Santa Ana Daily Local Headlines: Feb. 27, 2026
Santa Ana, CA – February 27, 2026 – MainPlace Mall arrest, fentanyl pursuit, TJ Maxx search, plus courthouse passport day and SAUSD updates.
Top headlines
Pursuit ends with fentanyl seizure
Santa Ana police said a weekend traffic stop attempt near E. Dyer Road escalated into a pursuit that ended after spike strips were used and the vehicle stopped on a freeway in Los Alamitos. Police reported finding about two pounds of fentanyl and a large amount of cash, and said the driver was taken into custody and booked at the Santa Ana Jail.
MainPlace Mall shoplifting case leads to arrests
Investigators said two suspects linked to a January theft at MainPlace Mall were arrested after a case that also involved an alleged assault on a loss prevention employee during the getaway. Police identified the pair as a man from Tustin and a woman from San Bernardino, and said both were booked at the Santa Ana Jail.
Police seek suspect in TJ Maxx thefts
Detectives are asking for public help locating a 26-year-old suspect accused of walking out of the TJ Maxx on S. Bristol Street with unpaid merchandise. Police said the suspect is considered a repeat shoplifter at that location and has an active warrant.
Civic and schools
Special Saturday passport services planned for March 28
Orange County officials announced a Special Saturday Passport Day on March 28 at the Old Orange County Courthouse in downtown Santa Ana. Organizers said the event is designed to help residents apply for passports and take photos on-site, with appointments encouraged and walk-ins accepted as capacity allows.
SAUSD posts guidance on immigration-enforcement actions at schools
Santa Ana Unified School District shared a student-and-family guide on immigration-enforcement actions at California schools, including information about school procedures and student privacy rights. The district also highlighted its February employee recognitions, naming a Lincoln Elementary teacher and a Madison Elementary activity monitor as employees of the month.
Sources
https://newsantaana.com/couple-arrested-for-shoplifting-and-assaulting-a-store-employee-at-the-mainplace-mall/
https://newsantaana.com/santa-ana-police-searching-for-tj-maxx-serial-shoplifter/
https://voiceofoc.org/2026/02/orange-county-clerk-recorder-hugh-nguyen-to-celebrate-10-years-of-special-saturday-passport-days-on-march-28/
https://www.sausd.us/