Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A 32-year-old Oak Park woman suffered a minor injury when her sport utility vehicle was struck by a bullet while she was driving on Thousand Oaks Boulevard early Monday morning.

The victim was traveling eastbound on Thousand Oaks Boulevard near Via Colinas at 4:00 a.m. when the driver’s side window of her vehicle shattered. The victim suffered a minor injury when fragments struck her face. However, she initially thought someone had possibly thrown a rock at her vehicle.

The victim drove home, but later sought medical treatment at a hospital for her injury. The victim’s doctor examined the injury and concluded that she had possibly been shot. Evidence found by investigators in the area of the incident and inside the victim’s vehicle confirmed that a firearm had been used by an unidentified assailant.

Anyone with information about who was responsible for the shooting is asked to contact Detective Allen Devers of the Major Crimes Bureau at (805)494-8222. Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information that 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: Thousand Oaks Boulevard @ Via Colinas, Thousand Oaks, Ca.
Date & Time/ RB#: Nov. 15, 2010 @ 4:00 a.m. / 10-27755
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Major Crimes Bureau
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Eric Buschow (805)494-8226 / (805)947-8129
Follow-up Contact: Detective Allen Devers (805)494-8222
Date of Release: Nov. 17, 2010
Approved By: Captain Bruce Watlington

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Ventura County Combined Agency Team (VCAT) is a county wide narcotics taskforce comprised of investigators from local and federal law enforcement agencies who are committed to working together toward the mutual goal of investigating, arresting, and prosecuting those persons and/or drug trafficking organizations (DTO's) that are engaged in drug trafficking activities impacting our communities. The agencies participating in the taskforce include: the Ventura County Sheriff's Department, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office, the Oxnard Police Department, the Simi Valley Police Department, and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

Approximately seven months ago, investigators from the VCAT narcotics taskforce and the DEA Ventura Office began an investigation into a narcotics trafficking organization (DTO) that chartered private jets in order to ship large amounts of cocaine from the Los Angeles area to the East Coast.

Today, a Federal Grand Jury in Los Angeles indicted 14 defendants on drug trafficking and money laundering charges that could send the defendants to prison for the rest of their lives.

During this investigation, VCAT investigators obtained evidence that the DTO was responsible for moving more than 390 kilograms of cocaine to the Baltimore area while returning with well over $4 million in drug proceeds. During a recent six-week period, investigators intercepted and seized over 200 kilograms of cocaine and $1.1 million in cash. Five defendants were arrested two weeks ago and numerous others have been named in the federal indictment.

This afternoon a Federal Grand Jury indicted 14 subjects for their involvement in the sales and distribution of cocaine:
• Ricky James Brascom, as known as "DP," 28, formerly of Hollywood and now residing in Woodland Hills, the "CEO" of Behind da Scenes Entertainment and the alleged leader of the drug trafficking ring;
• Charles Dwight Ransom Jr., 36, of Hollywood, another "CEO" of Behind da Scenes Entertainment who allegedly shipped cocaine to his own distributors in Baltimore and shepherded cocaine shipments for Brascom;
• Darrin Ebron, 43, a DJ who moves between Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, and who allegedly acted as a drug distributor for Brascom;
• Heriberto Lopez, also known as "The Boss" and "Big Dog," 42, of Chatsworth, who allegedly was Brascom's primary cocaine supplier;
• Leonardo Concepcion, 50, of Downey, a pilot allegedly hired by Brascom to fly loads of cocaine to Baltimore and drug proceeds back to Los Angeles;
• Jerome Mondale Brascom (Ricky Brascom's brother), also known as "Bro-Bro," 30, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who was allegedly his brother's top lieutenant, assisting in the distribution and storage of cocaine in Baltimore, as well as collecting drug proceeds;
• Marlon Parris, 30, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who allegedly accompanied a shipment of drugs to Baltimore and a shipment of drug proceeds to Los Angeles on a commercial flight;
• Steven Velazquez, 31, of San Fernando, an alleged courier for Lopez, who was arrested on October 30 after Sheriff deputies found 120 kilograms of cocaine in a vehicle he was driving;
• Alberto Cruzado, 57, of Sylmar, an alleged courier for Lopez who was taken into custody along with Velazquez; and,
• Five unnamed defendants, all of whom distributed cocaine for Brascom in the Baltimore / Washington DC area.

Ricky and Jerome Brascom, Leonardo Concepcion, Steven Velazquez, and Alberto Cruzado were previously taken into custody and were initially charged in a criminal complaint filed in United States District Court. Five additional defendants are still outstanding and were identified in the indictment.

The indictment lists a series of incidents involving large shipments of cocaine and money between the Los Angeles area and Baltimore. The indictment specifically alleges:
• The Brascom brothers flew with $1.245 million drug cash proceeds on a chartered flight from Baltimore to Los Angeles on September 21;
• Ransom possessed 48 kilograms of cocaine in two suitcases that were seized by authorities on September 28 when the jet he flew in stopped to refuel at the Salina Municipal Airport in Kansas;
• Ebron received 40 kilograms of cocaine sent by Ricky Brascom on September 28;
• Lopez went to Brascom's apartment complex in Hollywood on September 21 to pick up his share of approximately $1.2 million in drug proceeds that had been flown in from Baltimore;
• Parris possessed 118 kilograms of cocaine during an October 1 flight from Los Angeles to Baltimore on a plane piloted by Concepcion;
• Parris was carrying nearly a quarter million dollars in cash on October 7 when the money was seized by authorities at the Phoenix International Airport;
• During a traffic stop on October 30, authorities seized approximately 120 kilograms of cocaine and nearly $10,000 in cash from Cruzado and Velazquez, who were allegedly transporting the drugs on behalf of Lopez to Ricky Brascom , and later seized another 30 kilograms of cocaine and numerous firearms in a storage unit rented by Velazquez;
• The organization shipped approximately 34 kilograms of cocaine to Baltimore and brought drug proceeds back to Los Angeles on October 31 and November 1; and
• Concepcion flew J. Brascom to Ontario International Airport on November 2, when authorities seized $763,815 in drug proceeds in a suitcase, another $24,366 hidden in a backpack, and $40,000 hidden in the plane's microwave oven.

In addition to the narcotics and cash seized, authorities seized a number of vehicles linked to the drug ring, including two 2010 Aston Martin Rapides, a 2008 Mercedes CL63 AMG, and a 2009 BMW 750Li.

The seven-count indictment specifically charges conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, conspiracy to launder money, and felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of items related to the alleged drug conspiracy, including cash and weapons.

The Brascom brothers, Concepcion, Velazquez, and Cruzado are scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on Monday, November 22, 2010.

Additional agencies that assisted in this investigation include: the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD), and the Air & Marine Operations Center (AMOC).

Date & Time: November 16, 2010 @ 1700 hrs
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Combined Agency Team (VCAT)

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

California Highway Patrol officers received a report of a possible drunk driver in the area of SR-118 and Walnut Rd, in Somis. The caller reporting the drunk driver advised CHP dispatch that the suspected vehicle was driving erratically and that the driver had fired a gunshot in the victim’s direction.

CHP officers quickly located the suspect vehicle thanks to the description given by the victim. CHP officers conducted a stop of the vehicle on Vineyard Ave. at Heather St., in the Oxnard area. Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies responded to assist CHP officers. During the investigation, Albert Rojas from Oxnard was identified as the driver of the vehicle. Also in the vehicle was Rojas’ 13-year-old son.

Inside the vehicle, Officers discovered a concealed handgun, drug paraphernalia, and a small quantity of methamphetamine. Rojas was identified by the 22-year-old male victim as the suspect who fired the shot towards him as he was traveling west on SR-118 through the Somis area. Sheriff’s deputies subsequently arrested Rojas for assault with a deadly weapon, possession of narcotics, child endangerment, and weapons charges. No one was injured during the incident. The incident does not appear to be gang related.

Report Number:
10-27494
Location:
Los Angeles Ave. (SR-118) at Walnut Rd., Somis, California.
Date & Time:
11-11-10 at 6:22 PM
Unit Responsible:
California Highway Patrol, Ventura, Ventura County Sheriff, Camarillo & Headquarters Stations
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Albert Rojas Oxnard 43

Deputy Preparing Media Release:
Sergeant Todd Were (805) 654-2890
Media Release Date:
11-12-10
Follow-Up Contact:
Sergeant Jim Fryhoff (805) 654-2385
Approved by:
Captain Stephen Wade

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On November 8, 2010, Sheriff’s Narcotics Detectives concluded a 3-week investigation into methamphetamine sales in the city of Oxnard. Detectives observed Padilla meet with another subject in a parking lot near the intersection of Rose Ave. and Lockwood St. in Oxnard. Investigators contacted the subjects and found Padilla to be in possession of approximately 3 ounces of methamphetamine. The estimated street value of the narcotics is approximately $8,600.00. Padilla was subsequently arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sale and sales of methamphetamine and booked at the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Initially, Padilla provided a false name to investigators, but through fingerprint examination, he was positively identified as Martin Padilla.

Location: Rose Ave. at Lockwood St., Oxnard
Date & Time: November 8, 2010
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Narcotics Bureau, West County Street Team
Suspect City of Residence Age
Martin Padilla Oxnard 31
Officer Preparing Release: Sgt Mike Horne
Follow-up Contact: Sgt Mike Horne 805-383-8700
Approved by: Captain Eric Dowd

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Ojai Police detectives are warning Ojai Valley residents that the holiday season is upon us and it is a time when vehicle and residential burglaries increase. Criminals are targeting locked and unlocked vehicles in which property is in plain view. Criminals are aware people are purchasing items for the holiday season and will typically store them in their vehicles. The types of property stolen from vehicles have included laptop computers, purses, and jewelry. The vehicles targeted have been parked in various locations such as driveways, streets, and parking lots and have been unattended for as little as 30 minutes. Residences that are being targeted are both locked unlocked. When you leave your residence, even for a short time, please be sure to lock your doors and windows. Report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency.

Here are some recommendations to protect yourself from being a victim:

1. Always make sure your vehicle is locked. Double-check it before leaving.
2. If you are shopping, place all of your purchases in the trunk. Do not leave items in an area where they can be seen from outside of the vehicle. This includes your personal property.
3. Even for short periods of time, do not leave your purse, laptop computer, cellular phone, wallet, backpack or anything else in plain view inside your vehicle.
4. Avoid parking in isolated, poorly lit areas.
5. Be aware of your surroundings. Report suspicious activity to the police.
6. Make sure your home is locked and the windows are secure.
7. If you are going to be away from your home for several days let your neighbors know and come into the police station and fill out a vacation slip so we can go by your home while you are gone to check on it.
8. Make sure you write down and keep the serial numbers of your property.

Location: Ojai Valley
Date: November 8, 2010
Unit Responsible: Ojai Police Investigations
Officer Preparing Release: Det. Mark Burgess
Follow-up Contact: Det. Mark Burgess / Det. Steve Michalec (805) 646-1414
Date of Release: November 8, 2010
Approved By: Captain Chris Dunn

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Deputies from the Thousand Oaks Police station responded to an injury traffic accident on Lynn Road between Greenmeadow Avenue and Highway 101. Kevin Guest had been driving his Ford Taurus northbound on Lynn Road approaching Highway 101 when he drifted to the right and collided into the east curb. Guest’s car then veered to the left and went back across all of the northbound lanes. Guest ultimately collided head-on into a tree on the raised center median.

Guest was transported to Columbia Los Robles Hospital for what appeared to be minor injuries. Once at the hospital, emergency room personnel discovered that Guest had sustained a serious injury during the collision. The use of drugs is suspected of being a contributing factor to the cause of this accident. This investigation is ongoing.

Location: Lynn Road south of Highway 101

Date & Time/ RB#: November 7, 2010 @ 10:23 am / 10-27096

Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Traffic Bureau

(V)ictim Address Age
Kevin Michael Guest North Hollywood, Ca. 27

Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Rick Harwood

Follow-up Contact: Senior Deputy Rick Godfrey (805) 494-8271

Date of Release: November 7, 2010

Approved By: Captain Dave Murray

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 11-7-2010, a male subject arrived at the Starbuck’s located at 587 North Ventu Park Road. The male remained at or near the location throughout the day according to employees. It appeared the male was waiting for someone. At about 8:40 pm, the male entered the restroom inside the location. Approximately one minute later, employees heard a loud noise from the restroom. They responded to check the well being of the male and found the door was locked. The male did not respond to inquiries and knocking on the door. Emergency services were notified. The employees unlocked the door and found the male injured inside the restroom. There was no one else inside the restroom at the time. Ventura County Sheriff Deputies, Ventura County Fire Personnel, and American Medical Response Paramedics arrived and began life saving efforts.

The male was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter of what appeared to be a self inflicted gunshot wound. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office and Ventura County Sheriff Crime Scene Investigation Units responded to the location. The Medical Examiner will continue the investigation, but it appears at this time to be a suicide.

Report Number:
10-27135
Location:
587 N. Ventu Park Rd. #A, Thousand Oaks, Starbuck’s
Date & Time:
11-07-2010 at 8:42 PM
Unit Responsible:
Thousand Oaks Police Department, Patrol
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(D) Unknown Unknown 49
Deputy Preparing Media Release:
Sergeant Joe Galante
Media Release Date:
11-08-10 at 0900 hrs.
Follow-Up Contact:
Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Officer
Approved by:
Captain Stephen Wade

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Riverside Police Officer Ryan Bonaminio:

“Maria and I, on behalf of all Californians, extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Officer Ryan Bonaminio as they mourn this tragic loss. Every day our law enforcement officials go to work to protect their communities, never knowing the dangers that may arise. Officer Bonaminio went above and beyond the call of duty his entire life, first serving in uniform to defend our nation’s freedoms and here at home to protect the people of Riverside. His courage and dedication in the line of duty will be remembered forever.”

Bonaminio, 27, died November 7 after succumbing to a gunshot injury sustained following a traffic stop and foot pursuit in the area of Market St./Fairmount Park in Riverside. He is survived by his parents Joseph and Geraldine.

In honor of Officer Bonaminio, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 10-19-2010, at about 3:50 P.M., Salvador Alcala walked into a market in the 2700 block of Vineyard Ave. and told the clerk two assailants had tried to rob him. He additionally told the clerk he had been stabbed. When patrol deputies arrived to investigate, they found Alcala was suffering from a small stab wound to the chest. Alcala told deputies that he was a vendor for the market and had parked in the rear parking lot to deliver goods. Before he could enter the market, two male suspects confronted him. The suspects demanded his cell phone and when Alcala refused, they stabbed him one time in the chest. Alcala gave a detailed description of the suspects and described them as being gang members. Alcala was transported to a local hospital by ambulance where he was treated for a minor stab wound that required four sutures.

Because of the seriousness of the reported offense, the Sheriff’s Department dispatched numerous deputies to the scene. They included patrol deputies, gang investigators, detectives, and evidence technicians. In all, a total of 15 Sheriff’s Department personnel responded to the scene or assisted in looking for the reported suspects.

Over the next two weeks, gang investigators spent numerous hours attempting to solve the reported crime. During the investigation, investigators recovered a bloody knife from a storage container in the rear of the market that Alcala had access to. Investigators also found that Alcala had been trying to initiate a relationship with a female clerk at the market. During several interviews with Alcala, gang investigators found that he gave inconsistent statements or had lied about his involvement with the female clerk. On 11-4-2010, gang investigators questioned Alcala again. During that interview, he admitted to stabbing himself in the chest and falsely reporting the crime to deputies. On 11-5-2010, he was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of 148.5(a) P.C. – filing a false police report.

Report Number:
(RB #) 10-25520
Location:
2700 East Vineyard, Oxnard
Date & Time:
10-19-2010 @ 3:50 P.M.
Unit Responsible:
Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Gang Unit
(S)uspects, City of Residence Age
(S1) Salvador Alcala (False report of criminal offense) Oxnard 29
Deputy Preparing Media Release:
Sergeant Bill Schierman
Media Release Date:
11-5-2010
Follow-Up Contact:
Sergeant Bill Schierman (805) 654-2856
Approved by:
Captain Dave Murray

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Thousand Oaks business owner, “Richard” Thuan Ma, was arrested on 11/2/10 at around 10:30am for child annoying and displaying harmful matter to a child.

Ma is the owner of Tulip Nails in Thousand Oaks. He reportedly made inappropriate comments/gestures to a female minor who he was giving a manicure to. It was reported that Richard Ma also displayed inappropriate adult material to the minor on a television that is inside the business. It is believed that there were no other employees or customers in the business at the time of the incident. An investigation was completed and it was determined there was probable cause to arrest Richard Ma on the child annoying charges as well as displaying harmful matter to the minor.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department is asking anyone who may have had similar encounters with Mr. Ma or has information on the investigation to contact Detective Jason Robarts at (805) 494-8229.

Location: 2036 Avenida De Los Arboles – Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Date & Time/ RB#: 11/02/10 – 10:30am #10-25886
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police – Sexual Assault Unit
Suspect Address Age
Ma, “Richard” Thuan West Hills, Ca 42
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Jason Robarts
Follow-up Contact: Detective Jason Robarts (805) 494-8229
Date of Release: 11/3/10
Approved By: Captain Bruce Watlington

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Sheriff investigators are investigating a shooting that occurred last night in the community of Nyeland Acres. At about 8:45 p.m., patrol deputies were dispatched to a call of shots fired in the 2600 Block of Eucalyptus Drive. When Deputies arrived, they found several spent bullet casings in the street. An investigation found that a 16 year-old male was shot at the location and was taken to a local hospital prior to deputies arriving. The victim was treated and later released. Investigators believe the shooting was gang related. No suspects have been arrested.

Report Number:
(RB #) 10-26618
Location:
2600 Block of Eucalyptus Drive, Nyeland Acres
Date & Time:
11-1-2010 / 8:45 p.m.
Unit Responsible:
Major Crimes, Gang Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(V-1) 16 year-old Male Juvenile
Deputy Preparing Media Release:
Sergeant Bill Schierman
Media Release Date:
11-2-2010
Follow-Up Contact:
Sergeant Bill Schierman (805) 654-2856
Approved by:
Captain Dave Murray

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Ojai Station deputies responded to a robbery that had occurred on the bicycle trail in the area of north Ventura Avenue and Highland Drive, in Mira Monte. The victim, a 14-yr old male, reported that a Hispanic male and female approached him and inquired about his Ipod. During that conversation, the male suspect demanded the Ipod from the victim, who initially refused to give it to the suspect. The male suspect then displayed a knife and again demanded the Ipod. The victim, fearing for his safety, gave his Ipod to the suspect and then fled the area.

The victim informed deputies that he had later seen the suspects in the area of the Rite-Aid Pharmacy, located at 11496 North Ventura Avenue. Deputies searched the area and found the two suspects identified as Adrian Castro and Christina Arellano, at the nearby McDonald’s restaurant.
Deputies recovered a knife and the victim’s stolen Ipod in Castro’s possession. An in-field lineup was completed and both suspects were positively identified as the robbery suspects.

Castro was also found to be on parole for a previous bank robbery at the Oak View Rabobank that occurred in January of 2008.

The two suspects were transported and booked into the Ventura County Jail. Castro was booked on charges of robbery, participation in a criminal street gang, and violation of his parole. Arellano was booked as an accessory to robbery.

Location: Ojai Bike Trail @ SR-33 / Highland Drive, Ojai, CA.
Date & Time/ RB#: 10/31/2010 @ 1615hrs
Unit Responsible: Ojai Police Department, Patrol / Investigations
Arrestee(s): Address Age
Adrian Albert Castro Ventura, CA. 18 yrs
Christina Arellano Ojai, CA. 20 yrs
Officer Preparing Release: Senior Deputy J. Popp #1674
Follow-up Contact: Detective S. Michalec / (805) 646-1414
Date of Release: November 1, 2010
Approved By: Sgt. R. Watkins #2359

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On October 27, 2010 at about 10:34 a.m., deputies assigned to the Moorpark Station arrested a 19-year-old Thousand Oaks resident, Vito Omid Riazi, for felony charges related to driving under the influence of a controlled substance causing injury, and possession of narcotics.

The arrest was the result of a 9-1-1 call regarding an injury accident on Tierra Rejada Road near Spring Road, in the City of Moorpark. While interviewing both parties involved in the accident, deputies suspected that Vito Riazi was under the influence of narcotics. Based on the ensuing investigation, deputies determined that Riazi was under the influence of narcotics and that his drug usage was an associated factor in the traffic collision. Riazi was also found to be in possession of heroin. Riazi did not receive any injuries in the accident. He was arrested and booked at the East County Jail.

The other driver in the collision, Jessica Walker, had a complaint of pain to her neck and shoulders. Her 3-year-old son, who was a passenger and secured in a child safety seat, was not injured.

Location: Tierra Rejada Road @ Spring Road - Moorpark, California
Date & Time/ RB#: October 27, 2010 @ 10:34 A.M. / 10-26148
Unit Responsible: Moorpark Traffic / Moorpark Patrol
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(S) Vito Omid Riazi Thousand Oaks, California 19
(V) Jessica Walker Ventura, California 37
(V) male toddler Ventura, California 3
Officer Preparing Release: Deputy Tim Lohman
Follow-up Contact: Deputy John Stubblefield (805) 532-2711
Date of Release: 10-28-2010
Approved By: Captain Ron Nelson

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On May 22, 2010 at 10:00 a.m., 15 year-old victim Patrick O’Brien was found dead in his family home of a heroin overdose. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit along with the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit and Deputies from the Ojai Valley Sheriff’s substation conducted an investigation into his death.

During the 4-month investigation, Detectives interviewed numerous witnesses and conducted extensive surveillance within the Ojai Valley and the City of Ventura. Detectives identified suspect Craig Anderson as being the person who supplied heroin to Patrick O’Brien.

On October 27, 2010 during a surveillance in the City of Ojai, Detectives watched as Anderson left a home in the area of Franklin Street and Montgomery Avenue. Detectives contacted Anderson and arrested him without incident. Anderson was booked into the Ventura Pre-Trial Detention Facility for 11353 H&S – Providing Controlled Substances (Heroin) to a minor, a felony. He is being held in custody with a bail set at $75,000.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department will continue its commitment in protecting kids and their families of Ventura County, and vigorously investigate those responsible for supplying controlled substances to the youth in our communities.

Location: Montgomery Avenue and Franklin Street in the City of Ojai
Date & Time/ RB#: October 27, 2010 @ 10:00 a.m. RB # 10-12287
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(V) Patrick O’Brien Ojai Valley 15 years-old
(S) Craig Anderson Ojai Valley 23 years-old

Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant Joe Evans, Ventura Coutny Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit.
Follow-up Contact: Captain Ross Bonfiglio 805-654-2417
Date of Release: October 27, 2010
Approved By: Captain Barrios

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Detectives and Special Enforcement Unit deputies from the Thousand Oaks Police Department arrested three local residents for multiple residential burglaries that occurred within the City of Thousand Oaks.

During the past several months, there have been over twenty-five residential burglaries in the City of Thousand Oaks in which kitchen appliances were stolen from vacant homes. On Wednesday morning, a surveillance team, armed with vital information received from witnesses to some of the burglaries, paid off when investigators watched three suspects case the area in an attempt to commit another residential burglary.

The three suspects were stopped and arrested for burglary charges. Further investigation led to the recovery of some of the stolen appliances from a recent residential burglary in Thousand Oaks. The appliances included a refrigerator, stove, oven and dishwasher.

All three suspects were booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for residential burglary, possession of burglary tools, conspiracy to commit a crime, and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Jesus Hernandez was also booked for a no-bail, out-of-county warrant for residential burglaries, where he was linked to stealing appliances from vacant homes in the cities of Santa Monica and Irvine.

Location: City of Thousand Oaks
Date & Time/ RB# October 20, 2010 @ 4:00am / RB#10-25188
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Investigations Bureau / Special Enforcement Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(S) Perez, Adan Thousand Oaks 23
(S) Hernandez, Jesus Thousand Oaks 23
(S) Isiordia, Victor Thousand Oaks 24

Officer Preparing Release: Detective Mike McConville
Follow-up Contact: Detective Eric Buschow (805)494-8226 / (805) 947-8129
Date of Release: October 21, 2010
Approved By: Captain Bruce Watlington

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 10/24/10, at approximately 0320 hours, Salvador Bautista Jr. was walking in the eastbound traffic lanes of Lynn Road when an unknown vehicle struck him. Bautista came to rest in the eastbound bicycle lane of Lynn Road west of Kelley Road. Bautista suffered major internal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision. The driver of the vehicle, which struck Bautista, fled the scene.

The investigation is continuing.

Anyone having information concerning this collision is asked to call the city of Thousand Oaks Traffic Collision Investigation Unit at (805) 494-8271.

RB#: 10-25909

Location: Lynn Road west of Kelley Road, Thousand Oaks

Date & Time: 10/24/10, 0320 hours

Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Traffic

Involved Parties City of residence Age
(V) Salvador Bautista Jr. Simi Valley 21
(S) Unknown

Officer Preparing Release: Sr. Dep. Rick Godfrey

Follow-up Contact: Thousand Oaks Police Dept. Traffic Bureau (805) 494-8271

Date of Release: 10/24/10

Approved by: Captain Dave Murray

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 10-21-2010, gang investigators conducted a traffic stop on 50 year old Elidio Guajardo in the 1100 block of Navigator in the City of Ventura. Gang investigators had received information that Guajardo was in possession of narcotics and assault weapons. During the traffic stop, investigators discovered that he was under the influence of narcotics and in possession of cocaine. Guajardo was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

After Guajardo’s arrest, gang investigators obtained a search warrant for his residence in the 10200 block of Mammoth, Ventura. Investigators served the search warrant later that day. A search of Guajardo’s residence found an SKS assault rifle, an Uzi, a loaded handgun, cocaine and methamphetamine that was packaged for sale, as well as over a thousand dollars in cash. During the search, investigators also found that Guajardo had ties to the Mongols criminal street gang.

On 10-22-2010, Guajardo was arrested on additional charges that included possession of an assault rifle, possession for sales of narcotics, and possession of a controlled substance and loaded firearm. Guajardo remains in custody on $70,000 bail.

Report Number:
(RB #) 10-25694
Location:
10200 Mammoth, Ventura
Date & Time:
10-21-2010
Unit Responsible:
Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Gang Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S1) Guajardo, Elidio (Poss. of an assault Ventura, Ca. 50
weapon)
(Poss. Methamphetamine
for sale)
(Poss. Cocaine for sale)
(Poss. of a controlled
substance and firearm)

Deputy Preparing Media Release:
Sergeant Bill Schierman
Media Release Date:
10-22-2010
Follow-Up Contact:
Sergeant Bill Schierman (805) 654-2856
Approved by:
Captain O’Hanlon

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Sheriff Bob Brooks is pleased to announce the graduation of the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center’s Academy Class #2010-1. The graduation ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 22, 2010, at the Camarillo Community Church Auditorium, Camarillo, California.

Please see the attached pages for the names of the graduating recruits and their respective agencies.

The recruits have completed 22 weeks of instruction provided through the combined efforts of local law enforcement agencies and other criminal justice entities. The intense training and education prepares these officers for the responsibilities of serving the community.

ACADEMY ROSTER
Basic Academy Class #2010-1
Graduating Recruits

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY CHANNEL ISLANDS
Christopher Kiyoshi Jetton

SANTA BARBARA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Kyle Robert Lowry

SIMI VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Cody F. Dee
Steven Lee Jennings Jr.
Brian M. Kiely

VENTURA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
John C. Abs
Kevin M. Alldredge
Bradford B. Beers
Ramon M. Casas
Robert J. Curiel
Ryan A, Dolan
Robert Scott Ferguson
Daniel Eric James
Matthew Larry Keeter
Monica A. MacFarlane
Steven D. Manley
Robert Russell Medina
Travis Douglas Neet
Martin G. Nunes
Marc Kenneth Riggs
Amelia M. Sanchez
Theodore L. Stern
Corey J. Stump
Danielle R. Thompson
Luis M. Torres
Brian E. Woodworth

Location: 1322 Las Posas Road, Camarillo
Date & Time: Friday, October 22, 2010 / 1300
Officer Preparing Release: Captain W. Flannigan
Follow-upContact: Captain W. Flannigan 388-4296
Approved By: Captain Dave Murray

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Thousand Oaks Police Department Bike Patrol Team participated in the Bike MS charity ride in Ventura raising money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The team completed their inaugural charity ride on Saturday at the Bike MS event as Team “T.O. 5-O.” They completed a 30-mile ride and raised more than $2,000 to support the National M.S. Society. Donations included contributions from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Cops Running for Charities organization.

More than 1,000 cyclists rode 15, 30, 60, 75 or 100-mile routes through Southern California’s most picturesque coastal areas, aiming to raise a record $1.4 million for MS services and programs and to support national MS research. To date, they are already more than half-way to that goal.

Team T.O. 5-O received support from local and regional sponsors to help with cycling gear and supplies for the event. Bike patrol deputies designed the team’s cycling shirt, which is worn by the deputies when they participate in charitable bicycling events. The Bike Patrol Team is grateful to its sponsors who have provided continuous support over the years: Mocean, Newbury Park Bicycle Shop, Platinum Performance Nutrition, Roadrunner Sports, Signs Now, and the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

The Bike Patrol Team looks forward to future area charity bike rides and will continue fundraising efforts to support charitable organizations.

About Multiple Sclerosis
• Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system.
• Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The advancement, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer toward a world free of MS.
• Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men being diagnosed with the disease.
• MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S. and 2.1 million worldwide.

Please visit www.bikeMSsocal.org to support cyclists with a donation and to help the Bike MS Southern California Ride reach its $1.4 million goal. Monies raised support education, advocacy, research and local programs that enhance the quality of life for people with MS and their families in our local communities.

Location: Ventura, CA

Date & Time/ RB#: Saturday, October 16, 2010

Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department C.O.P.P.S. (Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving) Unit

Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Don Aguilar

Follow-up Contact: Sgt. Don Aguilar (805) 797-7349

Date of Release: October 19, 2010

Approved By: Capt. Bill Ayub

On October 6, 2010 at approximately 11:50 am officers of the Santa Paula Police Department were dispatched to a Family Disturbance call in the 400 block of N. 10th Street. The resident of the house was reporting a family member (subsequent investigation revealed the subject was the former stepson to the resident) who did not live at the residence was in the garage refusing to leave. She expressed a fear for her safety due to erratic behavior the subject was displaying.

Senior Officer Scott Varner (a six-year veteran of the police department) and Officer Walter Harper (two-year veteran) arrived and found Phillip Garcia Guevara, 44 years old, of Santa Paula in the garage armed with a large pair of shears (blade length of 6 inches). Both officers are members of the agency’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) with Senior Officer Varner serving as the team’s supervisor. Both officers also described Mr. Guevara as displaying erratic behavior.

After numerous attempts to convince Mr. Guevara to drop the weapon, he took actions that placed both officers in immediate danger. Senior Officer Varner discharged two shots from his firearm, striking Mr. Guevara twice in the lower torso. With the arrival of additional officers Mr. Guevara was disarmed. The Santa Paula Fire Department provided medical assistance at the scene and he was transported first to Santa Paula Hospital, and was subsequently transferred to Ventura County Medical Center.

With the assistance of the Ventura County District Attorney’s office, both an in-depth criminal investigation of the incident as well as an administrative review of the officer’s use of force was initiated. Both inquiries are continuing as of this date. At the time, both officers were placed on paid Administrative Leave; since that time both officers have returned to full duty.

Stephen MacKinnon
Chief of Police