Suspect in Santa Ana shoplifting incident charged with robbery, assault with a deadly weapon

SANTA ANA — A convicted thief was behind bars Tuesday on charges of a swinging a knife at security guards who confronted the suspected shoplifter outside a Santa Ana department store.

Ryan Quintin Hancock, 43, of Orange, was arrested Monday by Orange police on a warrant charging him with two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of assault with a deadly weapon, all felonies, as well as a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon.

Police publicly released surveillance video of a suspect in the Jan. 16 conflict with Macy’s security guards last month, which prompted tips that led to Hancock’s arrest, said Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

Hancock removed some clothes from racks at the store at 2850 N. Main St. about 7 that night and was confronted by two security guards when he walked out of the business with the garments, Bertagna alleged.

Hancock allegedly pulled out a knife from a pocket and swung it toward one of the guards, the corporal said. He then dropped the clothes and ran away.

Court records show that Hancock pleaded guilty in May 2014 to a felony count of grand theft and was sentenced to eight months in jail. He also pleaded guilty in February 2014 to possession of stolen goods and was sentenced to 16 months in jail.