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Arson in Ojai area
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, September 12th, 2011
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On Wednesday evening September 7, Ojai Valley Station patrol deputies responded to a call for service reference an in-progress domestic disturbance and arson. An unknown male and female stopped their car in a turn-out adjacent to the Wiggy Ranch in the 5900 block of Casitas Pass Road. The couple was arguing when nearby residents checked on the disturbance. The female drove away towards Carpenteria in a brown Toyota sedan (possible Camry) and left the male near the entrance to the ranch. The male was contacted by local residents due to the disturbance. The male then walked westbound on Casitas Pass Road towards the nearby Santa Barbara County line. Additional witnesses further observed the male lighting several fires in the 5000 block of Casitas Pass Road just after the domestic disturbance. Witnesses described the suspect as a white male in his 30’s, 6’0”, blonde or red hair, wearing a white t-shirt and dark shorts. Ojai Valley Station deputies, Ventura County Sheriff’s K-9, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies, and California Highway Patrol officers arrived to search for the suspect. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office helicopter also supported the search. Witnesses last saw the suspect in the 7000 block of Gobernador Road. The search was called off after an extensive ground and air search for the suspect. Firefighters responded and extinguished the small fires. A Ventura County Sheriff’s Arson Investigator responded to the scene. The cause of the fires was determined to be arson related. On Thursday morning, deputies from the Ojai Valley Station returned to the 7000 block of Gobernador Road to search the immediate area for suspect and additional evidence during the daylight hours. This is an on-going investigation and the Ojai Valley Station detectives request that anyone with information regarding this case call their office at (805) 646-1414. 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). Location: 5000 Block of Casitas Pass Road, Ojai Area |
