Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Major Crimes Detectives with the Thousand Oaks Police Department made two arrests in connection with an attempted robbery at the Westlake Promenade. On Friday 1-13-2012, at about 2:29 PM, a store patron was sitting inside of the Barnes and Noble store. Suspect Krista Claxton targeted the victim and grabbed the victim’s purse and began to flee out of the store. The victim was still hanging on to her purse and prevented suspect Claxton from taking it. Claxton ran out of the store, empty handed, and jumped into a waiting car that was driven by suspect Chadwick Fontana.

There were numerous witnesses, several of which quickly called 911. Patrol cars and detectives were on scene in minutes and immediately started investigating the whereabouts of the suspects. Claxton was arrested within hours of the incident, and Fontana was arrested the next day.

The victim suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics.
Quick thinking by fellow citizens and the use of 911 was critical in solving this case.

Nature of Incident: Attempted Robbery
Report Number: 12-1005
Location: Barnes and Noble, 160 Promenade Way, Thousand Oaks, CA
Date & Time: 1-13-12 / 2:29 PM
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Major Crimes Unit
Suspects City of Residence Age
Krista Claxton
Chadwick Fontana Newbury Park, CA
Newbury Park, CA 24
25
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Detective Roger Kelley
Media Release Date: 1-17-12
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Allen Devers (805) 494-8222
Approved by: Captain Tim Hagel

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).