Mon. Oct 14th, 2024

On December 31, 2019, at approximately 3:43 p.m., the Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) received a call of a possible suicidal subject armed with a handgun in the area of Orange Ave. and Palmer St.

An officer in the area observed Steven Fernandez, who matched the description of the subject in question. When Fernandez saw the officer, he began to flee on foot while firing several shots at the officer with a handgun. The officer returned fire and Fernandez continued to run and shot at the officer several more time. Neither Fernandez or the officer were hit during the exchange.

Fernandez fled to a garage in the 200 block of Knox Pl. where he shot at a resident. Fernandez was confined to the location by the perimeter established by responding officers.

CMPD SWAT responded and attempted to negotiate with Fernandez. As negotiators were occurring, Fernandez displayed a weapon which led to an officer involved shooting. Fernandez sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to OC Global hospital where he is expected to survive.

Two handguns were recovered from Fernandez. No community members or officers were injured during the incident. This is an ongoing investigation being handled by the CMPD and OC DA’s Office.





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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