Last night, SAPD MET Detectives conducted proactive policing in a known gang territory where a recent gang shooting homicide occurred. 

A vehicle was stopped for violating traffic laws and four documented gang members were contacted. 

MET Detectives collaborated with Homicide Detectives and it was discovered that one of the detained occupants was wanted for questioning in a gang homicide. It was also determined that two other occupants in the vehicle were persons of interest on an unrelated incident involving witness intimidation with associated gang enhancements. The fourth occupant was found to be in violation of his probation.

All suspects were arrested and transported to the Santa Ana Police Department where they were interviewed by Homicide Detectives. 

One of the arrestees was subsequently booked for PC 187, Murder.  The investigations are ongoing.

 – ORIGINAL MESSAGE –

On Thursday, September 2, 2021, at approximately 5:01 PM, the Santa Ana Police Department responded to the 1600 South block of Evergreen Street after receiving calls of a shooting. Officers arrived on scene and located an adult male with apparent gunshot wounds to his upper body. Officers immediately began life saving measures. Orange County Fire Authority paramedics arrived on scene and transported the victim to a local hospital. The victim underwent emergency surgery but ultimately succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The Orange County Coroner’s Office conducted their investigation and identified the victim as Miguel Angel Benitez.

This is still considered an active homicide investigation. This investigation is a gang related homicide and qualifies for the Gang Homicide and Felony Assault Reward Program.

The Santa Ana Police Department’s Homicide Unit is handling the investigation. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact (714) 245-8390.

Editor’s Note – Santa Ana City Councilman Johnathan Ryan Hernandez has been actively trying to defund the SAPD MET division.