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The City of Fillmore and community partners have created a Resource List of Disability Services available to people of all ages living with disabilities and their families and caretakers. They include everything from independent living to senior resources to transportation services to youth adaptive sports available to all Fillmore youth. Also, when you open the link below, the document has links that take you directly to each programs’ website. There are many people and families of people living with disabilities in our communities who may not be aware of these great resources that are available to them. https://www.fillmoreca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/747/Disability-Resource-D....

On 07/23/2024, two suspects were arrested in Fillmore for Identity Theft and related crimes.

On 07/22/2024, Fillmore patrol deputies responded to the 100 Block of B Street in Fillmore reference a mail theft. Residents called to report a community mailbox had been broken into and several people had their mail stolen.

During the nighttime hours, a victim called Sheriff’s Dispatch to report their credit card had been fraudulently used at a local motel. Fillmore patrol deputies responded to the motel and located evidence related to the mail and identity thefts. Additionally, patrol personnel identified a suspect vehicle, and (S) Vanessa Lopez out of Moreno Valley as a person of interest.

On 07/23/2024, during the early morning hours, patrol personnel located the suspect’s vehicle in the 100 block of Surrey Way in Fillmore. Detectives from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation responded to assist.

At about 0245 hours, Fillmore detectives and patrol deputies contacted and detained Lopez near the suspect vehicle. She was with a male identified as (S) Ryan Araujo from Rialto. During the detention, additional evidence linking both Lopez and Araujo to the mail and identity thefts was discovered.

Ultimately, both Lopez and Araujo were arrested for several offenses including Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime], 530.5(e) – [Mail Theft], 484(g) – [Fraudulent Use of Access Card], and 530.5(c)(3) – [Identity Theft of Ten Victims or More]. Araujo was additionally arrested for Penal Code § 148.9(a) – [Providing False Information to Peace Officer], 529(a)(3) – [False Impersonation of Another], and Health & Safety Code § 11377(a) – [Possession of a Controlled Substance].

Both Lopez and Araujo were transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility (PTDF) where they were booked for the aforementioned offenses pending court proceedings.

Nature of Incident: Suspects Arrested for Identity Theft
Report Number: 24-90995
Location: 100 Block of B Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 05/28/2024, 12:30 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Bureau of Investigation, Advanced Real Time Information Center (ARTIC)

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(V) Multiple Residents Fillmore
(S) Vanessa Lopez Moreno Valley 45
(S) Ryan Araujo Rialto 30

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 07/23/2024
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

A 15-year-old Fillmore resident was arrested for graffiti vandalism crimes and participating in a criminal street gang within the city of Fillmore.

Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods. Graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious crimes affecting our communities. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to responding to public concerns in a manner that builds confidence in our agency and strengthens relationships to empower businesses and residents to be the eyes and ears of the community.

During the month of July 2024, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station conducted a self-initiated investigation in response to a rise in gang-related graffiti vandalism crimes in the City of Fillmore. Deputies were able to identify several “Hot Spot” areas that had been vandalized, coordinated resources and collected evidence to identify a male juvenile responsible for some of the graffiti vandalism crimes. Furthermore, patrol deputies were able to specifically show the graffiti vandalism was perpetrated in furtherance of a local criminal street gang. Patrol deputies sought and obtained a search warrant for the residence where the male juvenile was residing, located in the 900 block of Fourth Street, Fillmore.

On July 19, 2024, Fillmore patrol deputies and detectives served the search warrant at the male juvenile’s residence. During the search warrant, detectives seized additional evidence related to the graffiti vandalisms and items further connecting the juvenile to the criminal street gang. The Ventura County Probation Agency will be forwarded the facts and circumstances of this case, alleging the juvenile was in violation of Penal Code § 549(b)(2)(A) – Graffiti Vandalism and Penal Code § 186.22(d) – Participation in a Criminal Street Gang. The Ventura County Probation Agency reviews the case to determine whether a case should be referred to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration or handled informally by the probation agency. The juvenile was released to his mother pending consideration by the Ventura County Probation Agency and District Attorney’s Office.

The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and
vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling our dispatch center at (805) 654-9511. Following a police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed. Anyone with information pertaining to any crimes is urged to contact The Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233 or the listed detectives below. The reporting party may remain anonymous.

Graffiti Removal
The city removes all graffiti in public areas by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending upon the location of the graffiti. Residents are encouraged to call the city graffiti hotline at (805) 524-1500 prompt number 4 then 3. Additionally, private property owners are encouraged to help combat vandalism by removing any graffiti visible on their properties.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to increasing and strengthening community partnerships and utilizing technologies and evidence-based practices to enhance collaborative efforts at reducing crime and improving public safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on X @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Nature of Incident: Gang-Related Graffiti Vandalism Arrest
Report Number: 24-72893
Location: 900 Block of Fourth Street, Fillmore

Date & Time: July 19th, 2024, at 7:10 A.M.

Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services
Fillmore Investigations

Suspect City of Residence Age
Male Juvenile Fillmore 15

Prepared by: Detective Dustin Heershe
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Valley Express Bus & Dial-A-Ride and the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) are excited to announce that a new bus route connecting the cities of Fillmore and Moorpark will start in August.

The Fillmore-Moorpark Route, which will begin service Aug. 1, will provide a direct one-seat ride between the cities of Fillmore and Moorpark using the Highway 23/Grimes Canyon corridor.

The fixed-route service will begin at the Fillmore Terminal, 533 Central Ave. in Fillmore, then proceed to Moorpark. It will make stops at the Moorpark Metrolink station, the Moorpark Marketplace and Moorpark College. The route will connect to eight existing bus routes, including those provided by Valley Express, VCTC, City of Simi Valley Transit, and Moorpark City Transit. The new route will also connect riders to Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train service.

The route will operate seven days a week, offering 10 trips on weekdays and five trips on weekends.

Fare information, a schedule and map are available at valleyexpressbus.org/routes/Moorpark.

“The Fillmore to Moorpark Route will provide greater access to employment and education for people living in the Heritage Valley. It will also give visitors another way to come and explore our beautiful city,” said Fillmore Mayor Carrie Broggie, who is also a VCTC commissioner and a member of the Heritage Valley Transit Service Policy Advisory Committee, which oversees Valley Express Bus & Dial-A-Ride.

Moorpark Mayor and VCTC Commissioner Chris Enegren said: “With stops at the Moorpark Marketplace, Moorpark College and Metrolink train station, the new bus route will connect people with an easy, affordable way to go shopping, dine at restaurants and enjoy entertainment locally and beyond Ventura County.”

VCTC Executive Director Martin Erickson said community members have often requested a bus route connecting Fillmore and Moorpark.

“Feedback from riders is an important part of our transit planning process, and we are pleased to be able to offer a new service that directly meets the needs of the community,” Erickson said.
About Valley Express Bus & Dial-A-Ride and VCTC