunctioned. Briones-Torres was later booked into Orange County Jail.

Costa Mesa K9 officers help to make a big drug bust

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Earlier this week, Costa Mesa police officers made a traffic stop of a vehicle that resulted in a search of the car.

The police officers located approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine, an assault rifle with a drum magazine, a fully automatic “ghost gun,” ammunition, body armor, and other contraband.

Two Costa Mesa police K9s assisted with K9 Bodi helping to locate the drugs. An arrest was then made.

The SAPD is investigating a fatal shooting

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On Friday, March 5, 2021, at 11:26 PM, Santa Ana Police Officers responded to the 1400 block of W. Elder Avenue in response to reports of a shooting victim.

Officers arrived and located a male adult lying on the driveway, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to his upper torso.

Orange County Fire Authority arrived on scene and transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The circumstances surrounding the male’s death are currently being investigated. Detectives are attempting to identify and locate any witnesses who can shed light on this incident.

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.

SAPD police officers seized two guns and drugs in two arrests on Friday

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The SAPD police officers were busy on Friday seizing two guns and narcotics in two separate incidents.

SAPD Gang Detectives conducted a vehicle stop in the area of 2900 S Douglas St. During a search of the vehicle, a loaded .45 semi-auto pistol was located under the passenger seat. A search of the female passenger revealed she was in possession of narcotics.

SAPD MET Detectives conducted a patrol check in the area of 4th St. and Eastwood Ave.

During a traffic stop, narcotics were seen in plain view inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted & a loaded semi-auto handgun and additional narcotics were located.

There was a drive-by shooting in Santa Ana’s Park Santiago neighborhood

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A drive-by shooting was reported in Santa Ana’s Park Santiago Neighborhood yesterday, at the 2500 block of Larchmont, at the corner of Joana, in broad daylight at 3:22 p.m.

Four SAPD vehicles responded to the scene as well as a department helicopter.

Two victims, allegedly age 18-25, were injured in the shooting and apparently made their way to a local hospital after getting shot.

The shooters were reportedly two Hispanic males. One of them was sitting on the corner with an “OC” tattoo on his lower right leg and the other was standing on the south side of Joana. The tattooed suspect shot once at two Hispanic males in a black Nissan 4-door coupe, apparently aiming at the driver. The passenger in the black Nissan leaned out and and apparently was able to fire one shot back.

The driver of the Nissan then drove his car from Joana, turned right, heading north, into Larchmont, where the passenger shot at the first shooter.

A neighbor said she heard a total of three shots. She saw two men hop into a gold-colored car that came into the area through Grovemont, from Lincoln.

Neighbors were shocked by the shooting as this type of crime is rare in the Park Santiago area. There are questions now as to whether or not any of the victims or suspects actually live in the area or were just passing through.

The SAPD did not issue a press release about the incident.

Many of the residents of the Park Santiago neighborhood opposed a proposed luxury apartment development at 2525 N. Main last year. The City Council flipped on that project and it was derailed. The dilapidated office building at that site is now a focal point of nefarious activities by drug users and transients who hang out at Santiago Park.

Four Garden Grove gang members arrested during a drug bust

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The Garden Grove Police Department Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) had been conducting an ongoing investigation into gang members selling narcotics in Garden Grove.

Over the weekend, GSU police detectives were able to develop information on the suspects’ whereabouts and conducted a vehicle stop.

Three pounds of Marijuana was found in plain view, with $20K in cash also seized from the vehicle.GSU then obtained and served a search warrant, with the help of the K9Unit and patrol officers.

During the service, a Glock 22 .40 Cal ghost gun, a Glock 43 .9mm ghost gun, over 500 rounds of 9mm ammunition, an additional $5k in cash (totaling $25K), 1000 MDMA pills, an additional six pounds of Marijuana, 500+ Xanax pills, several vials of Ketamine, and 500+ Oxycontin/fentanyl pills was seized.

Four suspects were arrested and later booked in Orange County Jail.