Costa Mesa man shot by Santa Ana police

A homeless man shot dead by a police officer outside a juice store in Santa Ana frequently stayed in Costa Mesa, a local homeless advocate said.

Hans Arellano, 22, was shot once by a 13-year veteran of the Santa Ana Police Department after an altercation, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Arellano used the Check-In Center at the base of the Crossing Church parking lot in Costa Mesa, where homeless people can put their belongings to be kept in storage units, according to Becks Heyhoe, director of the Churches Consortium.

Having a place to store their belongings allows them to attend job interviews and other appointments, Heyhoe said.

Arellano was two weeks overdue at the storage center, which requires those who use it to renew their storage unit weekly.

Based on Arellano’s paperwork at the Check-In Center, he was a five-year resident of the city, and a copy of his identification shows a Victoria Street address, Heyhoe said.

“What he was doing in Santa Ana, I’m not sure,” Heyhoe said.

Heyhoe said volunteers informed her that Arellano was “a very sweet young man,” who expressed gratitude and happiness, despite his lack of shelter.

Volunteers described Arellano as cheerful.

Court records show two prior convictions for a Hans Arellano for public camping and commercial burglary, both stemming from 2012.

The incident happened about 3 p.m. Tuesday after police were called to the 600 block of South Harbor Boulevard, where a man, possibly on drugs, was reportedly disturbing the peace, according to The Times.

A foot chase turned into an altercation, and Arellano was shot in front of the juice shop at 622 S. Harbor Blvd.

Authorities said Arellano was unarmed.

Santa Ana police are investigating the shooting.