Ventura County Sheriff's Department

During the last part of February 2010, Sheriff’s gang investigators received information that David Castro was selling narcotics in the Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction. Castro, a Santa Paula gang member, was wanted for violating his parole and had a no bail warrant for his arrest. He was listed as an armed and dangerous fugitive.

On Friday night, at about 6:00 P.M, Sheriff’s gang investigators located Castro as he got into a car in the 900 Blk of Santa Barbara Street, Santa Paula. Investigators followed him to a fast food drive through on Harvard Blvd where they approached him on foot. As officers approached Castro’s vehicle, he removed a loaded handgun from his waist and attempted to hide it from officers. He was taken into custody without incident. In addition to the handgun, Castro was found in possession of 3 ½ ounces of methamphetamine and over $1,000 dollars in cash. The handgun determined to have been stolen from a residential burglary in the City of Ventura.

Castro was arrested on a number of charges including felon in possession of a firearm, transportation of methamphetamine, possession of narcotics while armed, and possession of a firearm by a narcotic addict. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail and remains in custody without bail.

As part of the Sheriff’s Departments efforts in reducing gang violence and making residents feel safer, they maintain the GANG TIP HOTLINE. Residents can call “1-888-58GANGS” and anonymously report criminal gang activity in their neighborhoods. Residents are reminded to call “911” in emergencies or (805) 654-9511 for non-emergencies

RB#:10-5437

Location:900 Blk Harvard Blvd, Santa Paula

Date & Time:3-5-2009/ 6:00 P.M.

Unit Responsible: Gang Unit

Suspect Charge City of residence Age

Castro, David Felon in poss. firearm Santa Paula 26
Transportation of methamphetamine
Poss. methamphetamine while armed
Poss. stolen firearm
Violation of parole.

Officer Preparing Release: Sgt Bill Schierman

Follow-up Contact: Sgt Bill Schierman 654-2856

Date of Release: 3-5-2010