Detectives are attempting to locate Jorge Luis Tapia (24), who is wanted for assaulting his pregnant girlfriend, causing significant injuries, according to the SAPD.
Tapia also reportedly assaulted her 5-year-old daughter during the same incident.
Tapia is believed to be driving a gold 2001 Chevy Suburban (CA plate # 5JPX904) and is known to frequent the area of Lyon Street and McFadden Avenue.
If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact Detective C. Gutierrez at (714) 245-8350 / cgutierrez@santa-ana.org or the Watch Commander at (714) 245-8700.
In California, assaulting your pregnant girlfriend and her five-year-old daughter falls under domestic violence laws, which carry severe penalties. Here are some key points:
- Domestic Violence Charges: Assaulting an intimate partner, such as a girlfriend, is considered domestic violence under California Penal Code 137001. This includes causing bodily injury or placing the victim in fear of imminent serious injury.
- Penalties for Domestic Violence:
- Misdemeanor: Less severe cases can result in up to one year in county jail and fines up to $2,000.
- Felony: More severe cases, especially those involving significant injuries or repeat offenses, can lead to a state prison sentence of two to four years.
- Child Endangerment: Assaulting a child is treated as child endangerment under California Penal Code 273a. Penalties can include:
- Misdemeanor: Up to one year in county jail.
- Felony: Two to six years in state prison if the child is at risk of great bodily harm or death.
- Additional Consequences: Convictions can also lead to restraining orders, loss of firearm rights, and impact on employment opportunities.
