Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On August 9, 2008, at about 7:35 p.m., Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies assigned to the Moorpark Police Department responded to the Walmart Store on Cochran Street in the City of Simi Valley regarding a report of a domestic violence incident that occurred earlier in the City of Moorpark. The female victim reported that she had been hit in the face by her boyfriend and father of her child, Michael Esparza, while she was driving in the area of Spring Road and Tierra Rejada Road. When the victim pulled over and requested Esparza get out of the car, Esparza pushed her out and began driving away with their three-year-old child still inside the vehicle. Esparza’s actions caused visible injuries to the victim.

After being pushed out of the vehicle, the victim ran after the car requesting Esparza give her their three-year-old child. Esparza pulled the car over, which allowed the victim to get back in the car. While traveling on Madera Road at Cochran Street, the victim attempted to get the attention of a California Highway Patrol Officer who was driving nearby. Becoming alarmed, Esparza turned into the Walmart parking lot on Cochran Street and fled from the vehicle.

Responding Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies were aware that Esparza was wanted for a previous domestic violence incident that had occurred in the Fillmore area and for a violation of parole. Esparza attempted to hide from deputies behind parked vehicles at the location and then ran into the Beverages and More store across from Walmart. Additional Ventura County deputies and Simi Valley Police officers arrived on-scene to assist.

Law Enforcement personnel at the scene set up a perimeter around the building, covering all exits while other personnel entered the store in an attempt to locate Esparza. As deputies entered the store, Esparza exited through a back door where he was taken into custody by waiting deputies.

Esparza was booked at the Ventura County Jail for a no bail violation of parole warrant and felony spousal abuse charges.