Orange County deputies arrested four gang suspects after a possible shooting and a pursuit

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On 2-23-25, at about 12:45 am, Orange County Deputies from the San Clemente Police Services were dispatched to the area of Calle Campana and Calle Canasta reference possible gunshots.

While patrol checking the area, deputies located shell casings and other evidence of a possible shooting.

Shortly after the deputies discovered the crime scene, a vehicle possibly related was located in the City of Dana Point.

Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, and it eventually yielded in the City of San Juan Capistrano.

Two subjects quickly exited the vehicle and ran from Sheriff’s deputies. One of these subjects was seen running with a handgun in his possession. Both subjects were caught and detained pending additional investigation.

Two additional subjects remained within the vehicle and were also detained.

After the foot pursuit concluded, a safety sweep of the area was conducted and two handguns and several rounds of ammunition were located.

At the original crime scene in San Clemente, deputies conducted safety sweeps of the immediate and surrounding areas and were unable to locate any victims of this incident.

The O.C. Sheriff’s crime lab responded for processing.

OCSD Gang investigators also responded to assist with the investigation.

At this time, this incident is believed to be gang related and the four subjects detained were arrested in connection with the shooting.

This investigation is still on going and it does not appear there is any additional danger to the public with regards to this incident.

In California, gang members arrested for a possible shooting and fleeing from the police can face severe penalties due to the combination of multiple serious offenses:

  • Shooting-Related Charges: If convicted of a shooting, the penalties can vary based on the severity of the crime (e.g., attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon). These charges can result in lengthy prison sentences.
  • Gang Enhancements: Under California’s Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention (STEP) Act, additional penalties can be imposed if the crime was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal street gang. This can add 2 to 10 years to the sentence, depending on the nature of the felony.
  • Fleeing from Police: Evading law enforcement is a separate offense that can lead to additional charges. If the pursuit involved reckless driving or resulted in injury, the penalties can be even more severe, including additional prison time and fines.
  • Combined Sentences: When multiple charges are involved, the sentences can be combined, leading to significantly longer prison terms.

These penalties reflect California’s stringent approach to gang-related crimes and efforts to deter such activities.

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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.