The SAPD cracks down on illegal guns in a two-week surge of arrests

Santa Ana, CA — In a continued effort to combat gun violence and enhance public safety, the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) has released a summary of recent firearm-related incidents and arrests spanning from June 28 to July 11, 2025. The department’s proactive enforcement strategies, in collaboration with regional partners, have led to multiple arrests and the recovery of illegal firearms across the city.

Firearm Seizures: A Two-Week Snapshot

SAPD’s latest report, titled “Firearm Weekly Seizures,” showcases the department’s commitment to removing illegal weapons from the streets. The campaign reflects a series of targeted operations involving patrol officers, gang detectives, and specialized units.

Multi-Agency Traffic Stop Leads to Firearm and Narcotics Arrests

In a coordinated effort involving SAPD officers, Orange County District Attorney (OCDA) Investigators, and OC Probation Officers, a traffic stop on a known probationer resulted in the seizure of narcotics and a firearm. Multiple individuals were arrested, demonstrating the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in addressing probation violations and illegal weapon possession.

Foot and Vehicle Pursuits Yield Arrests and Firearm Recovery

Patrol officers conducting proactive enforcement near 2300 W. 1st Street attempted a traffic stop that escalated into a foot pursuit. A passenger fled the vehicle but was quickly apprehended while armed. The vehicle fled the scene, prompting a pursuit that ended in Garden Grove, where additional suspects were arrested and booked at Santa Ana Jail.

Security Guard Detains Armed Suspect at Downtown Location

Officers responded to 300 N. Main Street after a private security guard detained a suspect attempting to enter a building while armed. Officers recovered a loaded firearm from the suspect’s waistband without incident. The individual was arrested and charged with firearm-related offenses.

Gang Detectives Intervene During Graffiti Vandalism, Recover Two Firearms

In the area of Newhope Street and Westminster Avenue, gang detectives observed fresh graffiti and confronted a group of individuals actively tagging a wall. The suspects fled, discarding a firearm. A second weapon was recovered during a search. All suspects were arrested and booked for multiple firearm violations.

Proactive Patrol at Cedar Street Results in Arrest

At 1600 S. Cedar Street, patrol officers encountered individuals loitering during a proactive sweep. One subject fled and discarded a loaded firearm but was quickly apprehended. The suspect was arrested and booked for multiple firearm-related offenses.

Commitment to Community Safety

These incidents underscore the Santa Ana Police Department’s ongoing commitment to proactive policing and community safety. Through strategic enforcement, inter-agency cooperation, and rapid response, SAPD continues to make significant strides in reducing gun violence and holding offenders accountable.

For more updates and safety tips, follow the Santa Ana Police Department on official social media channels or visit santa-ana.org/pd.

Here’s a summary of the penalties that the suspects in the above-referenced six firearm-related incidents could face under California law as of 2025:

1. Felon or Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm (PC § 29800)

• Penalty: Felony
• Punishment: Up to 3 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000
• Applies to convicted felons, narcotics addicts, and individuals under restraining orders 1.

2. Carrying a Concealed Firearm Without a Permit (PC § 25400)

• Penalty: Misdemeanor or felony (depending on circumstances)
• Punishment: Up to 1 year in jail (misdemeanor) or up to 3 years in prison (felony), plus fines 1.

3. Possession of a Loaded Firearm in Public (PC § 25850)

• Penalty: Misdemeanor or felony
• Punishment: Up to 3 years in prison, depending on prior convictions 2.

4. Possession of an Assault Weapon or Prohibited Firearm (PC § 30605)

• Penalty: Felony
• Punishment: Up to 3 years in prison 1.

5. Gang-Related Firearm Offenses (PC § 186.22)

• Penalty: Felony with enhancements
• Punishment: Can result in a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law, increasing future sentences 1.

6. Sentencing Enhancements for Firearm Use (PC § 12022)

• Penalty: Additional time added to the base sentence
• Punishment: 1 to 10 years extra, depending on the crime and firearm involvement1.

7. Probation Violations

• Penalty: Revocation of probation
• Punishment: Additional jail or prison time, and new felony charges if the violation involves a firearm 1.

These penalties can be stacked if multiple violations occur in a single incident. For example, someone on probation who flees from police while carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm could face several felony charges and enhancements.