On August 9, at approximately 6 p.m., a victim was working at a food truck near Washington Avenue and Santiago Street when a female suspect assaulted her without provocation, according to the SAPD.
In the surveillance video released by the SAPD the suspect is seen brutally attacking a slim young woman and she only stops the assault when the victim’s friend comes along to support her. The victim’s friend was brawnier and that apparently scared the suspect into leaving the scene.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic female, 35–45 years old, wearing a red oversized T-shirt and black socks.
If you can identify her, please contact Police Investigative Specialist V. Lee at (714) 245-8375 or VLee@santa-ana.org.
Meth users on the attack
Methamphetamine use is strongly associated with violent behavior, including assaults, though exact national assault rates specifically committed by meth users are not consistently tracked. However, several key findings highlight the connection:
- Assaults Linked to Meth Use Have Risen Sharply
Law enforcement agencies have reported that assaults related to methamphetamine use have increased by over 30% in some areas. This rise is attributed to the drug’s effects on behavior, including increased aggression, paranoia, and impulsivity. - Meth Use Strongly Correlates with Violent Crime
A county-level study by the National Institute of Justice found a significant correlation between meth overdose rates and violent crime, especially robbery. While this doesn’t isolate assault specifically, it reinforces the broader link between meth use and violence. - Historical Law Enforcement Data
In 2010, 50–73% of state and local law enforcement agencies in the western U.S. reported that methamphetamine contributed more to violence and crime than any other drug. - Behavioral Effects That Lead to Violence
Meth users often experience paranoia, hallucinations, and mood disturbances, which can lead to unprovoked or erratic violent behavior, including assaults.
While not every meth user becomes violent, the data shows a clear and concerning trend: meth use significantly increases the risk of violent behavior, including assaults, especially in communities with high rates of addiction.
If the female suspect is arrested for the unprovoked assault on the food truck worker in Santa Ana, she could face charges under California Penal Code § 240, which defines simple assault.
Penalties for Simple Assault in California:
- Misdemeanor conviction
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fine up to $1,000
- Misdemeanor probation (summary probation)
These penalties apply when the assault did not involve a weapon or serious bodily injury. If aggravating factors are later discovered—such as prior convictions, hate crime motivation, or use of an object as a weapon—charges and penalties could be more severe.