GANG MEMBER CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER OF A POLICE OFFICER FOLLOWING PURSUIT

GANG MEMBER CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER OF A POLICE OFFICER FOLLOWING PURSUIT

SANTA ANA – A gang member was charged today with attempted murder of a police officer and premeditated attempted murder of another victim following a police pursuit in Fullerton. Diego Alejandro Figueroa, 22, Buena Park, is charged with one felony count of attempted murder on a police officer, one felony count of conspiracy to commit murder, one felony count of attempted murder with premeditation and deliberation, one felony count of shooting an inhabited dwelling from a vehicle, one felony count of evading a police officer while driving recklessly, one felony count of possession of a firearm, and one felony count of active participation in a criminal street gang. The defendant faces sentencing enhancements for committing crimes for the benefit of a criminal street gang and the vicarious use of a firearm. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 80 years to life in state prison. The defendant is being held on $2 million bail in this case and is subject to a no-bail probation violation hold. Figueroa is expected to be arraigned today, May 15, 2012, in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) is investigating the officer-involved shooting incident at this location involving this defendant. At the end of the investigation, the OCDA will release a full factual detailed report regarding this incident. It is the policy of the OCDA office to not release further details at this time.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Ron Seman at (714) 347-8544.

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