A 58-year-old man, John Albert Guillen, was killed in a drive by shooting in Santa Ana on Monday afternoon, April 27. Police said the shooting happened around 12:30 p.m. in the 300 block of North Daisy Avenue, where officers found Guillen lying in the street with a gunshot wound to his upper torso. Despite lifesaving efforts by paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators believe Guillen was getting into his vehicle when he was shot. The Santa Ana Police Department said the shooting appeared to be gang related, based on early findings at the scene. Detectives are working to identify additional witnesses who may have seen the vehicle involved or the direction in which the suspect or suspects fled.
The neighborhood was briefly cordoned off as officers documented the scene and canvassed the area for surveillance footage. Police said they did not immediately have a description of the shooter or the vehicle used in the attack. The gunman or gunmen remain at large, and investigators are urging residents to come forward with any information that could help identify those responsible.
Guillen’s death has shaken the surrounding community, where residents reported hearing a single gunshot before seeing emergency crews arrive. The area is part of Santa Ana’s Artesia Pilar neighborhood, which has experienced periodic gang related violence. Local officials have expressed concern about the ongoing impact of gang activity on families living in the district.
Police said the case is being investigated as a homicide, and detectives are reviewing evidence collected at the scene. They are also working to determine whether the shooting was targeted or connected to any ongoing disputes in the area. Authorities emphasized that even small details from witnesses could be crucial in identifying the shooter.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Ana Police Department Homicide Section at 714 245 8390, or to provide anonymous tips through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1 855 TIP OCCS. The investigation remains active as police continue searching for the person or people responsible for Guillen’s death.
