On Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010, at approximately 9:14 p.m. Santa Paula Police Officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 100 blk. of E. Santa Anna St. Upon arrival of Officers, they were led to the courtyard of an apartment complex in that area where they found two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. One individual was shot once in the upper torso and immediately transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center in critical condition, the other individual was shot once in the leg and he too was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center.

At the time, no motive was known for the shooting and there were no suspects identified. Several witnesses at the scene were contacted and gave statements as to what they had seen and or heard and based on information obtained it was determined that the shooting was possibly gang related. Description of the suspect and suspect vehicle were obtained as well.

The following day, Santa Paula Police Detectives began receiving several anonymous phone calls with information regarding the identity of the persons responsible for the shooting.

During the course of the investigation, SPPD Detectives confirmed the identity of the suspect shooter, other possible suspects in the suspect vehicle and place of residence within the City of Ventura for all suspects.

On 09-30-10 with the assistance of the Ventura Police Department SWAT and gang Investigators, a search warrant was served at the home of Lucas Macias Sr. in the 11100 block of Citrus Dr. City of Ventura.

Lucas Macias Sr. 40 years, City of Ventura, had been identified as suspect shooter. He was taken into custody without incident. Lucas Macias Sr. who is classified as a Santa Paula gang member was booked and charged with two counts of attempt homicide and special allegation of street terrorism for committing the crime for the benefit of gang.

Two juveniles were also arrested and later released pending further investigation. Further arrests are anticipated.

A search of the residence was conducted. Detectives located gang paraphernalia and attire, no weapons were found.

Sgt. I. Cordero
Santa Paula Police Department