NINTH-STRIKER PAROLEE SENTENCED FOR ROBBING MOTHER AT GUNPOINT IN HOME SHE SHARED WITH HER SON

NINTH-STRIKER PAROLEE SENTENCED FOR
ROBBING MOTHER AT GUNPOINT IN HOME
SHE SHARED WITH HER SON

WESTMINSTER – A ninth-striker parolee who robbed a Santa Ana woman at gunpoint in the home she shared with her son was sentenced today to 37 years to life in prison. Ralph Arreguin, 42, Corona, was convicted December 3, 2007 of first degree residential burglary, first degree robbery, brandishing an imitation firearm, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, and the unauthorized possession of a hypodermic needle or syringe with a sentencing enhancement allegation for a non-accomplice present during the residential burglary. Arreguin has eight prior strikes for five robberies with a firearm and two attempted robberies with a firearm in 1987 and a 1992 robbery. At the time of 2006 burglary, Arreguin was on parole for a 1999 conviction for possession of heroin.  

On November 9, 2006, 50-year-old Jane Doe left her Santa Ana home to go jogging in a nearby park. While she was gone, Arreguin broke into her home. When Jane Doe returned from her run, Arreguin grabbed her and put a gun to her side. The defendant told the terrified victim that he would kill her if she screamed, and forced her from room to room in the house looking for cash. 

Jane Doe’s 29-year-old son, an Iraqi War Veteran who had recently returned home from the war, was in his room and heard his mother crying. The victim’s son ran from his room and saw Arreguin with his mother. The son grabbed a baton and chased Arreguin out of the house. A neighbor, who happened to be driving by, called 9-1-1 and helped the son following Arreguin as he tried to escape in his truck. Officers arrested Arreguin and searched him and his car. The defendant had a pellet gun tucked in his waistband and drug paraphernalia and gang indicia in his truck.

Deputy District Attorney Troy Pino of the Gang Unit prosecuted this case.

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