Police Press Release
25 year old male shot and killed during home invasion robbery
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: July 8, 2019
SUBJECT: Homicide- Home Invasion Robbery
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 9100 block of La Grand Avenue
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: July 8, 2019 at 4:07 a.m.
VICTIM: Hall, Shon Xavier, 25 years old, resident of Garden Grove
SUSPECT(s): 3 Adult African-American males, wearing masks, armed with a handgun
NARRATIVE:
On 07-08-2019 at 4:07 AM Officers responded to the 9100 block of La Grand Avenue regarding gunshots that were heard. The calling party reported that a person had been shot and people were screaming for help. Officers arrived at the location and found a 25-year-old male deceased in the driveway of the home.
Officers contacted the girlfriend of the victim and other family members. The girlfriend said she and her boyfriend were asleep in their room and were woken up by three masked males who were armed. The suspects were demanding cash and drugs. During the robbery, the 25-year-old male was shot by one of the suspects. The victim ran from the home and collapsed in the driveway where he died.
The three male suspects fled from the home and entered a dark colored vehicle. Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood for video evidence and interviewing witnesses. Detectives determined the incident was isolated and the victim was targeted. Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to contact Detective Steve Heine at the Garden Grove Police Department at 714-741-5422. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704
Increased DUI patrols during the 4th of July Holiday
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: June 3, 2019
SUBJECT: Fourth of July
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: City of Garden Grove
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: July 4, 2019
NARRATIVE:
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over This 4th of July Holiday
Garden Grove, Calif. – The 4th of July holiday is a time to enjoy fireworks and show country pride but is also traditionally one of the more dangerous times on the road.
To keep families safe this Independence Day, The Garden Grove Police Department will have increased enforcement focused on impaired driving during the 4th of July holiday.
According to preliminary data from the California Highway Patrol, seven people were killed and 73 injured in alcohol-related crashes statewide on the fourth of July last year. Every deadly crash involved a driver who had been drinking.
“Drinking and driving is a bad combination,” Garden Grove Police Department Chief Tom DaRé said. “The consequences are abundantly clear, yet people still make the poor decision to drive after drinking. Please be smart and make this 4th of July holiday a fun and memorable one.”
If you are headed to 4th of July parties, designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you are hosting a party, offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking. See people leaving who have been drinking? Check how they are getting home. Offer to let them stay the night if a sober driver is not available to take them home.
“Driving with just a buzz doesn’t cut it,” Chief Tom DaRé said. “With the rise in ride-share options, there really is no excuse for driving impaired.”
The average cost of a DUI arrest is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties. The Garden Grove Police Department also reminds residents that prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can all be impairing and land you a DUI, especially in combination with alcohol and/or other drugs.
Funding for DUI enforcement was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Prepared By: Officer Ryan Bustillos
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704
Disabled Elderly female sexually assaulted by homeless man-Suspect arrested
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: June 28, 2019
SUBJECT: Sexual Assault of disabled elderly female- Suspect arrested
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 8500 block of Lampson Ave.
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: June 28, 2019 at 01:36 AM
Victim: 87-year disabled elderly female
Suspect: 33-year old homeless man from Garden Grove
NARRATIVE:
On June 28, 2019 at 01:36 AM, officers from the Garden Grove Police Department responded to the above location for a sexual assault in progress. Upon officers’ arrival, they located an adult male being detained by several family members of the victim. Officers learned the suspect had unlawfully entered the residence and sexually assaulted an 87-year-old female who was disabled and dependent.
A family member woke to noises coming from the victim’s room and went to investigate. The family member saw the suspect sexually assaulting the victim and began to yell for help. The suspect attempted to flee and fought with family members who ultimately detained him in the backyard of the residence.
The suspect is homeless and is not known by the victim or family. The male adult was arrested, processed and booked into Orange County Jail.
The victim’s and suspect's personal information is not being released at this time. This investigation is on-going and any witnesses with any information about the incident is asked to contact the Garden Grove Police Department, Detective Garcia at 714-741-5830.
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704
Major injury traffic collision- 66-year-old woman crushed by DUI driver
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: June 19, 2019
SUBJECT: Major Injury Traffic Collision- suspect booked for Felony DUI
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 8051 Larson Avenue- East of Coast Street
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: June 18, 2019 at 5:38 P.M.
VICTIM: Female, 66 years old from Garden Grove
SUSPECT: Salas, Andres Ramon, 35 years old, from Garden Grove
NARRATIVE:
The Garden Grove Police and Fire Department were dispatched to a traffic collision that occurred in the area of 8051 Larson Ave. involving a vehicle and a 66 year old female. The female was witnessed standing next to the left rear portion of her vehicle prior to the collision. The suspect was traveling eastbound on Larson in a red Toyota Corolla when he struck the female crushing her between both vehicles. After the initial collision, the suspect attempted to flee the scene of the collision and collided with a second parked vehicle approximately seventy feet east of the first collision. The suspect was detained by the Garden Grove Police Department shortly thereafter.
The female pedestrian sustained traumatic injuries from being crushed between the two vehicles. She was transported to UCI medical center where she remains in severe critical condition. There were no passengers in any of the vehicles involved.
Members of the Garden Grove Traffic Unit responded to the scene and conducted an investigation. The driver was evaluated by officers and showed signs and symptoms of impairment. Further investigation showed the suspect had been drinking alcohol prior to the collision. The suspect was placed under arrest and transported to the Garden Grove Police Department for further evaluation. The investigation is ongoing in an effort to gather all factual and pertinent information.
Salas was transported to Orange County Jail and booked for felony DUI, CVC 23153(a) and felony hit and run, CVC 20001(a).
Any witnesses that may have seen the collision are asked to contact the Garden Grove Police Department’s Traffic Investigator Paul Ashby (714) 741-5823.
Prepared By: Master Officer Paul Ashby #3397
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704
Man arrested for Affinity Fraud and engaging in an illegal Ponzi scheme- Investors lost over $3 Million Dollars
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: May 30, 2019
SUBJECT: Man arrested for Affinity Fraud and engaging in an illegal Ponzi scheme- Investors lost over $3 Million Dollars
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: Garden Grove-California
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: June 2017 through February 2018
VICTIM: Multiple victims
SUSPECT(s): Tran, Lo Van, 42, Fremont, California
NARRATIVE:
Garden Grove, Calif. – Garden Grove Police, with assistance from the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, arrested a man for defrauding multiple investors of over $3 million, in connection with a securities fraud investment scam.
The defendant engaged in affinity fraud and a Ponzi scheme. Affinity fraud is a form of investment fraud which preys upon members of the same identifiable groups, such as minorities and professional groups. A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent operation that offers investors high, short-term returns on investments. Instead of using the money to generate actual income and legitimate profits, the money from the investors is kept for the benefit of the defendant or used to repay earlier investors.
Lo Van Tran, 42, of Fremont, Calif., was the owner and operator of SmartBuy Outlet, Inc., which two had storefronts in Garden Grove. The business also operated under the name Savmax Solutions, Inc. As a side business related to SmartBuy Outlet, Inc., Tran claimed to have a partnership with a third-party logistics company known as Zyp Corporation, where he would facilitate the purchase and sales of large amounts of Apple products.
Tran collected more than $3 million from investors and it was later discovered that Zyp Corporation never existed. He also fabricated bank and business documents to make his business appear legitimate. Between June 2017 and February 2018, Tran defrauded over 10 investors, the majority of whom are Vietnamese and falsely promised them a pre-determined return on their investment, based on their investment amount.
Tran is charged with 27 counts of Corporations Code 25401, using an untrue statement in the purchase or sale of a security, one count of Corporations Code 25541, scheming to defraud, with sentencing enhancements for aggravated white-collar crime over $500,000 and 20 counts of money laundering over $2.5 million.
Garden Grove detectives believe there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward. It is also possible Tran has conducted similar scams in the Bay Area, as well as in Las Vegas. If you feel you have been a victim of this crime or have any further information, contact Detective Thi Huynh at (714) 741-5835.
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704
Armed suspects rob a Garden Grove pharmacy at gunpoint
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: May 21, 2019
SUBJECT: Armed Robbery at pharmacy- Video from April 10th, 2019
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 8342 Garden Grove Blvd.-West Med Pharmacy
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: 4/10/2019 11:18 AM
VICTIM: West Med Pharmacy- Garden Grove
SUSPECT(s): (2) adult males, one armed with handgun
Suspect vehicle: Brown Kia Soul with tinted windows
NARRATIVE:
On 04-10-2019 at 11:18 AM two male suspects entered the West Med Pharmacy located at 8342 Garden Grove Blvd. and threatened the female pharmacist with a handgun. The suspects vaulted the counter and forced the female to lie on the floor.
The two suspects stole approximately $20,000 worth of prescription medications and cough syrups with codeine. They also took the cash register drawer.
The two suspects fled in a brown Kia Soul that was parked directly in front of the business. A third suspect acted as the lookout and getaway driver.
Pharmacy businesses across Orange and L.A. Counties have been targeted by different burglary and robbery crews over the past several months. This past weekend, three pharmacies in Garden Grove were burglarized. Detectives are looking for the public’s assistance to help identify these armed criminals.
Anyone with information about this robbery or other pharmacy burglaries is asked to contact the Garden Grove Police Department Robbery Unit at 714-741-5837.
Surveillance Video of the robbery can be seen here: http://bit.ly/GGPDPharmacy211
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704
Local Pharmacies being targeted by burglary crews
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: May 20, 2019
SUBJECT: Commercial Burglaries at Local Pharmacies
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 8883 Westminster Ave. - Hong Pharmacy
10191 Westminster Ave. - Ana Pharmacy
10278 Westminster Ave. – Cali Care Pharmacy
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: 05/18/2019 between 04:14 AM-04:45 AM
VICTIM: Pharmacy Businesses in Garden Grove & Orange County
SUSPECT(s): Unknown Males- with yellow crow bars
NARRATIVE:
On 05-18-2019 between 04:14 AM and 04:45 AM three commercial burglaries occurred at three different pharmacies in Garden Grove. Officers responded to the three locations because of alarm activations and discovered the break-ins. The first business was located at 8883 Westminster, Hong Pharmacy. The second location was at 10191, Westminster Avenue, Ana Pharmacy. The third location was at 10278 Westminster Avenue, Cali Care Pharmacy. The front doors to the businesses were pried open by a male suspect using a crow bar. Security gates at two of the locations, prevented further entry. Prescription medications that included cough syrup with codeine was taken from the third business. Video surveillance from the burglaries recorded the crimes and it shows the same suspect(s) were responsible for the burglaries
Pharmacies across Orange and Los Angeles County have been targeted recently. Anyone with information on the identities of the suspects are asked to contact detectives. The surveillance video from one of the burglaries can be found here http://bit.ly/GGPD_Pharmacy_Burg
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704
Officer Involved Shooting- Suspect stabbed 18 year old female
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: May 18, 2019
SUBJECT: Officer Involved Shooting- Female victim stabbed by suspect
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 12100 Wilken Way- Garden Grove
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: 05/18/2019 01:59 AM
VICTIM: Female, 18-years-old, resident of Garden Grove-Name withheld
SUSPECT(s): MEZA, ANDREW GIOVANNI, 20-years-old, Garden Grove
NARRATIVE:
On 05/18/2019 at 01:59 AM officers were dispatched to the 12100 block of Wilken Way for a 20-year-old male that was suicidal. Officers arrived within three minutes and the calling party advised dispatchers the suicidal subject just killed someone and was armed with a knife. As Officers approached the front of the home, an officer involved shooting occurred and the suspect was shot several times. A knife was recovered at the scene.
Officers immediately rendered first-aid to the suspect. Additional officers located an 18-year-old female family member who had been stabbed by the suspect. Garden Grove Fire Department paramedics arrived and rendered medical treatment to the stabbing victim and the suspect. The male was pronounced deceased by paramedics. The female victim was taken to a local hospital and is in stable condition.
The 20-year-old suspect was identified as Meza, Andrew Giovanni from Garden Grove. The female victim is a relative and her name is being withheld. No officers were injured during the incident.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Garden Grove Police Department Crimes Against Persons Unit, is conducting an investigation into the incident. The OC District Attorney’s Office is the lead agency in this Officer-Involved Shooting.
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704
Homeless Man Arrested for Several Commercial Burglaries
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: May 13, 2019
SUBJECT: Homeless man arrested for several commercial burglaries
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 9800 Katella Avenue, Garden Grove
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: 05/09/2019 0322 AM
VICTIM: Several Businesses in Garden Grove
SUSPECT: Alrabayah, Marwan Maher, 32 years old, transient from Anaheim
NARRATIVE:
Link to Video Press Release: http://bit.ly/GGPD-BurgArrest-Video
On Thursday, May 9, 2019 at approximately 0322 hours, Garden Grove Police officers were dispatched to a business (banquet hall) at the 9800 block of Katella Avenue in reference to an audible alarm call. While officers were en route GGPD dispatch contacted the owner of the business who was at his home and was able to remotely access the live security cameras of the closed business. The owner reported seeing a subject hiding in the dumpster of the business as officers were arriving on scene. The officers located the suspect hiding in a trash dumpster and took him into custody. The suspect was in possession of burglary tools that included a hammer and pry bar that the he used to break in to the business. The suspect was arrested for the attempted burglary.
Detectives assisted in the investigation and were able to link ALRABAYAH to six other burglary cases, including three that occurred nearby on Wednesday, May 8, 2019. The suspect was linked to the other burglaries with the help of surveillance video.
Marwan Maher Alrabayah is a local transient from Anaheim. He was booked in to Orange County Jail for burglary. Detectives are actively following up on several similar burglary cases. Anyone with information about these crimes or the suspect is asked to contact Detective Holloway at 714-741-5827.
Prepared By: Sergeant Luis Payan
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704
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Updated Press Release- Robbery/Homicide investigation- Suspects and victim identified
UPDATED PRESS RELEASE
UPDATE- releasing suspects’ names and victim name
DATE: May 9, 2019
SUBJECT: Homicide- Strong Armed Robbery
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 13900 block of Brookhurst Street
DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: 05/08/2019 at 9:45 AM
Victim: Nguyen, Nga Ngoc, 32 year-old female, resident of Santa Ana
Suspects: Walker, Gregory Anthony, 19-year-old male, Los Angeles
Booked at Orange County Jail for murder and robbery
Guy, Giovanni Solomon, 20-year-old male, Los Angeles
Booked at Orange County Jail for Murder and Robbery
Brown, Brad Maurice, 19-year-old male, Hawthorne
Booked at Orange County Jail for robbery
Booking photos are not being released at this time pending investigation follow-up
On 05-08-2019 at 09:24 AM the Garden Grove Police Department was contacted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Burglary Robbery Task Force. LASD undercover detectives were conducting surveillance on a vehicle and individuals who were suspected of being involved in robberies. During the surveillance, the suspects drove their vehicle into the parking lot of a commercial shopping center near 13900 Brookhurst Street. At approximately 09:45 AM, the suspects confronted the female victim walking in the parking lot of the shopping center and attempted to steal her purse. During the robbery, the victim was run over by the suspect vehicle and she sustained traumatic injuries. The suspects then fled north on Brookhurst towards the 22 freeway.
LASD task force detectives asked for assistance from the Garden Grove Police Department. Garden Grove officers and detectives immediately responded to the area. Officers and paramedics rendered first aid to the victim who was taken to a local trauma center. LASD detectives continued the surveillance of the suspect vehicle after it entered the westbound 22 freeway. LASD detectives and a sheriff helicopter followed it back into Los Angeles County. The suspects abandoned their vehicle in the area of the 110 freeway and Century Blvd. They were apprehended a short time later.
Three male suspects were arrested and transported back to Garden Grove Police Department to be interviewed by detectives. The female victim later succumbed to her injuries and died at the hospital. Garden Grove detectives and crime scene investigators remained at the scene to interview witnesses and collect evidence.
The investigation is on-going and the booking photos of the suspects will not be released at this time. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the GGPD Crimes Against Persons unit at 714-741-5839.
Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704