Two armed Santa Ana gang suspects who were tagging arrested on felony charges

Directed Patrol officers were actively monitoring areas with rising gang activity when they observed two suspects involved in illegal tagging, according to the SAPD.

Directed Patrol officers were actively monitoring areas with rising gang activity when they observed two suspects involved in illegal tagging. One suspect was detained without incident, while the second fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, the second suspect was taken into… pic.twitter.com/mZBxQR7SWP

— SantaAnaPD (@SantaAnaPD) March 20, 2025

One suspect was detained without incident, while the second fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, the second suspect was taken into custody.

A loaded .38 special sub-nose revolver was recovered during a search, adding felony firearm charges to the vandalism case.

Both suspects are facing felony charges with gang enhancements.

In California, the penalties for felony charges related to tagging (vandalism) and illegal gun possession with gang enhancements can be quite severe. Here’s a breakdown:

Tagging (Vandalism)

Under California Penal Code 594, vandalism is defined as maliciously defacing, damaging, or destroying someone else’s property

1. The penalties depend on the amount of damage:

• Less than $400: Misdemeanor charge, up to 1 year in county jail, and a fine up to $1,000 (or $5,000 for repeat offenders).
• More than $400: Can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Felony charges can result in 16 months to 3 years in jail and fines up to $10,000 (or $50,000 if damages exceed $10,000).

Illegal Gun Possession with Gang Enhancements

California Penal Code 186.22 addresses criminal street gang activities. If a crime is committed for the benefit of a gang, the penalties are significantly increased:

• Gang Participation: Up to 3 years in prison.
• Gang Enhancement: Adds 3 years to life in prison to the underlying felony sentence.

For illegal gun possession, enhancements under Penal Code 12022 can add several years to the sentence, depending on the circumstances.

For example:

• Being armed during a felony: Adds 1 to 3 years.
• Using a firearm during a serious felony: Adds 10 to 20 years.

These enhancements can lead to very lengthy sentences, especially when combined with gang-related activities.

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.

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