Santa Ana Daily Local Headlines: Fentanyl Seizure, MainPlace Arrests, Passport Day

Top headlines

Santa Ana police reported a weekend traffic stop attempt near the 1300 block of East Dyer Road escalated into a pursuit that ended on a freeway in Los Alamitos after spike strips were deployed. Investigators say a search of the vehicle turned up about two pounds of fentanyl and a sizable amount of cash, and the driver was arrested and booked at the Santa Ana Jail.

In a separate case tied to a January incident at MainPlace Mall, authorities say a couple accused of stealing clothing and then fighting with a loss-prevention employee has been taken into custody. Investigators allege the male suspect struck the employee during the struggle before the pair fled, and both were later booked at the Santa Ana Jail.

Police are also asking for help locating a suspect wanted in a retail-theft case at a TJ Maxx on South Bristol Street. Detectives say the woman is a known repeat shoplifter at that location and has an active warrant; the department is directing tips to its investigators.

Looking ahead

Downtown residents planning spring travel may want to mark a major passport service day at the Old Orange County Courthouse on West Santa Ana Boulevard. County officials are promoting a Special Saturday Passport Day on March 28 with on-site photos and in-person application processing. Appointments are strongly encouraged, with limited walk-in capacity expected.

What to watch

If you use downtown corridors regularly, expect the mix of enforcement activity and weekend services to keep public-safety and city operations in the spotlight. For residents, the practical takeaway is straightforward: keep an eye on local alerts, lock up valuables at busy shopping centers, and book appointments early for time-sensitive services like passports.

Sources

https://newsantaana.com/o-c-driver-arrested-after-a-pursuit-now-facing-drug-and-felony-evasion-charges/
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.ocrecorder.com/clerk-services/passport-services