Two Arrested 'With Force' Following Santa Ana Stolen Vehicle Pursuit: Police

SANTA ANA, CA — Two documented gang members driving a stolen car through Santa Ana fled from police rather than be pulled over on Sunday, the agency reports. They were both arrested shortly thereafter, and a video taken of the incident by a Kilson Drive resident shows one of the suspected thieves being taken into custody.

On July 9, at approximately 7 p.m. the two suspects were seen driving in the area of Kilson Drive, according to Santa Ana Police Department information officer Cpl. Anthony Bertanga. Officers attempted to stop the suspects for a traffic violation when the driver fled.

"Following a pursuit, the passenger jumped out on foot and ran," Bertagna said.

The passenger was arrested shortly thereafter, at approximately 7:30 p.m. The vehicle they were driving hit parked cars and the driver jumped out and fled on foot, according to Bertagna.

"The driver was arrested, with force, after he fled from the scene and resisted arrest," Bertagna said. "The men were arrested and found with narcotics and a replica gun."

The passenger, 27-year-old Gabriel Becerra Mendoza of Santa Ana, and the driver, 22-year-old Jesus Arturo Martinez were both booked on grand theft auto, possession of stolen property, committing a felony benefiting a street gang, felony evading arrest, and possession of a controlled substance according to Bertagna.

Caution. The video below may be disturbing to some viewers.

"If officers acted inappropriately, they will be dealt with in the appropriate manner," Bertagna said.

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