Police dispatch received a call about a fight in progress at a residence in the 5700 block of Edinger Ave. on Thursday at approximately 3:30 p.m., according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.
Upon arrival, the patrol officers located the adult male victim with significant injuries. He was immediately transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
The suspect was contacted at the residence and immediately retreated inside. He ignored all commands to exit the residence.
On duty, Crisis Negotiation Team members made contact with the suspect and made numerous attempts to de-escalate the situation. The suspect remained uncooperative.
The HBPD SWAT Team, Major Crimes Unit detectives, Drone Team, and HBFD then responded to the scene. Negotiators continued dialogue with the suspect.
At approximately 9:15 pm, after several hours and obvious signs and statements that the suspect was not going to cooperate, the SWAT team deployed specialty munitions into the residence. After several minutes, the suspect exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident.
Based on interviews and evidence located at the scene, Zachary Romanak, 49, of Huntington Beach, was arrested and transported to the Huntington Beach City Jail. Charges are pending.
The investigation is ongoing, and no further details will be released at this time.
Anyone with information related to this crime is asked to call Detective Sergeant Anthony Pham at (714) 878-5640. To remain anonymous, please contact OC Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227).
Editor’s Note: An online source indicated that Romanak allegedly shot a repo agent in the face. The agent was apparently trying to repossess a boat from Romanak.
Potential Primary Charges and Sentences
- Attempted Murder (PC 664/187): If prosecutors determine there was a specific intent to kill, Romanak could face:
- First-Degree: Life imprisonment with the possibility of parole if the act was premeditated and deliberate.
- Second-Degree: 5, 7, or 9 years in state prison.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon (PC 245): If charged specifically for the use of a firearm, he faces:
- Semiautomatic Firearm: 3, 6, or 9 years in state prison.
- Generic Firearm: 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison.
Mandatory Sentencing Enhancements
Because the incident allegedly involved a firearm and caused significant injury, California’s “10-20-Life” law (PC 12022.53) may apply:
- Firing a Gun and Causing Great Bodily Injury: An additional and consecutive 25 years to life in state prison.
- Simply Firing a Gun: An additional 20 years in prison.
Additional Legal Consequences
- Three Strikes Law: Attempted murder and assault with a firearm are considered “violent felonies,” meaning a conviction counts as a “strike.” A third strike would carry a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life.
- Financial Penalties: Fines of up to $10,000 and mandatory restitution to the victim for medical costs and other damages.
- Loss of Rights: A lifetime ban on owning or possessing any firearms.
Did they really have to slam his face into the ground? Crap like that is why people don’t like the police. There are 50 officers with automatic weapons pointed at him. And just for fun the slam the guy’s face into the cement to make a point?
He allegedly shot a repo man in the face. Most likely was resisting arrest too. Sad that he did not just let the repo guy take the boat. Now he is looking at years in prison.