Two arrested after police pursuit near Little Saigon

By Do Dzung, Nguoi Viet

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. ― Three suspects led police on a chase through the cities surrounding Little Saigon early Thursday after allegedly robbing a man in Santa Ana, leading to officers firing their weapons, according to law-enforcement officials.

Justin Qunnaphonh Phabmixay, 21, of Santa Ana. Photo from Santa Ana Police Department.

Michael Tran Nguyen, 29. Photo from Santa Ana Police Department.

Santa Ana police reported that about 1:47 a.m., they responded to a call at Hazard Street and Harbor Boulevard, where an alleged victim told them he had been robbed of his money by three armed Asian men and provided a description of their vehicle. Officers saw a similar vehicle, a black pickup truck, and followed it for approximately a half-hour, crossing into Westminster, Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach.

The pursuit ended at Lampson Avenue and West Street in Garden Grove when the driver crashed into the curb, according to a news release issued by Santa Ana police. At that time, two suspects exited the truck, and officers drew and fired their weapons. No one was hurt, and two men were taken into custody. The third escaped at an unknown point.

Arrested and taken to the Santa Ana Police Department Jail were Justin Qunnaphonh Phabmixay, 21, of Santa Ana, and Michael Tran Nguyen, 29, whom Santa Ana police listed as a transient.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information about the potential third suspect or the incident is asked to call Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.