201901.20
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One killed in possible gang-related Santa Ana shooting

by in News

One person died in a possibly gang-related shooting in Santa Ana on Sunday, Jan. 20, police said.

A vendor sells snacks to residents waiting at the intersection of West Camile and South Birch Streets in Santa Ana, kept away from their homes as police investigate the scene of a homicide on Sunday, Jan. 20. (Eric Licas, Orange County Register / SCNG)

Officers found a man dead at about 2:30 p.m. in the 300 block of South Birch Street, said Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna. He said investigators suspect gang involvement in the killing.

Nearby resident Jose Gomez, 48, said he was getting out of his car near the intersection of West Pine Street and Birch at about 2 p.m. when he heard three or four gunshots.

“I thought, ‘maybe it’s just some guys getting crazy, fireworks or something,’ and went inside” he said. “Then I came out here and saw all this.”

Police initially taped off a portion of Birch from West Camile Street to West Chestnut Avenue, then extended the reach of their investigation further north to Pine at about 3:45 p.m., according to officers at the scene.

No arrests or suspect information were immediately announced, and officials did not immediately release the identity of the man who was shot.

No other injuries were reported, according to Santa Ana Police Sgt. Javier Aceves.

Residents wait outside of an apartment complex in Santa Ana as police investigate a homicide reported on the 300 block of South Birch Street on Sunday, Jan. 20. (Eric Licas, Orange County Register / SCNG)