Santa Ana police seek possibly armed suspect in fatal shooting

Police released a photo Sunday, March 29, of a possibly armed and dangerous man suspected in a fatal shooting at a park in Santa Ana.

Investigators believe Daniel Contreras, 22, of Santa Ana shot the male victim near a baseball field at El Salvador Park, 1825 W. Civic Center Dr., late Wednesday, Santa Ana Police Department officials said in a news release. The person who was wounded was a minor, and died at the scene, Orange County Deputy Coroner Erica Arellano said. His identity was not released to the public.

Two gang members allegedly approached a male victim and identified themselves as gang members just prior to the shooting. Contreras was described as a man standing 6 feet and 1 inch tall and weighing roughly 175 pounds, with black hair and dark colored eyes. He had been in possession of a .40 caliber handgun, which has not yet been recovered by authorities, police said.

Authorities asked anyone with information regarding Contreras’s whereabouts to contact SAPD Homicide investigators by calling 714-245-8390. Information can also be left anonymously with OC Crimestoppers by calling 855-847-6227 (855-TIP-OCCS). Those who provide details leading to the suspect’s arrest may be eligible for a reward.