The shooting happened on the 3000 block of South Bristol Street in Santa Ana. Police say Marcelino Almanza was standing next to a stolen car and had a handgun.
Investigators have not yet said what led up to the shooting, but no officers were hurt. They say Almanza was shot several times.
According to detectives, the 39-year-old is a parolee and will be charged when he is released from the hospital.