Tue. Mar 18th, 2025
An OC suspect was arrested for the gang-related shooting of two victims

On Sunday, March 16, 2025, at approximately 8:50 p.m., police officers responded to reports of a shooting near the intersection of Mandrell Drive and Koledo Lane, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD).

Upon arrival, officers discovered two adult male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Both individuals were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment, and their injuries are considered non-life-threatening.

Detectives from the HBPD Major Crimes Unit and Special Investigations Bureau responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation.

One suspect, 27-year-old Raul Bustillos of Huntington Beach, has been arrested. The incident is believed to be gang-related, and detectives are actively investigating the possibility of additional suspects who remain outstanding.

Currently, there is no ongoing threat to the public or community. The investigation continues, and no further details are available at this time.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to call Detective Isai Rodriguez at (714) 536-5970. To remain anonymous, please contact the OC Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227).

In California, gang-related offenses carry severe penalties due to the state’s efforts to curb gang violence. If someone is convicted of shooting two victims in a gang-related incident but not killing them, the penalties can be significant.

Under the Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention (STEP) Act, the following penalties may apply:

  1. Felony Charges: The crime would likely be charged as a felony, which can result in substantial prison time.
  2. Sentencing Enhancements: Gang-related enhancements can add additional years to the sentence. For example, a standard felony conviction could be augmented by an additional two to four years if it is established that the offense was gang-related.
  3. Serious Felonies: If the shooting is classified as a serious felony (e.g., attempted murder), the enhancements can be even more severe, potentially adding five years to life imprisonment.

The exact penalties would depend on various factors, including the severity of the injuries, the defendant’s criminal history, and their level of involvement with the gang..

author avatar
Art Pedroza Editor
Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

By Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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