By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, March 3rd, 2011
On 2/24/2011, Camarillo patrol deputies responded to Pleasant Valley Hospital reference a 13 year old male robbery / assault victim. Upon arrival, deputies learned the victim sustained a serious, but non-life threatening, head injury during the incident. On 2/24/2011, at approximately 2025 hours, the victim was walking in the area of Pickwick Drive and Fulton Street in the city of Camarillo. A dark colored mini-van approached him and stopped. Suddenly, two male juveniles exited the mini-van from the rear sliding passenger door and confronted the victim. Meanwhile, an adult driver and adult front passenger remained seated in the van. One of the juveniles brandished a metallic object as he forcefully removed a backpack and cellular phone from the victim. The suspect proceeded to use the metallic object to strike the side of the victim’s head without provocation. Consequently, the victim sustained a serious head injury and was later transported to the hospital by a third party. The two juvenile suspects returned to the van and all four suspects fled the scene with the victim’s property. Information obtained during the initial investigation determined the incident was gang related. The Camarillo Special Enforcement Detail received this case for further investigation and soon identified the suspects as local criminal street gang members and/or associates. The suspects were identified as Camarillo residents Mario Magdaleno (24 yrs), Christian Grimaldo (18 yrs), and two juveniles. On 03/02/2011, at approximately 0700 hours, a search warrant was served at three locations in the city of Camarillo. Additionally, one probation search was conducted in conjunction with the search warrants. Numerous items of evidentiary value were seized and all four suspects were arrested. Magdaleno and Grimaldo were booked for 186.22(a)PC – Street Gang Terrorism, 211PC – Robbery, and 245(a)(1)PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Both juveniles were booked for the same charges at the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Center. Report Number: |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, March 3rd, 2011
It all starts innocently enough with a knock at the front door of your house. The caller waits patiently and is prepared, whether you answer the door or not. If you answer, he’ll be ready to say he came to the wrong house, or was looking for a friend, or perhaps for his lost dog. If there is no answer, he will violate your very sense of safety and security when he enters your home and separates you from your most valuable possessions. Your jewelry will likely be long gone by the time you discover someone has been in your house. This is the way most residential burglaries begin. Since September 2010, there have been numerous residential burglaries in northern Thousand Oaks along the Avenida de los Arboles corridor. Victims have suffered substantial losses of property, including expensive jewelry, firearms, large televisions and computers. Few clues had been left behind, frustrating victims and investigators. However, on November 10, 2010, Julio Cesar Chavez, a gang member from Pacoima, was careless enough to leave blood evidence inside two different houses on the same day. The blood samples were analyzed by scientists at the crime lab and matched to Chavez, who was unknown to local investigators prior to this series of burglaries. However, Chavez had prior arrests for crimes he committed in Los Angeles County, and his DNA profile had already been entered in a California Department of Justice database. On Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, Chavez returned to Thousand Oaks with Alfredo Gutierrez and Henry Ramirez, who are also gang members from the San Fernando Valley. The trio committed a burglary in the 2700-block of Calle Olivo just after 11:00 a.m. However, they didn’t anticipate the homeowner returning for lunch at 11:05 a.m. In the chaotic exodus that ensued, the suspects separated as they fled. Gutierrez was apprehended by a Sheriff’s Office K-9 in the backyard of a nearby house, while Ramirez was found casually walking down Erbes Road. Chavez fled in a vehicle, but was caught the next day on Mar. 1, 2011 outside an apartment complex in North Hills. All are in custody and have been charged with residential burglary. Unfortunately, searches of their homes have not yielded much of the property they have been stealing from local residents. Another group of burglars, this one from an Oxnard street gang, has also been active in Thousand Oaks and Moorpark, and has been linked to residential burglaries dating back to 2009. Some recent activity by Daniel Rivera, Karen Fernandez, Deanna Rodriguez, and Jazmin Sarabia has led to their arrests on charges of receiving stolen property. These investigations have involved the work of several specialized units within the Office of the Sheriff, as well as members of allied agencies within and outside of Ventura County. Teams of investigators have spent many hours on surveillance operations, search warrants, pawnshop checks and probation and parole searches that have led to the recovery of some of the valuable property these groups have stolen. These cases illustrate the need for members of the community to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. Location: Various locations in the northern portion of Thousand Oaks |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
01/26/11 to 02/01/11
01/26/11 |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
01/19/11 to 01/25/11
01/19/11 |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, February 25th, 2011
At approximately 5:00 am, 2-25-11, Sheriff’s dispatch received a report of a window smash at Domino’s Pizza. Responding deputies found the front door to the business smashed and the store interior ransacked. When the store’s owner arrived, Deputy Gunnar Dike reviewed the security video and positively identified Jackson, a known probationer, as the burglary suspect seen on the video smashing the store window and entering the business. Additionally, Jackson was unsuccessful in opening the cash register, then spilled pizza sauce all over his clothing while ransacking food items in the kitchen area. Jackson stole a large amount of food items and dropped a trail of food evidence leading deputies to his nearby residence. At approximately 7:45 am, Jackson was taken into custody while home in bed. Deputies recovered his pizza sauce covered clothing and stolen food from his refrigerator as evidence. Location: Domino’s Pizza 105 E. El Roblar Dr. Ojai |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011
On February 19, 2011, at approximately 3:45 PM, Camarillo Police responded to the Camarillo Oaks Apartments, located in the 800 block of Paseo Camarillo, in the city of Camarillo, reference a call of a possible shot fired in the area. When deputies arrived, they were directed to an apartment with a shattered sliding glass door. Deputies contacted a husband and wife inside the apartment and determined they both had minor injuries as a result of shattered glass. They were driven to the hospital by a friend, evaluated and later released. Deputies were met by a male subject in the parking lot of the apartment building. That person, an off duty Ventura County Deputy Sheriff, reported he was in his living room handling his personal rifle when the weapon accidentally went off. The off duty deputy immediately secured the weapon and walked outside to check on his neighbors. The investigation is continuing. Location: 800 Block Paseo Camarillo, Camarillo, CA |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011
On 1/27/2011 at approximately 0233 hours, Sheriff’s homicide detective’s responded to an unidentified man found deceased in a field located off of Pleasant Valley Road. The unidentified man was later identified as George Huizar. Huizar’s death was the result of gunshot wounds and a homicide investigation was immediately started. On 2/18/2011, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit arrested Rogelio Reyes for the murder of George Huizar. Reyes’ arrest came after an ongoing investigation that was initiated upon the discovery of Huizar’s body until the time of Reyes’ arrest. The Camarillo and Thousand Oaks Detective Bureaus, Sheriff’s Gang Unit and the Sheriff’s Narcotics Bureau assisted in the investigation. Homicide detectives are continuing to work to determine the circumstances surrounding Huizar’s death. Location: 1100 Block of Pleasant Valley Road, Camarillo, CA 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). |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011
SACRAMENTO - Governor Jerry Brown today issued the following statement regarding the death of Los Angeles Fire Department Firefighter Glenn Allen: “Anne and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fellow firefighters mourning the loss of Glenn Allen. Glenn dedicated his life to protecting the people of Los Angeles, serving in the city’s fire department for decades. In this time of great sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with those who had the honor and privilege of knowing and working with Glenn.” Glenn Allen, 61, was gravely injured when the ceiling collapsed during a house fire in the Hollywood Hills Wednesday, February 16, 2011 and died of his injuries on Friday. In honor of Firefighter Glenn Allen, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011
The Camarillo Police Station will host the Kid Print fingerprinting and child identification event on Saturday, February 26th from 10:00 AM till 2:00 PM. This is open to all members of the community and is free of charge. Parents or guardians may bring their children to the Camarillo Station's community room to have their children's fingerprint and vital information digitally printed on a two-sided vinyl card. The card will allow parents to have a current picture, essential personal information and a readable fingerprint available in the event their child is lost or abducted. This service will be performed by volunteers with the Camarillo Citizens Patrol, and is sponsored by the City of Camarillo. The Camarillo Police Department recommends that children's information and pictures should be updated at least once per year. The Kid Print program gives parent the opportunity to have this service completed at no cost. If you have any questions, you may contact Community Resource Officer, Todd Eskridge at (805) 388-5129 or todd.eskridge@ventura.org Location: Camarillo Police Station |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, February 17th, 2011
A passing off-duty Ventura County Deputy Sheriff saw a known tagger, Brandon Jones, using his cell phone camera to photograph his graffiti vandalism he had freshly applied to a road sign. Upon further investigation by the deputy, it was discovered Jones and a male juvenile accomplice had also spray painted Jones’ graffiti moniker of “Doco” under a bridge at the location. The deputy detained both suspects until Ojai Valley deputies arrived to take them into custody for felony vandalism. Jones has recently been responsible for graffiti vandalism throughout western Ventura County, including the City of Ventura and the Ojai Valley. Damage estimate by the Ventura County Watershed District who maintains the bridge is believed to be $600. Location: Creek Road and Country Club Drive, Ojai |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, February 17th, 2011
People travel abroad for a variety of reasons. Whether they desire the experience of a different culture, scenery, or food, people often seek a departure from their routine when they take a vacation. But what if that vacation involves extreme physical exertion in hostile environments? Is that still a vacation? The members of Cops Running For Charity have endured some of the harshest conditions in exotic locations while running marathon distances in the name of charity. Yes, this is how they spend their vacations. They push themselves to their physical limits for the benefit of children and others in our communities who need their help. As if running a marathon isn’t difficult enough, they have run across the dunes of the Sahara Desert, plodded on the undulating Great Wall in China, and scrambled across volcanoes and glaciers in Iceland. Those are just a few of their feats that have raised thousands of dollars for medical charities here at home. Sheriff Geoff Dean will present checks on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011 on behalf of Cops Running For Charity to representatives of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, ALS Association, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. All of the CRFC members will be at the event, including: Captain Randy Pentis, Captain Dave Kenney, Captain Tim Hagel, Sergeant Joe Devorick, Sergeant Paul Higgason, and Sergeant Frank Underlin. The presentation will take place at 10:00 a.m. in the training room at sheriff’s headquarters in Ventura. Anyone interested in more information about CRFC can contact Captain Randy Pentis at (805)654-2940 or by e-mail at randy.pentis@ventura.org. Location: Sheriff’s Headquarters, 800 S. Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA. |
By Rigo Landeros — Wednesday, February 16th, 2011
As Fire Chief of the Fillmore Fire Department I am proud to announce that Bob Scott has been chosen by his peers as the 2010 Firefighter of the Year. Bob Scott was born in the San Fernando Valley and grew up in Chatsworth; Bob currently lives in Ojai with his Lovely wife Susan and their kids Bobby 17, Samuel 16 and Sarah 11. In 1984 Bob became an EMT and worked for Schaefer Ambulance for six months to get into paramedic school. He graduated paramedic school in December of 1985 and continued to work for Schaefer until deciding that Ventura County was the place to be. Bob was hired at Oxnard (now Gold Coast) Ambulance in August of 1986 and worked there until 1992. Bob worked as a paramedic, community educator and as a paramedic supervisor. Bob attended fire academy at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, Class 54 in 1992 and started his AS degree in fire science. Starting In September of 1992 Bob was hired with Pruner Ambulance--Careline, Medtrans and currently American Medical Response. He has been a Field Training Officer and Clinical Supervisor with them. And if that wasn’t enough, Bob pursued extensive volunteer activities. Bob was one of the original Ventura County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Medical Team Paramedics. He served as team captain, training coordinator and equipment coordinator and just retired this year after serving 20 dedicated years. Bob also assisted in creating a tactical medical team for the Ventura County Sheriff’s SWAT team and was an active member for eight years. Bob started with Fillmore Fire in March of 2004 to assist with building our new paramedic program in response to the closing of Santa Paula Hospital. Bob has been active in EMS education, applying for and receiving Ventura County Approved Continuing Education Provider for our Department. He is also our continuous quality improvement and currently EMS Program Administrator. Bob has been the driving force behind what he refers to as the Fillmore Fire style of care. Great bed side manners, making sure that patents and family members are well informed and make sure that our citizens receive the highest quality of pre Hospital care. Bob is always making sure that Fillmore Fire is keep up to date on all new policy and precedes that County EMS has implemented. Bob’s love and dedication for EMS and his dedication to the City of Fillmore Fire Department made it easy for us to elect him to be our 2010 Fillmore Firefighter of the Year. |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, February 15th, 2011
Acting on information of narcotics sales received from the community and patrol deputies in the Ojai Valley, Ventura Sheriff narcotics detectives served a search warrant at the residence of Eugene Vandenburgh and Darcy White in the 300 block of Cruzero Ave, Ojai. Also living in the residence was Vandenburgh’s and White’s 7-year-old child. During the search detectives located two ounces of methamphetamine, a variety of prescription medications, dozens of syringes, and items that were later determined to be stolen. Methamphetamine and methamphetamine paraphernalia were found in the living room, in an area accessible to the child, creating the potential for a very dangerous situation. Following D.E.C. (Drug Endangered Children) protocol, Child Protective Services was notified and responded. After their investigation, CPS personnel removed the child from the home. Also located on the property were Timothy Creech and Shawnie McMakin. Both were arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Vandenburgh was arrested for child endangering, possession of methamphetamine for sale, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, maintaining a place where narcotics are used, and possession of stolen property. White was arrested for child endangering, under the influence of narcotics, and possession of methamphetamine for sale. Location: 300 block Cruzero Ave, Ojai, CA |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, February 14th, 2011
Sespe River at Timber Flats
On February 11, 2011, at approximately 5:35 p.m., a helicopter was requested for a juvenile male who fell off a horse while riding along the Sespe River near Timber Flats. Initial information stated that the juvenile was riding with a group of three other students, and one chaperone from Thatcher High School in Ojai. The group was riding in the area for an overnight camping trip. Due to the remote location, the chaperone and one student rode approximately two hours back to Rose Valley before reaching a location that provided cellular service. The injured male, and two other students remained at Timber Flats with a good samaritan, Dawn Brooks who was hiking in the area when the juvenile was injured. The Sheriff’s Department helicopter, piloted by Jim Dalton, responded with a rescue crew consisting of Crew Chief’s Don White, Chris Dumbauld, and Firefighter/Paramedic Jeff Golden. Upon arrival, an aerial search was initiated with the assistance of night vision goggles worn by the aircrew. Shortly after the search began, the juvenile was located adjacent to the river near Timber Flats. The rescue helicopter landed near the juvenile where he was contacted by Paramedic Golden and evaluated for injuries. Due to the injuries sustained by the juvenile, the decision was made to fly him to a waiting ambulance at Lions Campground in Rose Valley. Upon landing at Rose Valley, the juvenile was transported via ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The rescue helicopter then flew back to Timber Flats and landed to check on the well being of the remaining two students and Brooks. The students and Brooks were advised that the chaperone was riding back to their location to provide further assistance, and escort them out of the area. Once confirming that all three were in good health and safe, the helicopter crew departed and returned to Camarillo. The students, chaperone, and Brooks should be commended for being prepared for an emergency such as this prior to starting out on their trip. They were equipped with warm clothing, extra food, water, maps, cell phone, and flashlights that provided comfort and assistance in locating them during this incident. Date & Time/ RB#: 2/11/2011 @ 5:35 p.m. / RB 11-3517 |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, February 14th, 2011
On February 10th, at about 1:00 a.m., Camarillo Deputies responded to the 500 block of Avenida Magdalena reference a burglary that had just occurred. The victim reported he was sleeping in his home, along with his family, when he heard a noise. He awoke and saw the suspect in his bedroom, later identified as Patrick Berndtson, going through his dresser. The victim yelled at the suspect, who in return fled the scene. The victim subsequently called “911.” Deputies arrived within minutes and immediately set up a perimeter and with the help of a Sheriff’s K9. Deputies located and arrested the suspect a couple of blocks away. Berndtson still had some of the victim’s property in his possession. Deputies canvassed the area and found additional property in the area, including the victim’s laptop computer. Berndtson was booked at the Main Jail in Ventura for residential burglary. Bail is currently $250,000.00. Location: Camarillo |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, February 8th, 2011
Since the tragic events of September 11th, Ventura County has received more than $22 million in Homeland Security funds to increase terrorism prevention, preparation, response, and recovery. “With the 10th anniversary of 9/11 quickly approaching, we are asking ourselves what have we accomplished and are we more prepared?” said Susan Duenas, Grant Administrator for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services. Duenas addressed this question in a presentation given on February 2nd before the County of Ventura Management Council. The presentation provided an overview of how local agencies have utilized grant funds to enhance protection against terrorism since September 11, 2001. “Local agencies have never had so much financial support for preparedness,” said Duenas. Since 1998, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services has administered grant funds from many federal programs including the: Domestic Preparedness Program, State Homeland Security Program, Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program, Urban Area Security Initiative, and Buffer Zone Protection Program. These grant fund allocations have been distributed countywide to local law enforcement and fire departments, public health agencies, emergency management organizations, cities, and other supporting agencies. Seventy-eight percent of the money has been spent on equipment with twenty percent allocated to training/planning and two percent on local exercises. “Ventura County residents are a direct recipient of many of the grant funds with programs like Reverse 911 and CERT, as well as equipment utilized in emergency response to bomb threats, hazardous materials incidents, and search and rescue operations,” said Duenas. Duenas concluded her presentation with an impressive list of what has been accomplished countywide as a result of the homeland security grant programs. Some of those accomplishments include: For more information, please contact the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services at 805-654-2551 or via email at oes.oes@ventura.org. Location: Ventura County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura |
Suspect: Approximately 30 years, 5’8” to 5’10”, 170-200 lbs., Medium build, wearing dark shorts and shirt. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, February 7th, 2011
On February 2, 2011, at approximately 7:20 PM, a female was jogging along the track at Pleasant Valley Fields, near the cul-de-sac at Village Commons Blvd. and adjacent to the Brookshire Condominium complex. During her jog on the track, a male suspect approached her from behind and punched her, which led to an altercation between the two. The altercation lasted but a few seconds and the suspect ran away in an unknown direction. The jogger sustained minor injuries as a result of the altercation. Camarillo Police immediately responded to the scene and canvassed the area with negative results. Investigators are continuing the investigation and are asking for anyone who may have seen the altercation to call police. 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: Pleasant Valley Fields near Village at the Park, Camarillo |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, February 7th, 2011
Sheriff Geoff Dean is proud to announce the promotion of Captain Rick Barrios to the rank of Sheriff’s Commander effective Sunday, February 6, 2011. Rick Barrios has been employed with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department for 31 years. He was born and raised in the City of Ventura and after graduating from Ventura High School, he began his career as a Sheriff’s Cadet at the old Sheriff’s Station on Poli Street. At the age of twenty-one, Rick graduated from the Ventura County Police and Sheriff’s Academy and his first assignment was the Main Jail. Rick has worked just about every station in the Sheriff’s Jurisdiction including the contract cities of Thousand Oaks, Fillmore, Camarillo and Ojai. He was named officer of the year in 1989 in the City of Camarillo and again in 1993 in the City of Ojai. A majority of Rick’s career has been in the investigative field. This included several years in Narcotics and Homicide. He is currently the Captain of Major Crimes and has oversight of the Homicide/Robbery Unit, Sexual Assault Unit, Cold Case Homicide Unit, Crime Analysis Unit, Financial Crimes and Agricultural Crimes. With Rick’s promotion to the position of Commander, he will be assigned to the West County Police Services Bureau, with responsibility for police services oversight in the contract cities of Fillmore and Ojai, along with the unincorporated areas adjacent to Oxnard, Ventura, and the Santa Clara, Ojai and Lockwood Valleys. Rick will also have oversight for the Sheriff’s Communications Center, the Office of Emergency Services, and the Sheriff’s Mounted Unit. Rick earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree in Emergency Services Administration from California State University, Long Beach. He is married to his lovely wife Shanin and they along with their 6 children and Rick’s Mom live in the Camarillo area. His favorite past time is watching his kids play sports and gardening at their home. Rick plans on starting up a new hobby and restoring an old pick-up truck. This is something he and his father enjoyed when Rick was a teenager. Location: Ventura |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, February 7th, 2011
On Thursday night, more than 40 deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department conducted a 5-hour probation and parole sweep in the unincorporated areas of El Rio, Nyeland Acres and Saticoy. The deputies went to more than 140 residences and made 21 arrests for mostly narcotics related offenses. The variety of narcotics charges include being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics, and possession of paraphernalia used to ingest narcotics. The probation and parole searches were conducted as part of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department ongoing proactive enforcement in areas prone to gang violence. The Sheriff’s Department was able to gather the large group by reassigning deputies from other units throughout the Department. The units assisting included the Sheriff’s Gang Unit, Camarillo Gang Unit, Thousand Oaks Gang Unit, Thousand Oaks Bike Patrol, Narcotics, Moorpark Detectives, Fillmore Gang Unit, Ojai Station, Headquarters Sub Station, and the Sheriff’s Prisoner Transportation Unit. In addition to Sheriff Department personnel, officers from the California Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections, and Ventura County Probation officers assisted in the operation. Location: El Rio, Nyeland Acres and Saticoy areas Date & Time: 2-3-2011, 1730 to 2200 hours. Unit Responsible: Sheriff Gang Unit Report #: Numerous. (S) Suspects Violation City Age Officer Preparing Release: Sgt Schierman |
By Anonymous — Monday, February 7th, 2011
On the morning of February 4th, 2011, Detectives from the Camarillo Police Department began to investigate the theft of a wedding ring. The ring’s owner, Richard Keister, and his wife, Donna, reported that employees from a window treatment business had recently installed shutters at their residence, and they suspected that during that time one of the employees stole the ring. It also happened that February 4th is Richard and Donna’s 49th wedding anniversary. Detectives worked diligently on the case throughout the day, attempting to locate the employee/suspect who stole the ring. When contacted by telephone, the suspect (Jose Rosas) eventually admitted to stealing the ring, and agreed to give it to the Detectives. Detectives immediately drove to the suspect’s residence in Colton, California, and recovered the ring. They also arrested Rosas for grand theft and transported him to be booked at the Ventura County Main Jail. Detectives tracked the Keisters to a local restaurant where they were celebrating their anniversary with family and friends, contacted Richard and Donna, and returned the ring to them. They were both very grateful, having come to believe that they would never see the ring again. Location: 1100 block Baywood Court, Camarillo |