The man who shot into a car in Santa Ana last month, injuring a 3-year-old girl, was charged March 4 with two counts of attempted murder and firing a gun at an occupied car, all felonies, according to prosecutors.
Angel Castillo, 20, will also face sentencing enhancements for attempted premeditated murder, firing a gun causing great bodily injury, gang activity, and causing great bodily injury to a child younger than 5.
On Feb. 25 Mr. Castillo allegedly shot at a moving vehicle in a suspected gang-related incident, striking the child in the back seat who was sitting next to an unharmed 4-year-old girl. The children’s mother was driving, and her boyfriend in the front passenger seat is believed to be the intended target, according to police.
The Sunday shooting happened around 8 p.m. near 15th and Spurgeon streets, according to Santa Ana police Officer Natalie Garcia. Two bullets struck a white Nissan Altima. One entered through the trunk and struck the 3-year-old.
Three bullet shell casings were found at the scene.
Police said the mother didn’t initially realize her daughter was struck until she started acting distressed. She was then driven by her mom to Children’s Hospital of Orange County, underwent surgery, and is expected to survive, according to Ms. Garcia.
Mr. Castillo was booked into the Orange County Jail March 1 where he was held without bail. He was scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, before the hearing was rescheduled for March 20.
