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By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 6th, 2012
Are You Doing the Right Thing, the Wrong Way?
Sacramento, CA – Clearing dead grass and brush 100 feet from homes is a critical step in preparing for fire season. As the fire danger increases, the unsafe use of power equipment can actually start new fires. Every spring, CAL FIRE and other fire agencies remind homeowners of the importance of cutting down overgrown vegetation, but stress that how they clear their Defensible Space is just as important. “The spark from the metal blade of a lawn mower against a rock can easily ignite a wildfire,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of CAL FIRE. “While it’s important to clear dead grass and brush, we don’t want homeowners doing the right thing the wrong way. Two weeks ago, a wildfire known as the Banner Fire was sparked by unsafe equipment use, charring 5,321 acres just east of Julian in San Diego County. CAL FIRE officials say the fire serves as a reminder of how dry conditions are and how extra vigilance is needed to prevent wildfires. Homeowners are urged to take advantage of this week’s cooler weather to ensure they have cleared all dead or dying vegetation before increasing temperatures return. CAL FIRE offers CONTINUED » |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 30th, 2012
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Over the past 6 months, officers from the Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving Unit conducted numerous “Trap Door” operations at various restaurant establishments licensed through the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) within the City of Thousand Oaks. During the operations, Thousand Oaks law enforcement officers worked undercover as employees of the establishments. The Thousand Oaks officers were assisted by officers from the ABC and were targeting minors who were attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages by presenting false identification. The owners/employees of the establishments cooperated fully with the police department. In December of 2011, two operations were conducted at two separate locations in Thousand Oaks, which resulted in 3 arrests for possession of false identification. In May of 2012 two additional operations were conducted at two locations in Thousand Oaks, resulting in 3 arrests for possession of false identification. The primary goal of the operations was to reduce underage consumption of, and access to, alcohol by arresting minors who possess false or borrowed identification. Possession of false, borrowed or altered identification is a misdemeanor. Loaning identification to an underage person to facilitate access to alcohol is also a misdemeanor. The operations were funded by a grant the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office recently received from ABC. The $65,000 grant is funding various enforcement efforts intended to reduce the underage consumption of alcoholic beverages in all of the Sheriff’s Office jurisdictions. Nature of Incident: Thousand Oaks Police Conduct “Trap Door” Operations |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 30th, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 5-26-12, Deputies from the Thousand Oaks Police Department, working in partnership with the United States Secret Service, discovered that (A) Jin Tae Kim and (A) Ho Rim Yoon were opening bank accounts and writing checks against the account, with the knowledge that there were insufficient funds in the accounts to cover the checks. Kim and Yoon were arrested at a Chase Bank Branch in Thousand Oaks, after making several fraudulent transactions at three different banks. During the investigation, it was discovered that Kim and Yoon were conspiring with an unidentified third suspect, who was supplying them with information that was used to compete the crimes. Kim and Yoon were booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department’s East County Jail for Burglary, Fraud, and Conspiracy to commit a crime. Investigators are continuing to attempt to identify additional suspects involved in the crimes. 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 these type of crimes. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Nature of Incident: Bank Fraud Arrests |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 30th, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On June 25, at about 2:25 PM, enraged suspect Jae Lee entered victim’s home and demanded the residents leave. The victims barricaded themselves into a room in the residence while Lee rummaging through the residents’ property inside the home. Lee was eventually taken into custody and arrested for Residential Burglary, Resisting Arrest and Trespass. Deputies responded to the scene and confronted Lee in the victims’ home. The officers made repeated attempts and demands for Lee to surrender, but he refused to comply to all demands for surrender. Lee struggled with deputies and armed himself with a heavy glass vase raising it in a threatening manner toward one of the deputies as if he was going to throw it at the deputy. The deputy used a Taser on Lee but Lee was able to remove the probes rendering the taser ineffective. The officer then used pepper spray on Lee to gain his compliance. The combined use of the less lethal force assisted the officers in being able to safely take Lee into custody. No deputies were injured during the incident. Lee only experienced small puncture wounds at the site of the taser probe impacts and he suffered from the side affects of the pepper spray. Lee was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for burglary, resisting arrest and trespassing, after treatment at the Ventura County Medical Center for an unrelated medical issue. Nature of Incident: Burglary, Resisting a Peace Officer and Trespassing Arrest |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 30th, 2012
 California Highway Patrol The California Highway Patrol is offering a free Start Smart traffic safety program for teenage drivers and their parents Thursday, June 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Moorpark CHP office (610 Spring Road, Moorpark). The Start Smart program is aimed at helping future and newly licensed teenage drivers become aware of the responsibilities that accompany the privilege of being a licensed California driver. The program is designed as an educational tool for parents and teenagers in an effort to reduce the number of teenage injuries and deaths resulting from traffic collisions. The program also provides teens and parents with information on defensive driving, traffic laws in California, dynamics of traffic collisions, tips on avoiding traffic collisions and DUI awareness. For more information or to make a reservation, call Officer Miguel Duarte at (805) 553-0800. Funding for this campaign is provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 30th, 2012
On Sunday May 27th, 2012, at approximately 1:34pm officers responded to the 800 block of E. Virginia Terrace for a report of shots fired. Upon arrival it was determined that an unknown subject had fired a handgun several times striking a vehicle and residence several times. However no one was injured. Through investigation it was determined that two vehicles and several subjects had fled the area. At this time the investigation is ongoing. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Detective Ken Clark at 805-525-4474 Ext 277. Cody Madison |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, May 29th, 2012
Significant Fire Increase Has CAL FIRE Officials Concerned
Sacramento, CA – Memorial Day Weekend is often the kick-off for summer vacations and outdoor activities. However, CAL FIRE is urging caution this holiday weekend due to the increasing fire danger throughout California. “Recent fire activity including a 7,000 acre fire just over the border in Nevada, really serves as a reminder, that the conditions are ripe for wildfires,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of CAL FIRE. “CAL FIRE crews have already responded to over twice as many fires this year compared to last year at the same time.” The lack of rainfall across California has set the stage for an increased potential of major wildfires. Coupled with this weekend’s increase in outdoor activities, firefighters will be on high alert. CAL FIRE is asking Californians and visitors to the state to be extra vigilant while recreating in the outdoors. CAL FIRE would like everyone to remember these important steps this holiday: Camping: Obtain necessary permits needed for campfires Wildfires are not the only danger posed by the outdoors; drownings also dramatically increase during the Memorial Day weekend. In California, drowning is the leading cause of death among children under 14, and every year CAL FIRE responds to water rescues across the state, many of which tragically claim the lives of both adults and children. In the Water: Always wear a life jacket! For more ways to be safe during the Memorial Day Weekend visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, May 29th, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Thousand Oaks Police Department Traffic Bureau is continuing to investigate the collision that occurred yesterday on Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Live Oak Street. The driver of the GMC van has been identified as Carlos Miguel Serrano-Nino, 52 yrs., of Downey. He was located at the scene and interviewed. He was released pending further investigation. The adult pedestrian, Griselda Castro, remains in critical condition at Los Robles Hospital. Her two daughters were air-lifted to Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. The six-year-old is in critical condition and the four-year-old is in stable condition. The five-year-old female friend was released from Los Robles Hospital this morning. At the time of the collision, many members of our community came forward offering help to those who were injured. The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to express its appreciation to the citizens of Thousand Oaks for their assistance during this tragic event. Nature of Incident: UPDATE: Traffic Collision with Injuries-Vehicle / Pedestrians Involved 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, May 29th, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department With Memorial Day Weekend starting off our summer, the Camarillo Police Department would like to remind Camarillo residents that children must wear helmets when riding, bicycles, scooters and skateboards. If not wearing a helmet and you are under the age of 18, you could be fined up to $120. Studies show that 74- 85% of bicycle related injuries could be prevented with the proper use of a helmet. Proper use means buying a good helmet, making sure it fits and making sure to buckle the chin strap, fitting the helmet strap securely under the chin. Remember a bicycle is considered a "vehicle" and riders must follow the rules of the road. Obey all street signs, use hand signals and avoid hazards on the roadway. Wear reflective clothing. If you are riding at night or even at dusk, make yourself visible. You are also required to have a working headlight if you are biking at night. Officers of the Camarillo Police Department will be enforcing violations of the helmet law and the rules of the road in school areas and on city streets, to assure the safety of the children. The Camarillo Police Department does have a limited amount of helmets and safety gear available for free, provided to families dealing with financial hardships. For those needing assistance with safety equipment contact an officer at the Camarillo Police Department's Community Resource Unit during regular business hours M-F 8 AM to 5PM, (805) 388-5155. Nature of Incident: Helmet Safety |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department UPDATE -Body of Deceased Newborn Baby Found in Strawberry Field Sheriff’s Homicide investigators are seeking the public’s help in the death of the newborn baby discovered on Monday, May 21st near Camarillo. Primary concern at this time is the physical and psychological well-being of the mother in this case. There were indications the mother delivered what is described as a full term fetus at the scene. Investigators are particularly interested in people who know of someone whose pregnancy may have ended mysteriously over the weekend with no sign of a baby. The case is being handled as a homicide. Anyone with information can call Sheriff’s Homicide Detective Jose Lopez at (805) 384-4723 or (805) 797-7118. Ventura County Crimestoppers 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). Deputy Preparing Media Release: Captain Don Aguilar ORIGINAL ARTICLE The body was found as workers began picking strawberries in the area. Investigators are trying to determine the identity of the mother as well as the manner in which the baby died. Investigators are concerned for the mother's health and physical well being, and encourage anyone with information about this case to contact Detective Joe Evans at (805)384-4721. Ventura County Crimestoppers 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). Nature of Incident: Body of Deceased Newborn Baby Found in Strawberry Field |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, May 21st, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On April 24, 2012, the residents of a North Ranch area home contacted the Thousand Oaks Police Department. The responding deputy learned that an unknown person stole jewelry from the victim’s home. Several weeks into the investigation, detectives received a break in the case. This led to the identification of a potential suspect, Casey Kleopfer. On May 16, 2012, detectives conducted a search of Kleopfer’s home and located some of the stolen property. Kleopfer was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. A continued investigation has led to the recovery of the remaining jewelry. On May 18, 2012, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office elected to file one felony count of first degree burglary against Kleopfer. He remains in custody on $75,000.00 bail. 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 these types of crimes. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Nature of Incident: Burglary Arrest |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, May 21st, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Thousand Oaks Police Department is warning Ventura County residents of on-going telephone scams that have been targeting elderly residents or other susceptible victims. Thousand Oaks Police have seen an increasing number of telephone scams where the criminal calls a resident and informs them that their family member is in jail in another country. The criminal pretends to be a law enforcement official and advises the victim that they need to act quickly or their loved ones safety may be in jeopardy. Thousand Oaks Police Department officials have seen a majority of these fraudulent telephone calls originating from Canadian telephone area codes. The fraudulent official requests that money by “wired” via a major money wire transfer company (i.e. Western Union or MoneyGram) to an overseas location (in particular, Latin American countries.) Within a short period of time, the funds can be paid out to the person receiving the wire transfer and the victim will have suffered a financial loss as a result of this telephone scam. Ventura County residents can protect themselves from this type of telephone scam by not proceeding with the transaction until you have personally confirmed an emergency situation (i.e. family member in jail.) This can easily be done by calling the family member and checking on their welfare. If the affected family member is unavailable then reach out to other family members or individuals who can assist you in this situation. There are some helpful informational websites that can provide you with information regarding the various types of telephone scams as well as internet scams that criminals use to prey on the public. To learn more about how to protect yourself from fraud, please visit: Federal Trade Commission (Consumer Protection) www.ftc.gov Nature of Incident: Community Caution – Watch out for Telephone Scams 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, May 21st, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department At around 12:15 p.m. reports of a plane crash came in to the Sheriff's Communication Center. Upon arrival, deputies located wreckage in an agricultural area approximately 3 miles southeast of Hueneme Rd. and Las Posas Rd. The aircraft was a small jet type that was contracted by the military. There was one fatality (pilot). No other injuries, fatalities or damage related to the crash. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura County Fire, and Environmental Health responded to the scene. CHP and FAA on scene. NTSB is responding. The victim's identity has not been released pending notification of the next of kin. Nature of Incident: Plane Crash south of Camarillo Area (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age Deputy Preparing Media Release: Deputy Mario Molina # 3664 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, May 21st, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department At about 1200 hours on 05/16/2012, staff members from a local motel staff found what they believed to be evidence of check forgery being conducted in one of the rooms at the hotel. Hotel staff reported their findings to the Camarillo Police Department. Responding deputies and investigators found the four suspects listed and detained them. The investigation revealed the four suspects were involved in counterfeiting checks, possession of stolen checks, check forgery, identity theft, and controlled substance abuse. The deputies and investigators found evidence of the crimes in two of the motel rooms, and in two vehicles left parked at the motel. All four suspects were arrested for theft, forgery, identity theft, and drug related charges. Nature of Incident: Check Forgery/Counterfeiting Ring Arrests |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 16th, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department In January 2012, the Thousand Oaks Forgery/Fraud Unit and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department began investigating the fraudulent use of a social security number to gain employment at various restaurants in the City of Thousand Oaks. The victim had approximately $30,000.00 dollars in unlawful income reported against his social security number. Through the investigation and with the cooperation of two local restaurants in Thousand Oaks, (S) Elier Aldana-Romero was arrested for the crime of identity theft and possession of a counterfeit social security card. Aldana was booked into the East Valley Jail with bail set at $50,000 dollars. Nature of Incident: Identity Theft Arrest Date & Time: 05/15/12 @ 9:00 AM Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant Alan Hartkop 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 16th, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 5/15/2012, at approximately 2:00 PM, an unknown suspect entered Log Cabin Liquor wearing a light colored long-sleeved shirt, dark colored pants, gloves, and a mask covering his entire face. The suspect displayed a handgun and demanded that the clerk empty the cash register. Once the suspect obtained the cash, he fled the business leaving the clerk uninjured. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding this robbery is encouraged to contact Detective Dennis Smith. Nature of Incident: Armed Robbery Date & Time: 5/15/2012 @ 2:00 PM Deputy Preparing Media Release: Detective Dennis Smith Approved by: Captain Melissa Smith 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 16th, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Members of the public are invited to join peace officers from throughout the region Thursday to honor the service of those who have given their lives while serving the citizens of Ventura County. The annual event, sponsored by the Peace Officers Association of Ventura County, will pay tribute to the surviving family members of those who died in the line of duty. “It is of vital importance that we show our respect and support for the survivors of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said Sheriff’s Commander Rick Barrios, who is the president of the POAVC. “Their dedication and courage are humbling reminders to all of us.” The event will feature an honor guard, a 21-gun salute, and a fly over by Sheriff’s helicopters in a missing officer formation. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the west entrance to the Ventura County Government Center near the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Thille Street. Nature of Incident: Law Enforcement Officers to Honor Fallen Heroes at Annual Ceremony Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sgt. Eric Buschow |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 16th, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On May 10, 2012, the Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (S.E.U.), with the assistance of detectives from the Thousand Oaks Police Department, Camarillo Police Department, Moorpark Police Department, Fillmore Police Department, Sheriff’s Gang Unit, Sheriff’s Civil Unit and the Department of Homeland Security, served search warrants at eight residences in the cities of Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley. These search warrants were related to the investigation of two gang related incidents that occurred in the City of Thousand Oaks on April 21, 2012 and April 29, 2012. As a result of these investigations, Daniel Ruelas, Hugo Chi, Fernando Martinez, and Neri Barragan and one juvenile were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and participation in a criminal street gang. Rey Yerena and another juvenile were arrested for robbery and participation in a criminal street gang. Johnny Lomeli was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and being under the influence of a controlled substance. All of the listed adults were booked into the Ventura County Jails. The two juveniles were lodged at Ventura County Juvenile Hall. Nature of Incident: Arrests of Gang Members Deputy Preparing Media Release: 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 9th, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Sheriff’s Explorers won several awards this past weekend while participating in a regional competition with teams from agencies as far away as Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and United States Customs and Border Patrol. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department held its first Annual Explorer Tactical Competition at the Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic. The event serves as a learning experience and develops camaraderie between the different Explorer posts in an atmosphere of friendly competition. The Explorers participated !--break-->in a variety of SWAT and patrol scenarios. The team scenarios were: high-risk vehicle stop, domestic violence, hostage rescue, high-risk warrant service, firearms training simulator, marijuana field raid, active shooter, tug o’ war, fitness challenge, and multi-level assault. There were also individual events for both the Explorers and their advisors, which included a three-mile run, obstacle course, and a mud run. Members of the Headquarters Station post won awards in nine individual and team events with four first place finishes. Members of the Fillmore Station post won five awards for individual and team competition. The Explorer program is open to young men and women ages 14-20 with an interest in learning more about law enforcement and criminal justice. Nature of Incident: Sheriff Explorers Compete and Win Awards in Regional Event Follow-Up Contact: Approved by: Captain Patti Salas |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 9th, 2012
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, the County of Ventura will participate in the statewide Golden Guardian disaster exercise by activating the County Operational Area Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The exercise scenario is based on a 7.8 magnitude earthquake along the San Andreas fault with the epicenter near the community of Gorman, an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County bordering Ventura County. “The purpose of activating the Ventura County Emergency Operations Center is to test and evaluate our ability to respond to and recover from a catastrophic earthquake,” said Commander Tim Hagel, EOC Director. The Golden Guardian 2012 exercise will involve participation from seven Southern Region Operational Areas including Ventura County. Ventura County’s 6-hour exercise will include representatives from 34 different jurisdictions, volunteer organizations, special districts, university/colleges and businesses. Twelve various emergency operations facilities will be activated to coordinate resource requests and information on damages. According to Laura CONTINUED » |