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Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Crime

A man was arrested after ramming an SAPD police vehicle with a stolen car

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A man driving a stolen vehicle allegedly rammed a police vehicle while attempting to evade arrest in Santa Ana on Tuesday, Feb. 12, according to the O.C. Register.

The suspect was spotted in the stolen vehicle near the 2700 block of West McFadden Ave. at 2:23 p.m., according to the SAPD. The suspect sped off and the chase was on.

During the police pursuit the suspect, at one point, rammed his vehicle into a police vehicle.

The suspect was finally arrested at about 4 p.m., on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle and assaulting an officer.

The SAPD did not reveal the name of the suspect.

Fortunately no police officers were injured during the pursuit.

Santa Ana man facing multiple felony counts after allegedly attacking a cleaning woman in Irvine

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Criminal charges were filed Monday against Eduardo Godoy Gonzalez, a 21-year-old Santa Ana man accused of trying to sexually assault a woman cleaning an office in an Irvine commercial building, according to the O.C. Register.

Gonzalez is facing one count each of kidnapping to commit rape, assault with the intent to commit a sex offense, making criminal threats, second-degree burglary and false imprisonment, all felonies, as well as a misdemeanor count of brandishing a replica gun.

Gonzalez made his first court appearance in the jail courtroom in Santa Ana on Monday, but he did not enter a plea. He is currently being held without bail. He is set to return to court on Feb. 22.

It is alleged that Gonzalez approached his victim, a woman, at an office building located at 17877 Von Karman Ave., in Irvine at about 1:20 a.m. last Wednesday. He was carrying a skateboard and a fake Glock handgun, in the pocket of his sweatshirt, at the time. He entered the building through an unlocked door, according to the Irvine Police Department.

Gonzales then spoke to the victim in Spanish, asking her if she was working alone. She responded yes and then he made aggressive sexual comments to her before he demanded sex. He then pulled out the fake gun in his pocket, when she said no. He pointed it at her and he threatened to kill her, according to the prosecutor.

Gonzales then pushed the victim into another room, where he tried to remove her clothes. She begged for her life then fought him off for about four minutes, finally managing to disarm him. She then ran into a nearby office building looking for help.

When the Irvine police arrived at the scene they found the fake handgun. They were then warned by the victim that Gonzalez had a knife too.

The victim survived with bruised arms, hands and breasts. She also had scratches on her face.

The police credited the public with helping to capture Gonzales after the police released a surveillance video of the incident that led to several tips.

A man was shot to death at a tire and audio store in Santa Ana today

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Detectives Investigating Homicide 2015 West 17th Street

On Sunday, February 10, 2019, at 3:44 PM, SAPD officers responded to reports of a shooting at the Pro Audio Wheels and Tires shop located at 2015 West 17th Street. Officers detained numerous individuals, two of which were suffering gunshot wounds. One of the males, an adult John Doe, died at the scene. Orange County Fire Authority Paramedics responded, treated, and transported the surviving male to a local trauma center. A short time later, a third male arrived at a local trauma center with multiple gunshot wounds, which are life threatening. Preliminary information indicates the third male was part of the shooting on West 17th Street.

SAPD Homicide Detectives responded and assumed the investigation, which is ongoing. Officers recovered multiple firearms at the scene. SAPD crime scene investigators are currently processing the scene for more evidence. Detectives have not determined the motive for the shooting at this time.

Homicide detectives are requesting to speak with anyone that observed the suspect in the area prior to the shooting, was contacted or confronted by the suspect, or witnessed the shooting. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call SAPD Homicide Section detectives at (714) 245-8390, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS. This case may be eligible for the Santa Ana Homicide Reward Program.

The SAPD is investigating a fatal head on traffic collision that occurred near Delhi Park early this morning

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Advisory: SAPD Investigating Fatal Head On Collision – Warner Avenue & Oak Street

On Sunday, February 10th, 2019 at approximately 5:30 am the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) responded to the area of Warner Avenue and Oak Street in regards to a reported traffic collision. Upon their arrival, SAPD Officers found two involved vehicles, a white Toyota van and gold Toyota pick-up truck. Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) personnel responded and extricated the two involved drivers (and only occupants). Both drivers were briefly treated at the collision scene before being transported by CARE Ambulance to OC Global Medical Center for treatment. The unidentified female driver of the white van received major injuries and was taken into emergency surgery before she was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The driver of the pick-up truck is being treated for moderate injuries.

The preliminary investigation, based off witness statements a nd evidence, has revealed the pick-up truck was headed east on Warner Avenue when it struck by the white van which was headed west (wrong direction) in the eastbound lanes. The driver of the gold pick-up truck was identified as Male (62) Santa Ana. The deceased driver of the white van was unidentified and her identity will have to be confirmed by the Orange County Coroner’s Office. At this time, alcohol has been identified as being involved in this collision but further laboratory analysis will have to determine if drugs were as well.

The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigations Unit (CIU) responded to the collision scene and handled the investigation. Anyone having possible information about this collision are asked to contact the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at ‪(714) 245-8200‬.

Santa Ana man arrested for allegedly attacking a cleaning woman in Irvine

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Irvine, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2019) – The suspect in an attempted rape that occurred in the early morning hours Wednesday, February 6, is in custody. Irvine Police Department Detectives arrested Eduardo Godoy Gonzalez, 21, of Santa Ana at his workplace in Tustin on Thursday around 5 p.m. Gonzalez was in possession of a knife believed to be used in the attack at the time of his arrest. A replica Glock handgun was recovered at the scene.

Police were led to Gonzalez thanks to several tips from citizens who saw media coverage of the case.

On Wednesday around 1:20 a.m., the suspect entered an unlocked door of an office at 17877 Von Karman Ave. and approached a woman who was cleaning the facility. The suspect asked the victim in Spanish if she was the only one there. When she said yes, he made aggressive sexual comments to her and ordered her to have sex with him. When she refused and said she was going to call police, the suspect pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the victim, threatening her life.

He then pushed her into another room and forcefully tried to undress her. For four minutes, the victim is seen on video pleading for her life and fighting off the attacker.

Eventually, the victim was able to overpower the suspect and disarm him. The victim then ran for help in a nearby building.

The gun was found at the location and determined to be a replica Glock handgun. The victim also reported seeing a knife during the attack. She suffered injuries during the assault, including bruising to her arms, hands and breast and scratches to her face.

The investigation in the case is ongoing. Anyone with further information is asked to contact Irvine Police Department Detective Haldor Larum at 949-724-7194.

A man was caught on video attacking and trying to rape a cleaning woman in Irvine

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The Irvine Police Department is looking for a male suspect who violently attacked and tried to rape a woman who was doing janitorial work at an office in Irvine, according to KTLA.

The attack happened early on Wednesday morning, February 6, 2019, at 1:20 a.m., at an office located at 17877 Von Karman Ave. The suspect entered the facility through an unlocked door.

The suspect was carrying a skateboard. He walked up to the victim and then he asked her in Spanish if she was alone. After she said yes, the man made sexually suggestive remarks and ordered the victim to have sex with him, according to the Irvine Police.

The woman refused and she then threatened to call the police. However the attacker then pulled out a gun and pointed it at her, as captured in surveillance video that was released by the Irvine police.

The attacker shoved his victim into another room and then tried by force to take off her clothing. The victim however first begged for her life then tried to fight off her attacker, according to unreleased video footage.

Fortunately the woman was in the end able to overpower her attacker, who was slight of frame and she even disarmed him. She then fled to a nearby building for help.

The man escaped before the police could arrive. The officers did find the weapon, which turned out to be a replica Glock.

The victim told the police that the suspect also had a knife.

The victim had bruises and scratches due to the assault but escaped serious injury.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 20 to 25 years old, about 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 130 to 140 pounds, according to the Irvine police.

The suspect has black hair, brown eyes and he wore glasses during the attack. He was dressed in a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants and a black knit cap with the letter “P” on the front.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect is asked to contact Detective Haldor Larum by calling 949-724-7194 or emailing him at hlarum@cityofirvine.org.

Orange County public safety agencies launch Text-to-911

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https://youtu.be/qu5pQreGeFw

SANTA ANA, Ca. (February 6, 2019) – Orange County law enforcement and fire dispatch centers are now equipped with Text-to-911 to allow the hearing impaired, speech impaired or those in an emergency situation who are unable to make a phone call reach emergency services dispatchers by text message.

Text-to-911 was jointly launched by every Orange County public safety agency with a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) on February 6. In 2018, more than 1,243,092 calls were made to 911 in Orange County. Eighty percent of those calls came from mobile phones.

Remember to always call if you can, and text if you can’t. Calling provides a faster response, allowing information to be relayed to responding public safety personnel as quickly as possible. It also allows dispatchers to hear background noises or conversations and gather additional information.

“It’s important that every member of our community has a safe and effective way to access emergency services in Orange County, and Text-to-911 provides that,” said Sheriff Don Barnes.

When texting, residents should first provide their location and whether they need law enforcement, fire or medical aid services.

“It’s critical that those using Text-to-911 accurately share their location and offer as many clear details as possible,” said Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy. “Being precise means we can more quickly reach those who need help most.”

More about Text-to-9-1-1
• Ensure location services on your mobile phone are turned on and be prepared to provide your location in the text.
• To get started, type “911” in the “to” field of the text message and, in addition to your location, provide the type of emergency services you need (police, fire or medical).
• Use plain text and refrain from abbreviations.
• Dispatchers cannot accept pictures, videos or icons.
• Text-to-9-1-1 cannot be used in a group text.
• If your text does not go through, you should receive a message to make a voice call.
• Calling or texting 9-1-1 when it is not an emergency is a crime punishable by up to a year in County jail and a fine of up to $1,000.¬¬¬

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Santa Ana College student arrested for stalking a woman and making threats to Century High School

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A 20-year-old convicted stalker, Kevin Cacho, was charged Tuesday with making threats against Century High School as well as a woman he met while both were students at the Santa Ana campus and subsequently rejected his romantic advances, according to the O.C. Register.

Cacho pleaded not guilty to one count each of making criminal threats and violating a domestic violence order with a prior conviction for domestic violence, both felonies. He must return to the court on Feb. 14, which ironically is Valentine’s Day, for a pretrial hearing in the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.

Cacho reportedly sent threats to the high school and the victim, who befriended him while they were both students at Century, according to the SAPD.

Cacho was apparently “infatuated” with the unnamed woman in high school, but when he told her this she indicated that she was not attracted to him. Things escalated at that point.

Cacho was already sentenced previously on Oct. 10, after he plead guilty to stalking the same woman. At the time he was sentenced to 364 days in jail.

However Cacho seemed not to have learned his lesson. On Jan. 8, the victim received a number of “intimidating” text messages, from an unknown phone number. from an unknown phone number.

The SAPD arrested Cacho, a Santa Ana College student, on Friday.

SAUSD employee arrested for offering drugs to two female minors

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On January 25, 2019, two female minors were contacted in the parking lot of a business by the suspect, Julio Torres, who was driving a white Ford Explorer. He initially asked the victims for directions to where he could go to purchase drugs. Torres then attempted to coerce the victims into his vehicle by providing drugs to them. The victims declined and fled the location.

Prior to leaving the area, they were able to take a photo of the suspects’ vehicle and provided information that led to his arrest. Torres was booked in Orange County Jail.

During the investigation, #GardenGrovePD investigators learned that Torres is employed by the Santa Ana Unified School District. Investigators are asking any additional victims or witnesses to please come forward and contact Inv. Marchand at 714-741-5704.

Santa Ana man arrested in connection with a shooting in Anaheim

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SUBJECT: ANAHEIM POLICE ARREST THREE AFTER FOUR-MONTH
MURDER INVESTIGATION; NO 2018 UNSOLVED CASES REMAIN
ANAHEIM, CALIF

(January 30, 2019) – Anaheim Police homicide detectives have arrested three suspects in connection with the September shooting death of a 36-year-old Placentia resident, clearing the city’s last 2018 unsolved homicide.

Around 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, September 29, 2018, officers were dispatched to a cul-de-sac in the 1200 block of North Sunshine Way regarding a dead man found near a trash dumpster enclosure. The
decedent, Julio Cesar Munoz, had a single gunshot wound to his
head.

Homicide detectives determined that the shooting had
occurred just after midnight in the cul-de-sac during a “factory
party.”

Factory parties are held at various locations throughout the region on a revolving basis and are often staged in industrial areas where guests park their cars and participate in illicit activities, including the inhalation of nitrous oxide, also known as “nos.”

Over the course of the past four months, detectives interviewed dozens of witnesses, reviewed video footage and authored approximately 20 search warrants before identifying Larry Robert Douglass II, 19, of Artesia, Johnathan Michael Rowe, 19, of Santa Ana, and Zachary Jay Goemaat, 19, of Santa Ana, as suspects in this case. Douglass and Rowe were arrested yesterday without incident. Goemaat was arrested today without incident.

All three suspects were booked into the Anaheim Detention Facility for murder before being transferred to Orange County Jail where they
are being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

Detectives are not releasing details about possible motives, but they
do not believe the killing was gang motivated. The Orange County
District Attorney’s office will review the investigation to determine
what charges may be alleged.

The Anaheim Police Department investigated seven homicides in
2018, all of which have now been cleared by arrest.

“We treat every murder investigation with the same sense of duty
and urgency,” APD homicide Sgt. Jeff Mundy said. “Our detectives
doggedly work these cases until every lead is exhausted, regardless
of how long it takes. We are happy to finally bring closure to Mr.
Munoz’s family.”

Photographs of each suspect are attached below:

Johnathan Rowe
Larry Douglass
Zachary Goemaa


Garden Grove man convicted of shooting and murdering a woman who got into a fight with his mother

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MAN CONVICTED OF SHOOTING-MURDER OF WOMAN IN GARDEN GROVE

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man was convicted today of the shooting-murder of a woman in Garden Grove. Nathaniel Joseph Liscano, 22, Garden Grove, was convicted of one felony count of first degree murder with a sentencing
enhancement for personal discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury or death. Liscano faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in state prison. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on March 8, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-36, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

On Aug. 24, 2016, Liscano went to a residence in Garden Grove. After a verbal and physical altercation between the victim, Kellie Nichol, and the defendant’s mother in front of the residence, the defendant pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the face and chest. Nichol attempted to run away after the initial shots, but Liscano chased her and shot her three times in the back. After he shot the victim, the defendant fled the scene.
Police were called by a witness shortly after the shooting. The victim died at the scene as a result of multiple bullet wounds.

The crime was captured by a home surveillance system, which clearly showed Liscano’s face during the incident.

The defendant fled to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he was arrested by the United States Marshals Service on Sept. 13, 2016. Garden Grove Police Department investigated this case.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Mark Birney of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

The SAPD will be looking for borrachos on Superbowl Sunday

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Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: Don’t Get Super Busted on Super Bowl Sunday by Driving Impaired

Law enforcement will be out looking for impaired drivers

Santa Ana, Calif. – Santa Ana Police Department is encouraging all football fans to celebrate Super Bowl LIII responsibly by not driving impaired, or letting other fans get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.

“Millions of people will be watching the Super Bowl at parties and bars across the country,” David Valentin, Chief of Police. “Please don’t put others at risk because you chose to break the law and drive impaired.”

Santa Ana Police Department also reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

If you’re hosting a party, be a team player and have plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for designated sober drivers. Be sure to monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home. If you plan to drink, don’t plan to drive. Even one drink can be one too many so have your sober friend be the “MVP” and get you home, use ride-share or take public transportation. Anyone who sees a drunk driver should call 911.

No matter who you are rooting for on Super Bowl Sunday, we are all on the same team when the game ends so remember to go safely.

An unidentified man was shot and wounded in Santa Ana on Wednesday

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An unidentified man in his 20’s was shot in the torso in Santa Ana and was recovering in a hospital on Wednesday, Jan. 30, according to the O.C. Register.

The shooting was reported at 4:55 p.m. near the intersection of West 3rd and N. Euclid Streets, according to the SAPD.

Responding SAPD police officers found a man inside a sedan suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso.

The victim was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive.

The police did not identify the victim nor did they release any information about the attacker(s).

Suspect known to frequent Santa Ana wanted for murder in L.A.

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Advisory Wanted: LASD Seeks Public’s Help in Locating Suspect Esteban Reyes –Rojas, who is Wanted for Murder

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Suspect Esteban Reyes- Rojas, who is wanted for murder.

Detectives have learned that on January 24, 2019, on the 38000 block of 35th St East, in the City of Palmdale, an argument ensued between the suspect Esteban Reyes-Rojas, his girlfriend and her brother.

Suspect Esteban Reyes Rojas got in his vehicle, chased down the two victims. The girlfriend sustained minor and non-life threatening injuries. Everardo Castro (brother) was struck with the suspect’s vehicle, was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. The suspect then fled the scene in his vehicle.

Esteban Reyes-Rojas is a 25 year old male Hispanic. He is described as 5”5”, 180 lbs, brown hair and brown eyes. He frequents the cities of Palmdale, Lancaster and the Santa Ana areas.

Suspect Esteban Reyes-Rojas is driving a Tan, 2002, Chevrolet, Tahoe with a California License plate #7WPT016.

Media Note: The vehicle that is depicted on the wanted bulletin is not the actual vehicle, but the license plate is.

Anyone with information, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

The SAPD is conducting a DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, Jan. 25

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Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: SAPD conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday, January 25, 2019 in the area of 200 S Grand Ave.

SANTA ANA POLICE STEP UP DUI ENFORCEMENT

The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday January 25th, 2019. It will begin at 9:00PM and is scheduled to conclude at 2:30AM. It will be conducted in the area of 200 S Grand Ave., in the City of Santa Ana.

The primary purpose of a DUI Checkpoint is to deter impaired driving, not to increase arrests. All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as ensuring drivers have a valid driver’s license. The DMV reports that unlicensed drivers are 4.9 times more likely to cause a fatal crash than a licensed driver is.

The checkpoint will be staffed by officers trained in the detection of alcohol and drug impairment to provide on-the-spot assessments of drivers suspected of alcohol or drug impairment. All checkpoints are conducted in accordance with the guidelines for DUI checkpoint operations outlined in the California Supreme Court decision, Ingersoll v. Palmer.

All vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs will be arrested. Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and / or drugs – Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest. The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver. Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Address/Location
Santa Ana Police Department