SAPD detectives arrested four gang suspects on shooting and murder charges

In our continuous efforts to proactively address gang-related violence, the Santa Ana Police Department Homicide Division conducted a lengthy investigation involving gang members wanted for several gang-related shootings. Based on objective facts gathered by Detectives, multiple search warrants were served throughout this week with the intent to apprehend these wanted and dangerous suspects.

On Monday, December 19, 2022, the Metropolitan Division and Directed Enforcement Team served a search warrant in the 2200 block of North Alona Street, where suspect Jesus Melgoza (24) was taken into custody. Melgoza was arrested for attempted murder and gang-related charges.

On Tuesday, December 20, 2022, two search warrants were served. Major Enforcement Team Detectives and Directed Patrol Team served a search warrant in the 6600 block of Montclair Drive in the City of
Riverside. Suspect Noah Perez (25) was arrested for attempted murder and gang-related charges. Concurrently, the Gang Suppression Unit served a search warrant in the 1300 block of West Walnut Street in Santa Ana.

On Wednesday, December 21, 2022, our SWAT Team served a search warrant in the 2000 block of North Bush Street in Santa Ana. Two suspects, Juan Quiroz (27) and Christian Quiroz (25), were arrested for attempted murder and gang-related charges.

“These arrests following extensive investigations, demonstrate our continuous and persistent efforts to address gang violence in our community proactively. This multi-search warrant operation on some of the most complex cases is a testament to the diligent work coordinated by our Homicide Unit, along with the assistance of various Divisions throughout the Department. We will remain focused and relentless in our public safety mission of preventing, responding to and mitigating crime,” said Police Chief David Valentin.

Anyone with information related to gang crimes should call SAPD Gang Suppression Unit at (714) 245-8648, Homicide Section Detectives at (714) 245-8390 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIPOCCS.

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.

See Full Bio