News Summary
Huntington Beach saw major police activity as a suspect connected to a Long Beach homicide was detained. The operation involved a SWAT team and a standoff at a residence in the area. Meanwhile, police made arrests in a separate murder case involving a 29-year-old Anaheim man. Authorities are urging the public for information as they continue to investigate both cases amid rising community concerns about violence.
Huntington Beach witnessed significant police activity on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, as a person of interest in a Long Beach homicide investigation was detained. The Long Beach Police Department confirmed the event, which led to the activation of a SWAT team to execute a search warrant related to the homicide case.
The operation took place in the 4800 block of Pearce Drive in Huntington Beach, beginning around 1 p.m. Following a series of developments, officers arrived at the location at approximately 4 p.m. to serve the search warrant. After hours of negotiation with the suspect inside the residence, a standoff ensued. The tense situation concluded around 6 p.m. when officers entered the home and took the suspect into custody with the assistance of a K-9 unit that was deployed through a shattered back door.
As the situation unfolded, Huntington Beach Police utilized social media to keep the public informed, posting on Instagram early in the evening to indicate that an outside agency was conducting an investigation that would wrap up soon. Authorities reassured the community that there was no threat to safety during this operation.
Details regarding the identity of the homicide victim connected to the detained suspect have not been disclosed, leaving questions about the nature of the investigation. Meanwhile, Huntington Beach police also made progress on a separate case involving the death of a 29-year-old Anaheim man named Rozzalle Lamont Hellens, who was discovered on September 15 with significant injuries sustained near a restaurant in downtown Huntington Beach.
The Major Crimes Unit of the Huntington Beach Police Department has arrested four males in connection with Hellens’s death. The suspects identified are Arnaldo Steven Malaca (33), Michael Cardoso (29), Roberto Lopez (25), and Jesus Torres-Martinez (22). They have been booked on charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and criminal street gang activity. In addition, Malaca was booked for allegedly carrying a concealed firearm. However, it remains unclear whether a firearm was used in Hellens’s homicide.
The four suspects are currently being held on a $1 million bail and are scheduled for arraignment in Orange County Superior Court. The police have appealed to the public, requesting anyone with further information related to either case to contact Major Crimes Unit Detective Sgt. Anthony Pham or OC Crime Stoppers.
Authorities continue to investigate the details surrounding both cases as the community grapples with the threats of violence that have surfaced in recent weeks. The swift action by law enforcement reflects their commitment to addressing crimes and maintaining public safety, despite the challenges presented by ongoing investigations.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Long Beach Homicide Investigation
- Wikipedia: Huntington Beach
- Patch: Long Beach Homicide Suspect Detained
- Google Search: Huntington Beach Crime News
- LA Times: Murder Arrests in Huntington Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntington Beach
- KTLA: Fifth Suspect Arrested in Huntington Beach
- Google News: Huntington Beach Homicide
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
