Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 5-29-2012, Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call of an armed robbery in the 100 block of Orange Street, El Rio. An initial investigation found that at about 9:00 p.m., a male and female victim were standing in a driveway talking when a car drove up to them. The car was occupied by two male adults. Both male suspects, who were armed with handguns, got out of the car and confronted the victims. One of the suspects demanded money from the male victim and threatened to kill him. During the robbery, the female victim tried to run but was physically restrained by the second suspect. After obtaining money from one of the victims, the suspects fled the scene.

The Sheriff’s Gang Unit took over the investigation and identified Valentino Zapien as one of the suspects. Zapien is a member of a criminal street gang and on parole for possession of a deadly weapon. Investigators also discovered he had an active warrant out for his arrest for violation of his parole terms.

On 6-11-2012, Gang investigators obtained a search warrant for Zapien’s girlfriend’s house in the 2200 Block of Tiller avenue, Port Hueneme, based on information that Zapien frequently stayed at the location.

On 6-13-2012, investigators from the Sheriff’s Gang Unit and Camarillo Special Enforcement Detail served the warrant at the Tiller Address. During the service of the search warrant, Zapien barricaded himself and his girlfriend in a bathroom within the residence. Zapien was armed with a handgun and refused to let his girlfriend go. Gang investigators negotiated with Zapien for several minutes before he surrendered peacefully.

Zapien was arrested on charges that included, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Kidnapping for the purpose of Robbery, and Street Terrorism. He was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail where he remains held without bail. Gang investigators expect to make more arrests in the case.

Nature of Incident: Arrest of Kidnap/Robbery suspect.
Report Number: 12-12132
Location: 2200 Tiller, Port Hueneme
Date & Time: 6-13-2012 @ 7:30 a.m.
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Gang Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Zapien, Valentino, Oxnard, 28
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Bill Schierman, Sergeant
Media Release Date: 6-13-2012
Follow-Up Contact:
Approval: Bill Schierman, Sergeant 805-654-3551
Bruce Macedo, Captain

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).