Police Arrest 3 for Attempting to Steal a Trailer
(l-r) Oleksandr Skalish, Los Angeles, 31; Kirstyn Paquet, Los Angeles, 32; Gerald Clasen, Los Angeles, 44
(l-r) Oleksandr Skalish, Los Angeles, 31; Kirstyn Paquet, Los Angeles, 32; Gerald Clasen, Los Angeles, 44
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 15th, 2019
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A Sheriff’s patrol sergeant’s late night observation led to the arrest of three Los Angeles residents for attempting to steal a recreational vehicle parked for sale on the side of the road in Fillmore.

On March 20th, 2019, at approximately 11:15 p.m., a Fillmore patrol sergeant observed suspicious activity near “D” Street and Ventura Street in the city of Fillmore. The sergeant observed three individuals near a recreational trailer that was parked for sale just off the roadway. The sergeant investigated further and discovered that one individual, Oleksandr Skalish, claimed to have purchased the trailer. Two other subjects, Gerald Clasen and Kirstyn Paquet, claimed to be good Samaritans who were merely helping Skalish hook the trailer up to his pickup.

Shortly after obtaining his identification, Skalish fled on foot and eluded capture, but Clasen and Paquet remained on scene.

After further investigation, deputies learned the travel trailer did not belong to any of the subjects.
The owner was contacted and confirmed he parked the trailer at the location to sell it. The suspects did not know or contact the victim of the trailer to make the purchase.

In addition, a records check of the truck occupied by Skalish revealed the vehicle was reported stolen out of the Los Angeles area. Gerald Clasen and Kirstyn Paquet, were arrested and booked at the Main Jail for VC 10851(a)- unlawful taking of a vehicle and PC 182(a)(1)- Conspiracy to commit a crime.

Detectives continued the investigation into Skalish and discovered he was arrested after the aforementioned crime by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). He was charged with an unrelated vehicle theft. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Skalish. After completing his sentence in Los Angeles County, Skalish was arrested VC 10851(a)-Unlawful taking of a vehicle and PC 182(a)(1)- Conspiracy to commit a crime. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Prepared by: Detective Eric Tumbleson #4673
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen