By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Moorpark Patrol deputies responded to a call of subjects drinking alcohol and tagging in the area of Peach Hill. The vandals used spray paint and markers to vandalize a community park. After surveilling the reported area, patrol deputies apprehended three suspects who were responsible for the acts of vandalism. Based on evidence and information obtained during a subsequent investigation by the Moorpark Special Enforcement / Gang Unit, they identified one additional suspect and determined the acts of vandalism were gang related. The adult was arrested for an additional charge of Street Terrorism. In total, at least five current vandalism cases totaling over $5,000 worth of damage were cleared. Location: Date & Time: Unit Responsible: Suspects, Victims, Witnesses Address Age (S) Juvenile Moorpark 16 Officer Preparing Release: Detective J. Tedder Follow-up Contact: Detective J. Tedder (805) 532-2648 Approved By: Captain D. Murray |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
On July 15, 2010 at 12:03 a.m. Ventura County Sheriff’s Department / Ojai Police Department responded to call of an ambulance follow-up of a male victim who had been stabbed in the 600 block of Oak Street in the city of Ojai. Prior to the arrival of deputies, the suspect(s) fled the scene. An extensive search for the suspect(s) was conducted with negative results. The victim received multiple stab wounds and was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura. The victim did not receive life-threatening injuries and is listed in stable condition. Investigation revealed an undisclosed amount of money was taken from the victim during the attack. Location: 600 Block of Oak Street, City of Ojai Officer Preparing Release: Senior Deputy William Therrien |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 14th, 2010
Fillmore Police Blotter |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
On Sunday evening, witnesses reported that an intoxicated man, possibly armed with a handgun, was threatening people in the 2600 block of Cortez Street in El Rio. Numerous law enforcement personnel from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and Oxnard Police Department responded to the area within minutes. The area was contained, effected residents were evacuated, and specialty units such as the Sheriff’s SWAT and Tactical Negotiations Unit arrived on scene. Shortly after the incident began (approximately 6:22 pm), the suspect, Enrique Monarrez Martinez, entered an SUV parked on the street and a four-hour standoff began. As part of a SWAT operation, a Sheriff’s robot approached the vehicle and shattered one of the windows of the SUV. Martinez surrendered shortly thereafter. A small caliber handgun was recovered from inside the vehicle. Martinez was arrested for numerous violations including, criminal threats, possession of a concealed firearm, being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, exhibiting a deadly weapon, and vandalism over $400. Martinez was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility and is currently in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail. Location: 2600 Block of Cortez Street, El Rio Officer Preparing Release: Captain Ross Bonfiglio, Sheriff’s PIO (805) 654-2417 |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, July 8th, 2010
In recognition of National Night Out, the Camarillo Police and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department will be hosting an open house for the public on Saturday, July 24th from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. National Night Out is a program designed to heighten crime and drug awareness and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. There will be numerous displays of the Camarillo Police Department’s resources and other law enforcement related equipment and technology. McGruff, the Crime Fighting Dog, will be greeting kids and their parents. Representatives of the Camarillo Police Department will be conducting guided tours of the facility throughout the event. Visitors to the event will see demonstrations from a K-9 Deputy and his dog, Mounted Patrol, SWAT team members, Bomb Disposal Vehicle and robot, patrol vehicle, police motorcycles, Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Camarillo Police mobile command post. We will have a jolly jump, face painting, games, and Kid Print fingerprint ID for children. There will also be a tricycle course for young children with an emphasis on bicycle safety. Make sure to bring your cameras because there will be plenty of picture taking opportunities. There are no fees for events and activities. Refreshments will be available to those attending. For additional information contact Camarillo’s Crime Prevention Officer @ 388-5130. Location: 3701 E. Las Posas Rd, Camarillo, CA. 93010 |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
On July 7, 2010 at approximately 2:00 PM a helicopter was requested for a victim who was stranded on a cliff in the Santa Monica Mountains, overlooking the ocean, near Sycamore Cyn. Upon arrival the helicopter crew noticed that a young girl was stranded approximately 200 feet up the cliff side clinging to a rock outcropping. The girl’s father had climbed the rocky cliff but was only able to ascend to within 40 feet of his daughter. A California State Park Ranger had climbed up to her location and was helping her remain calm while sizing up the rescue options. The Sheriff’s Department helicopter, piloted by Kim Bergeson responded with a rescue crew comprised of AMR Paramedic Vanvlymen, Fire Captain Monday, Fire Fighter Golden and Sheriff’s Sergeant Underlin. Fire Fighter Golden was hoisted out of the hovering helicopter approximately 100 feet down to the stranded girl to assess her condition. Golden was able to cling to the rock face next to the victim and communicate to the helicopter that the victim was uninjured but unable to climb down due to the unstable rock conditions. Fire Fighter Golden was able to attach a rescue rope to a small bush that was growing out of the rock and both the girl and the ranger were able to safely descend the cliff face with the aid of the rope to waiting emergency personnel. Golden was then able to untie the rescue rope from the small bush and he was hoisted back into the helicopter. While rock climbing can be a safe activity, it requires proper safety equipment and training. Rock conditions along the Pacific Coast in Ventura County are inherently unsafe due to the unstable shale rock and a lack of safe areas where proper climbing equipment can be utilized. Location: Santa Monica Mountains, Sycamore Cyn. Malibu CA Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant F. Underlin |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
On June 5, 2010, Moorpark Police Detectives concluded a lengthy investigation culminating in the arrest of four juvenile suspects, who were responsible for 27 separate acts of graffiti vandalism throughout various locations in the City of Moorpark, over the period of the past 1½ years. The damage caused by the suspects amounted to approximately $50,000. All four juveniles were lodged in juvenile hall and are awaiting court proceedings related to their crimes. In its mission to aggressively address the problem of graffiti in the community, as well as the rising costs associated with the investigation and cleanup of graffiti damage, the City of Moorpark began using a municipal ordinance that allows the City to recover its costs. The ordinance allows the City to charge the parents of juvenile graffiti vandalism suspects, or adult suspects, up to $10,000 per chargeable crime in order to recover costs. Bills totaling nearly $20,000 were sent to the parents of the four juvenile suspects. The bills cover the costs spent by police personnel, as well as other City personnel’s time and material to repair damage to City property. The bills do not address the damage to private property, which the suspects will be responsible for if convicted of the crimes. The City of Moorpark and its Police Department are committed to addressing the issue of graffiti vandalism in the community. Doing so is increasingly costly. It is hoped that through this cost recovery program, those persons who commit graffiti vandalism will bear the costs of cleanup and investigation. It is also hoped that the program will be an incentive for graffiti vandals to stop their criminal activity. Location: City of Moorpark, CA Officer Preparing Release: Captain Ron Nelson |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
On 6/28/2010, the Thousand Oaks Police Department Investigations Unit arrested a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sergeant, Steven Flamm, for a burglary that occurred at Sears on 6/3/2010. Flamm was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility after arriving for court on an unrelated theft case. Flamm’s arrest came after a three-week investigation where he was suspected of shoplifting several video games, valued at $900.00. Flamm was initially seen by an alert Sears’ employee who captured Flamm’s actions on a surveillance camera. Detectives determined they had probable cause to arrest him after reviewing the surveillance video. Location: Sears - 145 W. Hillcrest Dr., Newbury Park Date & Time/ RB#: June 3, 2010 @ 3:30 P.M./ RB#10-13392 Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department / Investigations Unit (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age Officer Preparing Release: Detective Sergeant M. Gillette Follow-up Contact: Detective Matt Young / (805) 494-8227 Date of Release: June 28, 2010 Approved By: Captain Bruce Watlington |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Charles Smith aka “Chuck Smith” (DOB 11/17/1949) of Camarillo was sentenced to 180 days in the Ventura County jail and placed on felony probation for three years after pleading guilty to four counts of felony tax evasion. The case against Smith resulted from an investigation by the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB). The FTB's investigation revealed Smith and his corporation, C&J T-28 Parts Sales Inc. (located at the Camarillo Airport ), failed to file state tax returns from 2000 to 2008. C&J T-28 Parts Sales Inc. failed to report over $10 million of earned income, and Smith failed to report over $1.8 million in personal earned income. Smith avoided a lengthy prison sentence by filing his delinquent personal and corporate state tax returns, and paying the FTB $313,764 in restitution, prior to his sentencing hearing. The $313,764 consisted of back taxes, interest, penalty assessments, and the costs of the FTB's investigation. Smith also had to pay the Ventura County District Attorney's Office $4,419 for the costs of prosecuting the case. According the FTB, the failure to file income tax returns is part of the $6.5 billion tax gap California faces each year. The tax gap is defined as the difference between the tax that is owed and the tax that is actually paid. |
By Anonymous — Monday, June 28th, 2010
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Justin McGrory of Victorville, CA: “Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of CHP Officer Justin McGrory. He was selfless and dedicated, and committed his life to protecting the safety of all Californians. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Justin’s family, loved ones, and the entire Victorville community as they mourn the loss of a father, son and outstanding officer.” Officer McGrory, 28, died June 27, after succumbing to injuries sustained when he was struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop. He is survived by his wife, Kelly, and their three children. In honor of Officer McGrory, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 28th, 2010
After investigating a shooting that occurred on 4-30-10 in the unincorporated area of El Rio, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit arrested two suspects yesterday, 6-25-10, for Assault With a Deadly Weapon and Street Terrorism. The two suspects are believed to belong to a local street gang. On 4-30-2010, at about 3:45 P.M., four victims were walking near the intersection of Vineyard Ave. and Forest Park Blvd. in the unincorporated area of El Rio. While walking, a vehicle occupied by two males passed them. The two males flashed gang signs at the victims and asked them where they were from. The victims believed they were about to be assaulted and ran to Orange Drive. The two males drove after the four victims and caught up to them as they entered a residence in the 100 block of Orange Drive. As the suspect vehicle passed the residence, the suspects fired one round at the victims. Patrol deputies and investigators from the Sheriff’s Gang Unit responded to the scene and were able to recover a shell casing and speak with several witnesses. Over the next week, gang investigators collected enough evidence to identity the driver of the vehicle as Daniel Magana. On 5-10-2010, investigators from the Gang Unit served a search warrant at Magana’s residence in the 2600 block of Colonia Ave. Items recovered from the residence, as well as additional information obtained over the next several weeks, led investigators to identify the second subject as Andrew Robles. On 6-26-10, investigators arrested Robles and Magana for Assault With a Deadly Weapon and Street Terrorism. Investigators served a search warrant at Robles’ residence and recovered a Mac 12 type machine pistol. Investigators are waiting on the analysis of the firearm to determine if it was used in the shooting. Robles remains in custody on $100,000 bail. Magana remains in custody on $200,000 bail. RB#: 10-10331 Location: 100 Block of Orange Drive, El Rio Date: 4-30-2010 Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Gang Unit (S)uspects Charge City of Residence Age Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Bill Schierman Follow-up Contact: Sgt. Bill Schierman 654-2856 Date of Release: 6-26-2010 |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 28th, 2010
On June 25, 2010, at about 3:30 a.m., Camarillo deputies responded to the 800 block of Calle Portilla for a report of suspicious subjects dressed in black. Upon the deputies’ arrival, the suspects fled on foot. One suspect was seen jumping a fence into a backyard. Deputies subsequently discovered the suspects were stealing items from unlocked cars. They requested the assistance of a K-9 unit and began searching for the suspects. At about 4:50 a.m., with the assistance of the K-9, one suspect, Mark Gonzales, was located lying in a cement planter in the 500 block of Calle Castano. There was also a backpack found near Gonzales that contained a stolen handgun. Deputies consequently requested the assistance of the Sheriff’s helicopter. At about 5:45 a.m., a second suspect, Michael Dryer, was located while hiding in a shed in the 1600 block of Calle Del Manzano. Dryer was found wearing only his underwear. He was uncooperative and would not comply with the deputy’s directions and suffered a minor dog bite. At about 6:55 a.m., the third suspect, Aaron Morua was located in the 800 block of Sausalito. Morua was found in possession of a backpack that contained a loaded handgun. All three suspects were booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of burglary tools, possession of stolen property, and carrying a concealed firearm. Bail was set at $50,000.00. The investigation is ongoing. Location: Camarillo (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses, (P)arties Age Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant J. Devorick |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 28th, 2010
On 06-25-10, deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Ojai Valley Station responded to a report of an indecent exposure. The initial investigation revealed a male suspect had exposed himself to three children in the greenbelt area adjacent to Pegusas Street and Silver Spur Street, in Miramonte. The three female victims were ages 8, 12, and 12. The suspect also solicited one of the 12 year old victims during the indecent exposure. Independent witnesses saw the suspect get into a silver VW Jetta station wagon and leave the area. The investigating deputy immediately radioed a suspect broadcast for the other deputies searching the area. Within minutes, deputies spotted the VW northbound on Ojai Avenue coming from the Miramonte area. Deputies confirmed the driver of the VW, Brandon Torres (age 26), was the same suspect from the Miramonte incident. Torres was arrested and later booked at the county jail for felony charges of Penal Code 314.1 / Indecent Exposure with a Prior Conviction and Penal Code 646.7 / Child Annoying with a Prior Conviction. Torres’ bail was set at 60,000.00. Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Randy Watkins |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 28th, 2010
On June 18, 2010, Sheriff’s Deputies working at the Ventura County Courthouse were notified by other Government Center employees that a man on the grounds was acting suspiciously. Deputies began looking for the person and eventually found the suspect, 32-year-old Murat Aksu. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Aksu was secretly videotaping under women’s skirts as they walked to and from the Government Center Complex without their knowledge by use of a miniature video camera hidden in a briefcase. Aksu engaged his victims in conversation while the videotaping was occurring. During the investigation, investigators seized video evidence supporting the allegations. Other information indicates that Aksu had been walking around the complex wearing a government I.D. around his neck giving him an official appearance. Information from witnesses indicates that Aksu may have been periodically conducting this activity from as early as February 2010. Anyone who may have witnessed or been victimized by this activity is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Major Crime Unit at 805‐477‐7000. Aksu was arrested on June 18th for using a concealed camera to secretly videotape another and was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. He was released on June 19th after posting a $10,000 bond. Location: Ventura County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura CA Officer Preparing Release: Captain Ross Bonfiglio, Sheriff’s PIO (805) 654-2417 |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 28th, 2010
On Wednesday, June 23rd, the Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Traffic Bureau conducted a pedestrian safety enforcement operation at the intersection of Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Oak View Drive. At this intersection, there is a clearly marked crosswalk designed to allow pedestrians to safely cross Thousand Oaks Boulevard. Three Traffic Bureau employees dressed in civilian clothes were used to walk back and forth in the crosswalk during a two-hour period. Motorcycle officers assigned to the Traffic Bureau monitored the crosswalk for motorists failing to yield to the pedestrians. During this time period, thirty-one (31) failure to yield violations were observed. All of the drivers who committed the violations were stopped and issued citations. Additionally, one of those drivers was an unlicensed driver. That driver was also issued a citation for driving without a license and his car was towed. Due to the high number of violations observed during this time period, the Traffic Bureau will continue conducting pedestrian enforcement operations at various locations throughout the City. The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind drivers to pay attention while driving near crosswalks and to actively look for pedestrians crossing the street. Additionally, pedestrians are urged to always use crosswalks and to continuously scan the roadway in both directions for cars that are approaching and not slowing down or stopping. Location: Thousand Oaks Boulevard @ Oak View Drive Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Rick Harwood |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 21st, 2010
Location: 2000 block of Jose Ave, Camarillo, CA 93010
On 6/17/10, at 8:07 A.M. an observant citizen notified the Camarillo Police Department of a subject walking on Jose Ave who stopped and sat down on the curb in front of his residence. When the citizen went to speak to the subject, the subject ran and hid from the citizen. Deputies responded and contacted the male subject. While speaking with him, he was suspected to be under the influence of a controlled substance. A records check was conducted and he was identified as Kevin Castillo, 19 yrs old with an active arrest warrant issued out of Los Angeles County. As Castillo was about to be arrested, he ran from the deputies. Castillo ran into the backyard of a residence on Ciprian Avenue. Responding deputies set up a perimeter. A Ventura County Sheriff’s Department K-9 and helicopter assisted with the search. Deputies located Castillo in the back yard of a residence in the 1900 block of Ciprian Avenue. Kevin Castillo, a resident of Los Angeles, was arrested and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for Obstruction / Resisting Arrest and Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. While deputies were searching for Kevin, two of his acquaintances were detained and later arrested for various narcotics charges: James Williams, 34 years and Jenny Paslay, 29 years. Both Williams and Paslay are Camarillo residents. Date: June 17th, 2010, 8:07 A.M. |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 21st, 2010
Location: Ojai, Ca.
On June 1, 2010, Sheriff’s Narcotic Investigators took up surveillance at Libby Park in Ojai after receiving several reports of drug sales. Soon after arriving at the park, detectives observed Sangster involved in a drug transaction. Jaramillo and Lara were present along with 3 juvenile males. Additional transactions were observed and detectives contacted the group. Sangster was arrested for furnishing narcotics to a minor, possession of a controlled substance for sale, sale of a controlled substance, and furnishing narcotics in a public park. Lara was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Jaramillo was arrested for possession of hashish. The juveniles were arrested drug related charges. All subjects were additionally arrested for being present at a location where drugs are used. The adults were booked into the Main Jail for the listed charges. The juveniles were cited and released to their parents. Date: June 1, 2010 Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant Mike Horne |
By Anonymous — Friday, June 18th, 2010
Local 7-Eleven Stores Work with T.O. Deputies to Issue Coupons to Kids for Good Deeds
The Thousand Oaks Police Department is teaming up with 7-Eleven to reward kids for doing good deeds in the community. Deputies are rewarding children who do something helpful, practice safety, or deter crime in the community. Youngsters recognized by the police will receive coupons good for a small slurpee that can be redeemed at participating Ventura County 7-Eleven stores. The program, which is designed to promote good citizenship, is in effect for the summer and back-to-school months through December 31, 2010. Since the program's inception in 1995, more than 10 million Operation Chill coupons have been distributed to hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country in the areas where 7-Eleven operates stores. The Thousand Oaks Police Department began utilizing the Operation Chill program in 2008 to reward youth for their good deeds, as well as enhance their relations with the young citizens of Thousand Oaks. In addition to rewarding good behavior by youth, Operation Chill offers opportunities for deputies to interface with youngsters in non-law-enforcement situations. Deputies use the coupons to reward kids for wearing bicycle helmets, doing good deeds, participating in community activities and organizations, picking up trash, deterring crime, or observing school crossing rules. Operation Chill was developed by 7-Eleven to positively reward and encourage good behavior by kids during the hot summer months when there is often an increase in loitering, shoplifting and graffiti, and to support law enforcement agencies' community relations projects. The success and popularity of Operation Chill has resulted in the program being extended beyond the summer months for local law enforcement officers to use during the school year as well. Thousand Oaks, CA Date & Time June 16, 2010 Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
Cities of Ventura and Oxnard
On 6/15/2010, Sex Crimes Detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department located and arrested two sex offenders for a violation of Section 290 of the California Penal Code, which requires persons convicted of specified sexual assault cases to register with the agency in whose jurisdiction they reside. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department actively investigates and pursues individuals who violate the terms of their registration. Sheriff’s detectives had received information that Frederic Koerner, a convicted sex offender, was allegedly in violation of the terms of his registration. Koerner had been registered as a transient with the Sheriff's Department with no residential address given; however, an investigation disclosed that he had established residence in a motor home in the rear of a church in Ventura and had been paying rent to the church for the last two years. Koerner was located and arrested in the parking lot of the church in Ventura. Candido, also known as Rafael Zetino, was convicted of a sex crime in 1996 and deported to El Salvador in 2000. He subsequently returned to Ventura County and registered as a convicted sex offender with the Sheriff’s Department in 2002. In 2004, he discontinued registration and his whereabouts were unknown. An investigation by sheriff’s detectives determined that he had been working and residing in Oxnard. Candido was arrested at his residence while attempting to hide from detectives in a tree in the backyard. Sheriff's Department detectives actively conduct investigations to verify the residential information provided by convicted sex registrants. Additionally, probation and/or parole searches are also conducted periodically. During a recent sweep, a parolee, William Inscoe, was arrested for an unrelated violation of his parole terms and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. A second registrant was found to be in violation of the registration process. An investigation into that violation(s) is continuing. Date & Time: June 15, 2010 Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Tim Waite |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
Various Locations in Thousand Oaks
A 17-year-old juvenile was arrested for a residential burglary after he stole the homeowner’s vehicle and led police on a high-speed pursuit, which ended in the Saticoy area. Detectives with the East Valley Investigations Unit conducted a follow-up investigation and linked the juvenile and a second suspect, Daniel Bello, to a residential burglary which occurred on 05-26-10, in the 500 block of Calle Arroyo, Thousand Oaks. The suspects were also connected to at least five separate residential burglaries in the City of Thousand Oaks, City of Camarillo, and the City of Ventura. The juvenile was arrested for residential burglary and vehicle theft and booked at Juvenile Hall. Bello was arrested during a traffic stop in the city of Ventura after a search warrant was executed at his residence. Bello was booked at the East Valley Sheriff’s Station for 3 counts of residential burglary and 2 counts of grand theft auto. He is currently in custody with a bail set at $50,000. Residents are reminded to be pro-active in utilizing safes within their homes to secure valuables. The Sheriff’s Department would also like to remind residents to remove valuables from their vehicles and ensure their vehicles are secured. During a recent rash of vehicle burglaries in the Oak Park area, victims were targeted for leaving valuables inside their vehicle over night. Date & Time/ RB#: June 03, 2010 / 3:30 pm Unit Responsible: East County Investigations Unit (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age Officer Preparing Release: Detective Russell King |