Charges Filed Against 2 Wounded by Police

Orange County prosecutors filed charges Tuesday against two suspected auto thieves who were shot and wounded by Tustin police last week after authorities said the pair tried to hit investigators with their car.

Alberto Santiago, 42, of Santa Ana was accused of assault with a deadly weapon against a police officer, auto theft, evading arrest and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He remains in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Prosecutors also charged a 16-year-old Santa Ana boy with assault with a deadly weapon against a police officer, conspiracy to commit auto theft, evading arrest, driving without a license and reckless driving. The youth will be prosecuted in Juvenile Court.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Heidi Winer alleges that on the evening of July 25, Santiago and the youth tried to run down several officers investigating the theft of a 1984 Toyota Celica.

Authorities said police feared for their safety and opened fire.

If convicted on all counts, Santiago and the 16-year-old could be sentenced to more than six years in prison. Assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, evading arrest and auto theft are felonies. The remaining charges are misdemeanors.