04.16.2023 | 1:06 AM | SANTA ANA – A woman was shot inside a busy bar by a man who reportedly fled the area before being arrested by police, early Sunday morning.
The shooting was reported inside Proof Bar & Lounge, located in the 200 block of North Broadway, shortly after 1:00 AM.
When authorities arrived they located an adult female victim suffering from a gunshot wound and rushed her to an area hospital. She was described as being in stable condition.
Police located the suspected shooter, a male adult, along with a firearm just a block away from the bar and ultimately arrested him on charges of attempted murder. He was identified as 22-year-old Armando Alvarez, of Santa Ana.
Several patrons complained that the incident could have been avoided had security at the bar conducted pat downs or implemented other security measures.
A large swath of downtown was closed while police worked to investigate the shooting.
No motive for the shooting was immediately disclosed but anyone with information was asked to contact homicide detectives at (714) 245-8390.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Orange County Crime Stoppers by calling (855) TIP-OCCS or by visiting their website at www.occrimestoppers.org.
Michael Weske and Junior Martinez contributed to this story.