Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Unspecified hotel in Thousand Oaks
Date & Time/ RB#: Oct. 15, 2009 @ 5:30 p.m. / 09-25416
Unit Responsible: East County Sexual Assault Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(S) Bush, Ralph Allen III North Las Vegas, NV. 29
(S) Keith, Tatiana Las Vegas, NV. 21
(S) Juvenile Female Las Vegas, NV. 16

Sheriff’s investigators arrested three Las Vegas residents for a variety of charges after uncovering a prostitution ring that was operating out of a local hotel. The suspects were using the Internet site “Craigslist” to advertise their services and to lure customers to the hotel where the group was staying.

The investigation revealed that one of the prostitutes was 16 years old. Ralph Bush was booked for pimping, pandering, child endangerment, conspiracy, and providing false information to a peace officer. Bush also had two outstanding arrest warrants out of Los Angeles County. He is being held at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura in lieu of $160,000.00 bail.

Tatiana Keith was arrested for conspiracy, pandering, and child endangerment. She is being held in lieu of $50.000.00 bail.

The juvenile suspect was cited and released. Her name is being withheld due to her age. Child Protective Services was notified, and the girl was released to a relative. The investigation into the group’s activities is continuing.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Pacific Coast Highway at Mugu Rock
Date & Time: October 18, 2009, at approximately 12:30 PM
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Department/Major Crimes

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnessess City of Residence Age
(V) Male Unknown Residence 44

On October 18, 2009, at approximately 12:28 PM, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department responded to Mugu Rock/Pacific Coast Highway, reference a person not breathing. Ventura County Fire Department and Gold Coast Ambulance also responded. The first emergency personnel were on scene at 12:30 PM. CPR was initiated immediately and continued until the victim was pronounced dead at 12:54 PM.

The death was suspicious in nature, so the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating.

The identity of the deceased is not being released at this time, pending notification of his next of kin.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Ojai Valley
Date: October 16, 2009
Unit Responsible: Ojai Police Investigations

Ojai Police detectives are warning Ojai Valley residents of an increase in reported vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles. Most of the crimes are occurring during nighttime hours. The suspects are targeting unlocked vehicles and locked vehicles in which property is in plain view. Access to locked vehicles is typically gained by breaking a window. The types of property stolen recently have included laptop computers, purses, and jewelry. The vehicles targeted have been parked in various locations such as driveways, streets, and parking lots. They have been unattended for as little as 30 minutes.

Please be aware thefts and vehicle burglaries will increase as the holiday season approaches.

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 the car.
3. Do not hide personal property underneath the seat. Lock your personal property in the trunk.
4. 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.
5. Avoid parking in isolated, poorly lit areas.
6. Be aware of your surroundings. Report suspicious activity to the police.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 1500 block of Serrano Avenue, Los Angeles, Ca.
Date & Time/ RB#: Oct. 14, 2009 @ 4:00 p.m. / 09-21350
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Detective Bureau

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(S) Romero, Adan Los Angeles 60
Narrative:

A Los Angeles man was arrested Wednesday after a four-month investigation led to him being identified as the suspect responsible for dozens of purse snatches in Ventura and Los Angeles County.

Investigators arrested Adan Romero while serving a search warrant at his apartment. Romero began targeting elderly victims at Thousand Oaks shopping centers, where he would pretend to shop and then grab a victim’s wallet from her purse while she was looking at merchandise.

Many of the thefts were captured on surveillance video, CONTINUED »

Chief Deputy Dennis Carpenter

Location: West County Training Room
Date & Time: October 20, 2009 @ 2:00 pm

On October 20, 2009, Chief Deputy Dennis Carpenter will be presented with the 2009 Law Enforcement Commendation Medal from the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). The award will be presented by Bill Hurley and Ronald D. Risley, Esq. Mr. Hurley is the chairman of the law enforcement committee for the local branch, known as the General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter. He is a retired FBI agent from the local Ventura Office. Mr. Risley is a retired major in the United States Air Force and former Vice President General, NSSAR. Sheriff Bob Brooks will also be in attendance. Regarding the selection of Dennis Carpenter, Mr. Hurley stated, “There were many worthy officers considered for this honor. In bestowing this award on Dennis, we proclaim him to be the SAR's Ventura County Law Enforcement Officer for the Year of 2009.”

The Law Enforcement Commendation Medal was first presented in 1968 to J. Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI. It is only authorized to be awarded to federal, state and local professionals in criminal justice careers at the management level who have performed an exceptional act or service beyond that normally expected. In Ventura County, previous recipients include Sheriff Bob Brooks, District Attorneys Greg Totten and Mike Bradbury, and several judges. The medal is a onetime award intended to recognize exceptional service or accomplishment in the field of law enforcement.

The SAR organization noted, “Chief Deputy Carpenter has given long and faithful public service in a variety of high level positions within Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and has effectively led the fight against crime in Ventura County by doing what was necessary to bring criminals to justice. During his tenure as Chief of Police for the City of Thousand Oaks, he provided leadership and direction making it recognized as one of the safest cities in the United States for its size.”

The General George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter of the California Society of the Sons of the American Revolution is dedicated to patriotic, historical, and educational activities, including the perpetuation of the memory of those who, by their services or sacrifices during the war of the American Revolution, achieved the independence of the American people. For more information about the local chapter (with links to the state and national organization), one can visit their website at http://www.pattonpatriots.org/

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

POLICE BLOTTER
09/30/09-10/07/09
THEFT OTHER
09/30/09
500 Block Central Ave.
09/30/09
200 Block Sierra Vista Ave.
09/30/09
1000 Block Village Square
10/01/09
500 Block Main Street
10/02/09
1000 Block Ventura St.
10/06/09
500 Block Central Ave.
THEFT RESIDENTIAL
10/02/09
900 Block Oliver Street
VANDALISM CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Ojai Valley
Date: October 12, 2009
Unit Responsible: Ojai Police Investigations

Ojai Police detectives are warning Ojai Valley residents of an increase in reported phone scams. The suspect(s) in the phone scams have been targeting elderly residents or parents of young adults. They pose as either a family member requesting money to post bail or an official (court or law enforcement officer) requesting money to post bail on behalf of a family member. The suspect(s) typically have some vague information about the person they are impersonating. Victims have reported the suspect(s) request the money be wired to locations in Vancouver, B.C. Canada or London, England.

If area residents receive phone calls of this nature, or any other suspicious nature, they are encouraged to call law enforcement. Do not wire funds to any location unless you are absolutely certain as to the identity of the caller. This type of phone scam is one of many that occur throughout the year and increase during holiday seasons. The best way to avoid becoming a victim is to be cautious and educated.

Here are some recommendations to protect yourself from telephone scams:

1. Get the name and any information verifying the identity of the caller and/or the entity they represent. Obtain a call back number and use it confirm what a caller has told you.
2. Never provide confidential information, such as your date of birth, social security number, or bank account numbers.
3. Be weary of calls in which the caller possesses detailed knowledge of procedures to send funds. Always discontinue the transaction if someone coaches you on how to send money (i.e. Western Union or credit cards) and you are uncertain as to the identity of the recipient. Do not respond to questions from money order service employees.
4. Always check with other family members if you receive a call from a subject whose identity is not confirmed or you are unsure whether the caller is legitimate.
5. Attempt to call the family member in need directly and verify they are in fact requesting money.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Moorpark Train Station, 300 High Street, Moorpark

Date & Time: October 12, 2009 / 7:32 pm

Unit Responsible: Moorpark Patrol

On Monday, October 12, 2009, at 7:32 pm, an east-bound Amtrak Train traveling through the Moorpark train station struck a man who was on the tracks. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Amtrak Train #11 was in route from Oxnard to Los Angeles, with no scheduled stop at the Moorpark Station. 110 passengers were on board the train and none of the passengers or staff were injured. The train, which came to a stop approximately ¼ mile from the accident scene, resumed normal service by 11:00 pm.

The incident is under investigation by the Moorpark Police Department and the Ventura County Coroner’s Office to determine why the man was on the tracks. The identity of the man is not being released, pending further attempts to confirm his identity, followed by notification of next of kin.

On October 8, 2009, at approximately 4:26 p.m., Santa Paula Police Officers responded to the 100 block of S. Mill St. reference a reported robbery. Upon arrival, officers learned the suspect had assaulted and took the wallet of a 75-year-old female, who was walking in front of the Post Office.

Several witnesses chased the suspect to a nearby neighborhood. Officers quickly established a perimeter and began searching for the suspect. Santa Paula Police K-9 “Jack” was used to search for the suspect. The suspect, a 17-year-old male, whose identify will not be released because he is a juvenile, was located hiding in a residence. The suspect surrendered to officers as the police canine entered the residence.

Officers were able to recover the property taken from the victim and return it to her. The suspect was arrested for robbery and booked in the Ventura County Juvenile Hall pending a court appearance.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 3400 block of Highwood Court, Simi Valley
Date & Time: October 8, 2009, 12:00 P.M.

Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff Narcotics, Simi Valley Police Department’s Narcotic Unit and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.

Suspects City of residence Age
Pablo Vela Simi Valley 57
Gloria Vela Simi Valley 56

On 10-8-09, the Sheriff’s East County Narcotics Street Team, the Simi Police Department’s Narcotic Unit and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office concluded a month-long cocaine sales investigation. Investigators received information that Pablo Vela and his wife, Gloria Vela, were selling cocaine by delivering it to potential buyers throughout the City of Simi Valley. Investigators served a search warrant at the couple’s residence in the 3400 block of Highwood Court, in Simi Valley. Pablo Vela was taken into custody as he drove away from the residence. Investigators found approximately one quarter of an ounce of cocaine, a quarter ounce of methamphetamine, and packaging material inside the residence. Gloria Vela was arrested later in the evening when she returned home. The two were booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending their arraignment in Ventura County Superior Court, on 10-12-09. Their bail was set at $50,000.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Pacific Coast Highway between Solimar and Faria Beach.
Date & Time/ RB#: 10/10/09, 2:18 p.m. / 09-24875
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age

(V) Raymond Quintero Rodriguez Unknown 65

During the early afternoon, at approximately 2:18 p.m., the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department received a 911-cell phone transfer from the California Highway Patrol. The caller, a passerby, reported seeing a lifeless male subject in the rocks off of the shoulder of Pacific Coast Highway. Sheriff’s deputies arrived a short time later, and confirmed the subject was deceased. The scene was secured and members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit and the Coroner’s Office were dispatched.

The male decedent was identified as the gunshot victim reported yesterday, based on the description that was provided by the female passenger who first reported this incident. Although the official cause of death has yet to be determined by the Coroner, it appears as though the victim suffered a gunshot wound. The Sheriff’s Department is investigating this as a homicide.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Dahl’s Market, 445 N. Ventura Ave. Oak View
Date & Time / RB#: 10/4/09 @ 0040 hours / 09-24460
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Department - Ojai Detectives

Suspects: 1) Joseph Oroville Elliott, 18
2) Seventeen year old male juvenile

In the early morning hours of October 4, 2009, Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Dahl’s Market in Oak View and upon arrival, learned a store employee had interrupted a commercial burglary. The two suspects were still inside the store and were taken into custody.

During the investigation, deputies learned the two suspects had previously broken into the business and stolen property earlier the same night. They also determined the same two suspects had committed another burglary at the market that went unreported earlier in the week. Investigators located some of the stolen property at a nearby residence and returned it to the storeowner. Investigators also located evidence of another attempted burglary, by the same suspects, at a separate Oak View business.

The adult suspect was booked at the Ventura County Jail and is facing charges related to the three burglaries at Dahl’s Market and the attempted burglary of the other business. The juvenile was released to his parents with a Notice to Appear and has an upcoming court date.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Adohr Lane, Camarillo, CA
Date & Time/ RB#: 10-9-09, 2:10 a.m./ 09-24875
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(S) Tamayo-Flores, Maximo Oxnard, CA 58

During the early morning hours, a brief vehicle pursuit occurred after California Highway Patrol officers attempted to stop a vehicle for a stop sign violation in Camarillo. The driver, Maximo Tamayo-Flores, evaded the officers before colliding with a guardrail on Adohr Lane. A female passenger in the vehicle told officers that there was a gunshot victim that the driver shot prior to the pursuit.

The C.H.P. officers initially attempted to pull over the driver near the southbound exit of Highway 101 at Camarillo Springs Rd. The driver initially stopped but sped away. During the pursuit, the driver committed an assault on one of the C.H.P. officers, using his vehicle. The driver was taken into custody at the end of the pursuit. Camarillo Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Department patrol deputies assisted C.H.P. officers at the scene.

Sheriff’s Major Crimes investigators received information from the female passenger that the injured victim was possibly in the area of Pacific Coast Highway near the beach. The victim is described as a Hispanic male adult.

Major Crimes investigators, Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, and Air Unit are conducting searches of the coastline area from the L.A./Ventura County line toward Oxnard. Anyone with information that would assist investigators can call Major Crimes at (805) 477-7000 or (805) 477-7037.

The C.H.P. arrested Tamayo for evading arrest and assault with a deadly weapon.

California Highway Patrol

The suspect driver in a fatal, alcohol involved, traffic collision was released today from Community Memorial Hospital and booked into the Ventura County Jail by the CHP.

On 9/27/09 at about 5:36 am, Jorge Hernandez, age 24 of Oxnard, was driving his 2001 Dodge Dakota pickup truck in the wrong lane as he was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane on SR-118 near Rose Ave. Hernandez’ vehicle collided head-on with a 1999 Nissan Sentra driven by David Garcia, age 33 of Port Hueneme. Garcia and his passenger, Alex Estrada, age 33 of Ventura, were killed in the collision. Garcia’s wife, Sonia Garcia, age 26 of Port Hueneme, was seriously injured in the collision. Garcia was traveling eastbound on SR-118 prior to the collision.

CHP investigators determined Hernandez was driving while under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. He was arrested for felony driving under the influence of alcohol. Hernandez was seriously injured in the collision and remained in the hospital for continued medical treatment while being guarded of CHP officers.

Hernandez was released from the hospital at 12:40 pm. He was taken to the Ventura County Jail where he was booked by the CHP for second degree murder, felony manslaughter and felony driving under the influence of alcohol.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 300 block of N. 12 Street, City of Santa Paula
Date & Time: October 7, 2009/ 9:00 A.M.
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s West County Street Narcotics Team

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of residence Age
Michael Chavez Santa Paula 47
Denise Bolanos Santa Paula 18
Aaron Morua El Rio 22
Mathew Kaltenbach Thousand Oaks 25

In September of 2009, narcotics investigators received information that Michael Chavez was selling methamphetamine from his residence in the 300 block of N. 12 Street, Santa Paula. On October 7, 2009, investigators served a search warrant at Chavez’s residence. Chavez was taken into custody for methamphetamine sales. Three other subjects were located inside Chavez’s residence, all of whom were arrested for being under the influence of methamphetamine. These three subjects were identified as Denise Bolanos, Aaron Morua and Mathew Kaltenbach. All four subjects were booked into the Sheriff’s Department Pre-Trial Detention Facility. The four subjects are scheduled to be arraigned in the Ventura County Superior Court on October 9, 2009.

California Highway Patrol

On October 6, 2009 at 11:04 am, a major injury traffic collision ocurred involving a DUI driver whose vehicle struck a bicyclist on Bristol Rd. west of Montgomery Ave.

Brock Warmuth, age 22 of Ventura, was riding his bicycle eastbound on Bristol Rd. west of Montgomery Ave. Cynthia Ginn, age 48 of Ventura, was driving her 2002 Buick Regal traveling eastbound on Bristol Rd. approaching Warmuth from behind. Ginn’s vehicle struck Warmuth’s bicycle. Warmuth was thrown off his bicycle onto the ground. Ginn did not stop after the collision and continued traveling eastbound on Bristol Rd. A witness saw the collision and followed Ginn’s vehicle from the collision scene. A second witness saw Warmuth lying near the roadway and stopped to render aid until the fire department arrived. The first witness followed Ginn to the 9000 block of Feather St. where she pulled over and parked near her residence. The witness called 911 and reported the incident while remaining at the location. Officers from Ventura Police Dept. responded to the scene and found Ginn passed out behind the wheel of her vehicle. The officers determined Winn was under the influence of alcohol and detained her. The CHP took over the investigation after it was determined the initial traffic collision occurred in CHP jurisdiction.

Warmuth, who was not wearing a bicycle helmet at the time of the collision, sustained major head injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) Ginn was not injured in the collision. Ginn was booked into the Ventura County Jail by the CHP for felony DUI and felony hit and run. The collision is still under investigation.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Date & Time: October 15, 2009 10:15 AM
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services

At 10:15 a.m. on October 15, 2009, millions of Californians will "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" in The Great California ShakeOut. The drill is organized to inspire Californians to get ready for big earthquakes and to prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes. Individuals, families, businesses, schools, colleges, government agencies, organizations, and media are all invited to register and participate. Currently, there are 6 million registered participants in California, with 81,172 from Ventura County. The event is expected to be largest earthquake drill ever!

“With only seconds to react, practicing what you will do in an actual earthquake is an important part of being prepared,” said Laura Hernandez, Assistant Director of Disaster Services with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services.

To register for the drill, go to www.shakeout.org. The free registration will CONTINUED »

Location: City Thousand Oaks/ City of Moorpark
Date: October 2, 2009
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Community Oriented Police &
Problem Solving (C.O.P.P.S.) Unit

The Thousand Oaks Police Department C.O.P.P.S. Unit conducted an A.B.C. sting, using under age adults to purchase alcoholic beverages. Decoys attempted to make purchases of alcohol beverages at 38 locations in the Thousand Oaks/ Moorpark area. Cashiers at two CVS Pharmacies in Thousand Oaks and a Rite-Aid in Moorpark were caught selling alcoholic beverages to minors. The cashiers were arrested and issued misdemeanor citations.

Violation Locations:
CVS Pharmacy
2791 Agoura Rd
Thousand Oaks

CVS Pharmacy
2120 Newbury Rd
Newbury Park

Rite Aid
3941 Spring Rd
Moorpark

In an ongoing effort to prevent access to alcoholic beverages by teens, the Thousand Oaks Police Department C.O.P.P.S. Unit conducts periodic sting operations to ensure retailers are doing their part in the community.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Highway 150 north of The Summit
Date & Time: 10/03/2009 0910hrs
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Aviation/S.A.R.

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of residence Age

V - Tracy Hopcus Ojai 39

On 10-03-09, the Ventura County Sheriff's Department received a call of a single vehicle collision near Lake Casitas on Highway 150. The Aviation Unit was dispatched and responded with Air Squad 8.

Staffed with a pilot, three rescue crew chiefs, and a flight paramedic, Air Squad 8 arrived on scene. On-scene information revealed that a vehicle had in fact driven off the road and had come to rest on its roof, approximately 200' down a steep hillside near Lake Casitas. The single occupant of the vehicle had been fully ejected during the incident.

A flight paramedic and rescue crew chief were hover off-loaded in an area where they were able to gain access to the accident scene on foot. The injured subject, later identified as (V) Tracy Hopcus, was assessed for injuries and loaded into a rescue litter. The flight paramedic and rescue crew chief determined that given the location and terrain surrounding, Tracy would need to be hoisted into the helicopter. Tracy was hoisted from a distance of about 120' and loaded into Air Squad 8. Tracy was flown directly to V.C.M.C. where she was transferred to the emergency room staff.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

RB#: 09-17376
Location: Rio Plaza School, 600 Simon Way, Oxnard
Date & Time: 7-18-2009 and 7-19-2009
Unit Responsible: Gang Unit

Suspects Charge City of residence Age
Duran, Adalberto 2 counts Assault with a firearm Oxnard 18
Street terrorism
Sahagun, Julio Accessory after the fact Oxnard 18
Street terrorism

Adalberto Duran was sentenced to six years in state prison today for shooting at rival gang members at a crowded elementary school in July.

On 7-16-2009, a group of subjects were sitting on picnic benches in the grassy field of Rio Plaza Elementary School. All of the subjects are believed to be from a local tagging crew. Summer school was in session and there were numerous children playing in the playground. The group of subjects were approached by seven rival gang members who confronted them. During the confrontation, one of the rival gang members produced a handgun and fired seven rounds at the subjects. No one was injured during the shooting. Numerous shell casings were found at the scene.

On 7-18-2009, Sheriff’s gang investigators identified the suspects CONTINUED »