Santa Ana police arrested Ernesto Orozco Villa, also known as "Ernie the Uber," on suspicion of child sex predation following a sting operation. The arrest occurred early Wednesday morning near the intersection of Bristol Street and McFadden Avenue.
The investigation was initiated when a mother discovered concerning messages on her 16-year-old son's cellphone, which she reported to the Santa Ana Police Department. The messages identified the sender as Villa, a 45-year-old resident of Westminster. According to police, Villa had allegedly requested explicit photos from the teen and was attempting to arrange a sexual encounter.
Authorities coordinated the operation using patrol officers and their drone unit. They convinced Villa to agree to meet the minor in Orange County. As Villa waited in his vehicle shortly before 1 a.m., officers moved in and took him into custody. Footage released by the Santa Ana Police Department shows Villa speaking briefly in Spanish before being handcuffed and placed in a patrol car.
Villa was booked into the Santa Ana Jail. In a statement, the police department advised parents to discuss online safety with their children and consider monitoring their devices. They urged parents to "know who your children are talking to."