New Santa Ana | Monthly Archives: February 2015

The SAPD needs your help to find a driver who hit a pedestrian today

Posted on February 28, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Accidents, Crime, Santa Ana 3 Comments

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: SAPD traffic investigators need media and community assistance locating vehicle wanted in hit and run collision

On 02/28/15 at approximately 0819 hours, officers responded to the scene of a vehicle versus pedestrian collision near the intersection of 5th St. and Fairview St.

When officers arrived at the scene, they located the pedestrian (a male juvenile) lying in the northbound lanes of Fairview St. just south of Civic Center adjacent to the east sidewalk. The pedestrian was treated by paramedics and he was transported to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Continue reading→

Gang members convicted of shooting at policeman on patrol

Posted on February 27, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Crime, Gangs 3 Comments

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 12NF1746

Date: February 27, 2015

GANG MEMBERS CONVICTED OF FIRING SEVERAL ROUNDS AT OFFICER’S VEHICLE ON PATROL IN ANAHEIM

SANTA ANA – Three defendants were convicted yesterday for firing several rounds at a police officer’s vehicle that was out on patrol in Anaheim for the benefit of their Hispanic criminal street gang. Juan Carlos Covarrubias, 22, Jordy Roman Martinez, 21, Andrew Gomez Sanchez, 21, all of Anaheim, were found guilty by a jury of one felony count of shooting at an occupied motor vehicle and one felony count of street terrorism, with sentencing enhancements for the vicarious discharge of a firearm by a gang member and criminal street gang activity. They will each be sentenced to 35 years to life in state prison at their sentencing May 1, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-40, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

At the time of the crime, Covarrubias, Martinez, and Sanchez were actively participating in a criminal Hispanic street gang with knowledge that its members engage in a pattern of criminal gang activity. Continue reading→

DUI driver charged with murder after hit-and-run crash that killed Pearleen Hopkins

Posted on February 27, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 15CF0204

Date: February 27, 2015

DRUNKEN DRIVER TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR MURDER AFTER HIT-AND-RUN CRASH THAT RESULTED IN WOMAN’S DEATH

SANTA ANA – A drunken driver is scheduled to be arraigned today for murder following a hit-and-run crash that resulted in a woman’s death. Dallas Frank Reichstein, 46, Santa Ana, is charged with one felony count of murder and one felony count of hit and run resulting in permanent injury or death with a sentencing enhancement allegation for a prior strike conviction in 2014 for residential burglary. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 34 years to life in state prison. He is being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled to be arraigned today, Feb. 27, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana.

At approximately 10:10 p.m. on Jan. 28, 2015, the defendant is accused of driving a Nissan Xterra Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) while under the influence of alcohol, westbound on West MacArthur Boulevard in Santa Ana. The defendant is accused of driving 54 mph in a 40 mph zone. Continue reading→

Santa Ana foster father headed for prison after molesting six little girls

Posted on February 27, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 13CF0322

Date: February 27, 2015

FOSTER PARENT SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS AND EIGHT MONTHS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR RAPING, MOLESTING, AND ABUSING SIX GIRLS AGES 9 TO 15

SANTA ANA – A foster parent was sentenced today to 18 years and eight months to life in state prison for raping, molesting, and sexually abusing six girls when they were between 9 and 15 years old. Felipe Hernandez, 68, Santa Ana, pleaded guilty on Feb. 13, 2015, to one felony count of forcible lewd act on a child under 14 years old, three felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under 15 years old, four felony counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor, one felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse, two felony counts of oral copulation of a minor, one felony count of sexual penetration by a foreign object of a minor, and one felony count of possession and control of child pornography.

The defendant’s wife, Maria Esther Hernandez, 61, Santa Ana, pleaded guilty to one felony count of being an accessory after the fact or having knowledge of a crime. She was sentenced on May 31, 2013, to three months in jail, three years of formal probation, and was ordered to pay restitution (Case # 13CF0803). Continue reading→

Man shot and killed by SAPD police officers during a robbery investigation

Posted on February 27, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Roman Reyna, Santa Ana 2 Comments

Police fatally shot a man in Santa Ana on Friday morning during a robbery investigation, in the area near Third and South Shelton streets, according to the O.C. Register.

SAPD police officers found a car in the 1000 block of West Third Street, in Santa Ana, between 10 and 11 a.m. on Friday that that matched the description of a vehicle that was involved in an earlier robbery. They had been searching for the vehicle and a suspect.

As the officers approached the car they encountered a man and he was subsequently shot and killed by the officers. Police believe the shooting occurred outside of the Charger. Continue reading→

Trinity Law School graduate to serve with major human rights organization

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Charities, Education, Lawyers, Santa Ana Leave a comment

For Immediate Release

Trinity Law School graduate to serve with major human rights organization

(Santa, Ana, CA) – Trinity Law School 2014 graduate, Angie Zetterquist, has been appointed as Legal Fellow for the International Justice Mission (IJM). She will be serving the organization in Southeast Asia for one year.

“This is a life-changing transition for me,” says Zetterquist. “Armed with my Trinity law degree and having passed the California Bar, I will be assisting and learning from the IJM legal staff as they plead the cases of the victims of sex trafficking and prosecute the perpetrators in the local court system.” Continue reading→

Free income tax preparation assistance set for 3/9 at the Delhi Center

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Santa Ana, Taxes, Tom Daly Leave a comment

Assemblyman Daly invites you to receive free income tax preparation assistance!

The IRS filing deadline of April 15th is quickly approaching. Preparing your income taxes can be challenging.

To assist you, Assemblyman Tom Daly is partnering with the State Controller’s Office and the Delhi Center to offer free income tax preparation assistance on Monday, March 9. Continue reading→

Free kid’s books at Jumpstart’s free annual spring literacy event on 3/7

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Charities, Education, Entertainment, Literacy, Santa Ana, SAUSD, Youth Activities Leave a comment

LOCAL NON-PROFIT TO GIVE FREE BOOKS TO UNDERSERVED ORANGE COUNTY CHILDREN DURING FREE LITERACY EVENT IN SANTA ANA

Jumpstart at UCI Annual Spring Literacy Event to Bring Books to Life to Encourage Early Childhood Reading Habits

WHAT: More than 450 families from across Orange County are expected to attend Jumpstart’s free annual Spring Literacy event on Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. at the Heritage Museum in Santa Ana. The exciting event brings books to life with story-themed booths such as the Giving Tree, readings from children’s authors, activities such as a Cat in the Hat sack race, science experiments and more to encourage an interest in reading among preschool age children. Jumpstart will give more than 1,000 free books to children who attend the event. Nurses from Santa Ana Unified School District will be present as well to provide free basic health screenings for children. Continue reading→

Survey shows vast majority of OCTA bus riders satisfied with service

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Transportation 2 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 26, 2015

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713; Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

Survey Shows Vast Majority of OCTA Bus Riders Satisfied With Service

Study of bus riders’ opinions indicates 90 percent are pleased with transit service

ORANGE – Results of a new customer satisfaction survey show that an overwhelming majority of bus riders in Orange County are pleased with the fixed-route bus service that transports nearly 1 million people each week to work, to home, and to retail and entertainment destinations countywide.

This week, the Orange County Transportation Authority Board reviewed results of the 2014 Fixed Route Bus Services Customer Satisfaction Survey, which showed that nine out of 10 bus riders say they are satisfied with OCTA’s bus service. Continue reading→

21-year old man arrested for attempted kidnapping and assault of a Valley H.S. student

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Education, Santa Ana, SAUSD Leave a comment

Santa Ana School Police Department
School Police Dispatch 714-558-5535.

Advisory: Crimes Against Children. Arrest of 21 year old male for attempt kidnapping and sexual battery of high school student

SUMMARY: On Monday, 02/23/15, the female victim and her friend (another female high school student) were walking home from Valley High School together. As they neared the intersection of Center and McFadden, the suspect (Jesus Edu Bahena) pulled up next to both girls, rolled down his window and yelled at the victim, demanding that she get into his car. The victim and her friend could see that there were two other male occupants in the vehicle. The suspect continued to yell profanities at both girls, trying to convince the victim to get in his car. Both girls refused and they continued walking home. At that time, the suspect vehicle drove away. Continue reading→

Water main break at Grand and 17th results in street closure

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Public Safety, public works, Santa Ana, Traffic, Water Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana

Community Alert: ALTERNATE ROUTES SUGGESTED DUE TO PARTIAL STREET CLOSURE AT GRAND AVENUE AND 17TH STREET

SANTA ANA (February 26, 2015) – Crews are responding to a reported water main break this morning near the intersection of Grand Ave. and 17th Street.

In order to begin repair work, 2 northbound lanes on Grand Ave. just south of the intersection will be closed. Continue reading→

High school coach arrested for sexual misconduct with students

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Fullerton, Villa Park Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Villa Park High School Coach Arrested for Sexual Misconduct with Students

SANTA ANA, Calif. – (February 26, 2015) – On Wednesday, February 25, 2015, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Unit (SVU) investigators arrested Dwayne Jordan Richardson, 19, Fullerton, following allegations he engaged in sexual misconduct with two female minor high school students. Richardson is a “walk-on” girls’ basketball coach at Villa Park High School and does not teach at the school.

On Thursday, February 25, 2015, the Villa Park High School Resource Officer obtained information about the alleged sexual misconduct. The Sheriff’s Department’s SVU responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation. Following the preliminary investigation, it is believed Richardson engaged in sexual misconduct with a female minor student who attends Villa Park High School and a student at El Dorado High School in the city of Placentia. Based on information obtained during the investigation, investigators suspect Richardson has engaged in sexual misconduct with at least one of the minor students since June 2014. Continue reading→

T.V. bounty hunter charged with embezzling over $18K in bail bond money

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 15CF0025

February 25, 2015

BOUNTY HUNTER FEATURED ON REALITY SHOW CHARGED WITH EMBEZZLING OVER $18,000 IN CONNECTION WITH BAIL BOND TRANSACTION

SANTA ANA – A bounty hunter who was featured on a reality show was arrested today and will be arraigned for embezzling over $18,000 in connection with a bail bond transaction. Arturo Alfred Torres, 52, Winnetka, is charged with one felony count of grand theft by embezzlement. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of three years in Orange County jail and is expected to be arraigned this week, in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time and date are to be determined.

Torres had previously appeared on the television reality show “Bounty Wars” on the Discovery Channel as a bounty hunter. Continue reading→

Man charged with neglecting a dog that chewed off part of his own leg

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OC Animal Care, Orange County, Pets, Westminster Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 15WM01698

Date: February 25, 2015

MAN TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR NEGLECTING TO CARE FOR DOG’S ENTANGLED LEG CAUSING DOG TO CHEW PART OF HIS OWN LEG OFF

WESTMINSTER – A man is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow on animal abuse charges for allowing his dog to become entangled in the backyard, causing the dog to chew a part of his own leg off. Samer Samir Ibrahim, 23, Westminster, is charged with one misdemeanor count of keeping an animal without proper care and one misdemeanor count of animal abuse by a caretaker. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of one year in jail. He is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow, Feb. 26, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. in Department W-4, West Justice Center, Westminster.

Ibrahim is accused of owning and caring for an 11-month-old German Shepherd named Rocky. He is accused of only allowing the dog to remain in the backyard in conditions where the dog caught fleas and was significantly thinner than an average healthy German Shepherd. Continue reading→

Man robs a Santa Ana 96 Cent Store and steals the employee’s car too

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred at the 96 Cents Up Store in the 1500 block of West First Street, on Tuesday morning, at around 9:35 a.m., according to the O.C. Register.

A man with a knife not only took the money from the store’s cash register – he also grabbed the keys to the store employee’s 2007 Toyota Highlander, and used it to get away, on West First St. Continue reading→