Earlier this week, Santa Ana police arrested a man who used a machete to steal alcohol from the Stater Bros on the northside of Ward 4. After threatening store employees, the suspect fled on foot and attempted to hide at a nearby residence.
The SAPD deployed its drone unit, quickly located the suspect, and officers moved in to make the arrest.
According to Councilmember Phil Bacerra, the drone ensured the suspect did not escape and helped remove a dangerous individual from Ward 4.
Likely Criminal Charges, Penalties, and Fees
Based on the facts provided, the suspect is likely facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges under California law:
- Assault with a deadly weapon — Using a machete to threaten employees qualifies as ADW under Penal Code §245(a)(1). Penalties can include 2–4 years in state prison, fines up to $10,000, and a strike under California’s Three Strikes law.
- Robbery — Taking property by force or fear is a felony punishable by 2–5 years in prison.
- Commercial burglary — Entering a business with intent to steal carries up to 3 years in custody.
- Brandishing a weapon — Displaying a machete in a threatening manner can add jail time and fines.
- Possession of a dangerous weapon — Depending on circumstances, this may add misdemeanor or felony exposure.
- Resisting arrest — If the suspect attempted to evade officers, penalties include up to 1 year in jail.
Fees and administrative costs the suspect may face include:
- Santa Ana Jail booking fees
- Court security fees
- Conviction fines and restitution
- Probation supervision fees
- Weapon destruction fees
- Emergency response cost recovery if applicable
Machetes in U.S. Crime
While machetes are not among the most common weapons used in violent crime, they appear in a measurable number of incidents nationwide. FBI and DOJ reporting shows:
- Machetes fall under the “edged weapon” category, which accounts for roughly 10–12% of U.S. aggravated assaults.
- Specific machete‑related crimes have increased in media reporting over the last decade due to their intimidation factor and accessibility.
- Law enforcement agencies note machetes are often used by transient offenders, robbery suspects, and individuals involved in drug‑related disputes.
Alcohol Theft Trends in Orange County
Retail theft of alcohol is a persistent issue across Orange County:
- OC retailers report thousands of dollars in monthly losses from alcohol theft, especially beer, hard seltzers, and mid‑priced liquor.
- Organized retail theft crews frequently target alcohol because it is easy to resell, high‑demand, and difficult to trace.
- Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Garden Grove consistently report higher rates of shoplifting compared to smaller cities like Villa Park or Laguna Woods.
Why suspects steal alcohol:
- Addiction and substance dependency
- Resale for quick cash
- Homelessness‑related survival theft
- Gang‑related fundraising
- Impulsive crimes committed while intoxicated
Drone‑Assisted Policing in Orange County
SAPD’s drone program has become one of the most effective tools in local policing:
- Orange County agencies report dozens of arrests each year directly assisted by drones.
- Drones help officers locate fleeing suspects, monitor large crime scenes, and reduce risk to officers and the public.
- Cities in Orange County currently using police drones include:
- Santa Ana
- Anaheim
- Irvine
- Costa Mesa
- Huntington Beach
- Garden Grove
- Laguna Beach
- Newport Beach
These programs have been credited with improving response times, reducing officer injuries, and increasing arrest rates in foot‑pursuit cases.
Santa Ana City Council Members Who Opposed Police Drone Use
Several Santa Ana council members opposed SAPD’s drone program when it was debated:
- Jessie Lopez
- Benjamin Vazquez
- Isuri Ramos (a Council candidate that is aligned with anti‑police‑union groups)
Their objections centered on privacy concerns, surveillance fears, and general skepticism toward expanding police tools. They prioritize the criminals over the law-abiding residents of Santa Ana.
Jessie Lopez’s State Assembly Run and Public Safety Concerns
Councilwoman Jessie Lopez, now running for State Assembly, has a long record of opposing police initiatives, including drones, increased staffing, and certain enforcement operations. Some residents and public‑safety advocates argue that her positions reflect:
- Consistent resistance to law‑enforcement technology
- Support for policies that reduce penalties for offenders
- Alignment with organizations that favor decarceration and reduced policing
If elected to the Assembly, critics worry she could:
- Vote against statewide public‑safety funding
- Support legislation reducing penalties for violent or repeat offenders
- Oppose expansion of police technology such as drones, automated license plate readers, or real‑time crime centers
- Advance policies that make it harder for prosecutors to secure convictions
These concerns reflect the perspective of public‑safety advocates and should be a concern to all the residents of Santa Ana.