On August 26, 2024, at about 3:42 p.m., Santa Ana police responded to a shooting near 800 S. Townsend Street, just east of Monte Vista Elementary School. Officers found 32-year-old Santa Ana resident Erick Alegria unresponsive with a gunshot wound; despite treatment by the Orange County Fire Authority he was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Santa Ana Police Department homicide detectives conducted an investigation into the killing. On December 17, 2024, authorities announced the arrest of Ruben Oswaldo Cielo in connection with the homicide; Cielo has been charged and police say they are still seeking additional suspects. The neighborhood around Monte Vista Elementary has seen increased police presence and concern from residents since the shooting.

If anyone has information that could identify other people involved or clarify what happened that afternoon, please contact the Santa Ana Police Department.