Residents Urged to Be Cautious After 2nd Shooting

Santa Ana police are urging residents to take extra safety precautions in the wake of a weekend shooting that authorities believe may be linked to a similar attack that took place last month.

Officers are stepping up the search for a pair of teenagers suspected of cornering Margarito Hernandez, 23, as he walked toward his home on South Joanna Street shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday. The teens threatened him with a handgun and demanded money, Santa Ana Sgt. Raul Luna said.

The victim tried to flee but was shot in the upper body and right elbow. He was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange in critical condition, Luna said.

One of the suspects is described as a slim young man, 18 or 19 years old, about 5 foot 8. His accomplice is described as a 15- to 17-year old male, also slightly built, 5 foot 4, with black hair. Both wore black shirts and pants, Luna said.

The incident is similar to a Dec. 20 robbery in which another victim was shot by two men after being held up. The victim was seriously injured but is expected to recover.

Police said they have reason to believe the same teenagers conducted both robberies. The pair did not get money from either victim.

Luna said the Police Department wants to remind residents to take basic precautions when walking around at night.

“Try to walk in pairs,” he said. “Be aware who is around, [and] be careful when you’re around ATMs.” Luna also warned against resisting or not cooperating when threatened.