Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Metrolink Station / 300 North Lewis Road, Camarillo
Date & Time: January 5, 2009, 7:30 pm
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses, (P)arties, Age
(S1) Male,Hispanic, 20-30 years,
(V) Male,Glendale, 38 years

On January 5, 2008, at about 7:30 p.m., Camarillo Deputies responded to the Camarillo Metrolink Station, 300 North Lewis Road, for a reported robbery.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered the victim had been robbed, at gunpoint, while purchasing a boarding pass. The criminal took the victim’s wallet and laptop computer. The suspect fled the area in a dark colored Ford Mustang or Thunderbird.

Anyone with suspect information can call the Ventura County Major Crimes Unit at 477-7000. Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at (805) 494-TALK (Thousand Oaks / Moorpark) or (805) 385-TALK (Camarillo / Oxnard / Port Hueneme).

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

2400 Pickwick Drive, Camarillo (Pickwick Apartments)
January 6, 2009, / 12:03 PM
Suspects, Address, Age:
Male, Camarillo, California, 16
Male, Oxnard, California, 16

On January 6, 2009, a Camarillo Patrol Deputy attempted to stop a gray Honda Civic on Fulton Street for a vehicle code violation. The vehicle fled into a nearby parking lot to the rear of the Pickwick Apartments, located at 2400 Pickwick Drive. The vehicle, which had been reported stolen from the city of Oxnard, crashed into the side of a carport causing moderate damage to the carport and the two occupants fled in different directions. A perimeter was established and both suspects were located a short time later hiding in one of the nearby apartments. As the suspects were being taken into custody one received two minor dog bite wounds from a Sheriff’s K-9. Both suspects were later determined to be juveniles.

One juvenile suspect was charged with being in a stolen vehicle, hit & run, being an unlicensed driver and resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer. The other juvenile suspect was charged with being in the stolen vehicle and resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer. After receiving medical treatment, both suspects were booked at the Juvenile Justice Center.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Metrolink Station / 300 North Lewis Road, Camarillo
Date & Time: January 5, 2009, 7:30 pm

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses, (P)arties, Age
(S1) Male, Hispanic, 20-30 years
(V) Male, Glendale, 38 years

On January 5, 2008, at about 7:30 p.m., Camarillo Deputies responded to the Camarillo Metrolink Station, 300 North Lewis Road, for a reported robbery.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered the victim had been robbed, at gunpoint, while purchasing a boarding pass. The criminal took the victim’s wallet and laptop computer. The suspect fled the area in a dark colored Ford Mustang or Thunderbird.

Anyone with suspect information can call the Ventura County Major Crimes Unit at 477-7000. Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at (805) 494-TALK (Thousand Oaks / Moorpark) or (805) 385-TALK (Camarillo / Oxnard / Port Hueneme).

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Thousand Oaks Police Station
2101 East Olsen Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Date & Time: Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. (and quarterly thereafter.)

The Thousand Oaks Police Department will be hosting a program to educate newly licensed and future licensed drivers.

Start Smart is a cooperative effort between the California Highway Patrol, Thousand Oaks Police Department, teenage drivers, and their parents.

The Start Smart Program is designed to help young drivers and their parents/guardians understand the responsibilities and traffic laws associated with driving a motor vehicle. Start Smart will show how a poor choice behind the wheel can change the lives of everyone involved. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the number of teen-related injuries and deaths due to collisions.

Interested parents are asked to call Senior Deputy Kelly Roark with the Thousand Oaks Police Department Traffic Bureau at 805-494-8245 for more information and to make a reservation. Space is limited to 25 students and their parents. There is no charge to attend the program.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Baskin Robbins, 738 Arneill Rd., Camarillo
Date & Time: January 4, 2009 at 1650 hours

Suspects
Cervantes, Alfredo - Camarillo, CA - 27 yrs.

On 1/4/09, Alfredo Cervantes entered the Baskin Robbins store located at 738 Arneill Rd., in the City of Camarillo. He demanded money from the employee and fled the store with an undisclosed amount of cash. No weapons were seen during the robbery.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the City of Camarillo and surrounding county areas, including a Sheriff’s K-9 unit, quickly responded and began searching for the suspect.

Deputies searched the area of Arneill Ranch for approximately one hour. With the assistance of the K-9 unit and several citizen witnesses who came forward, Cervantes was located and taken into custody. When he was located, much of his clothing and the stolen money were missing. Anyone with information about the crime, or anyone who locates a large sum of money, is asked to call the Camarillo Police Department.

Cervantes was booked into the Ventura County Jail on one count of Robbery. His bail was set at $50,000.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Sheriff Bob Brooks has announced that Commander Dennis Carpenter, the acting Chief of Police for the City of Thousand Oaks, will be appointed to Chief Deputy effective February 8, 2009.

Commander Carpenter’s law enforcement career, which spans over 34 years, began with the Port Hueneme Police Department before joining the Sheriff’s Department in 1977. Since joining the Department, he has worked a variety of assignments, which have included patrol and the Special Enforcement Detail in East County both as a deputy and sergeant; the Training Center in Camarillo, and Sheriff’s Personnel. He was also a Resident Deputy in Lockwood Valley.

Commander Carpenter also spent several stints in Detention Services, in addition to having been assigned as a patrol watch commander. In 1995, he was promoted to Lieutenant (later to be titled Captain) where he managed the Narcotics Unit and oversaw the transition to the Countywide Narcotics Task Force (VCAT). Commander Carpenter later managed Internal Affairs within the Professional Standards Bureau. By March 2001, he was promoted to Commander and managed the Court Services Bureau until his transfer to the City of Thousand Oaks where he currently serves as the acting Chief of Police.

In 1976, Commander Carpenter earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from California Lutheran University and in 2002 earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge. On a personal note, he has been married for 35 years and has two children, five grandchildren with number six due in March. When not at work he enjoys snow skiing, hiking, and fishing.
Sheriff Brooks indicated that Dennis Carpenter’s successful tenure as the acting Chief of Police in Thousand Oaks, coupled with his varied experience, and excellent reputation throughout the department and community make him an ideal selection to succeed retiring Chief Deputy Chris Godfrey as the leader of all Sheriff’s patrol operations.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 200 block of Waite Street, Ojai

Date & Time / RB#: 01/01/2009 @ 1:38 a.m. / 09-0000010

Victim, Age
White Male Adult, 27 Years

In the early morning hours of January 1, 2009, Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an assault victim in the 200 block of Waite Street in Ojai. Deputies located and contacted the victim, who was suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported by ambulance to the Ojai Valley Community Hospital where he was listed in “critical condition.” Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Department.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information leading 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 (805) 494-TALK (Thousand Oaks / Moorpark) or (805) 385-TALK (Camarillo / Oxnard / Port Hueneme).

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 13000 Block. Telegraph Road, Santa Paula
Date & Time: 12-30-2008, 1:30 A.M

Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Fillmore Sub-Station

Victim: Unnamed Family

On 12-30-2008, at about 1:30 A.M, a family was confronted inside their home by a “hot-prowler” burglar. The homeowner heard the family dog barking and growling inside the house. The homeowner, armed with a handgun, walked down the hallway and located a burglar who had used force to make his way inside the house. The suspect was in a family room.

The victim interrupted the male intruder, who then brazenly and antagonistically challenged the homeowner. Threatened by the aggressive behavior and fearing for her life, the victim fired in self-defense at the confrontational suspect. The suspect fled the residence, without the property, and was last seen running through an orchard with a male accomplice. Both suspects are described as Hispanic adult males. The primary suspect was described as having a slight Spanish accent.

The victim immediately called 911. Sheriff’s Deputies and Santa Paula Police Officers responded. Within a couple of minutes, a search by several law enforcement agencies was started. Fifteen officers, two K-9’s, and helicopters using floodlights and heat seeking detectors participated in the search.

K-9 Officers followed the suspects’ escape route south toward the Santa Clara River, where they lost their tracks. Investigators believe they fled the area in a waiting vehicle. The search continued for two hours, but neither suspect was located. At this time, it is unknown if either man was injured during the crime.

Deputies went door-to-door, warning local residents of the brazen behavior of the hot-prowler burglars. Any citizens who have information or leads, please contact the Sheriff’s Department at 805-524-2233

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Canada Park- Erbes Road and Olsen Road
Date & Time: 10-31-08/ 1045

Victim - 12 and 13 year old minors
Suspect - Unknown

In an attempt to identify an individual who exposed himself to two young girls at a local park in October 2008, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department / Thousand Oaks Police Department is releasing a composite drawing of the suspect.

This suspect is believed to have committed similar crimes in the City of Simi Valley in February 2008, where he exposed himself to two teenage girls.

The suspect is described as being Hispanic, approximately 5’5” to 5’8” in height, 20-30 years old, with black hair. He possibly has a facial mole and a mustache. He is said to have a very high pitched, squeaky type voice. In both incidents, the suspect wore a black cape as he exposed himself.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department believes someone in the community knows this suspect, based on his unusual appearance and voice. The public’s assistance in identifying this suspect is being sought in order to prevent further occurrences.

Those knowing or suspecting they know the identity of this suspect may call and remain anonymous. For immediate police response if the suspect is seen, please call Sheriff’s Communications at (805) 654-9511. To provide other suspect information regarding the individual’s identity, please call Detective Greg Tougas at (805) 371-8397.

Male Suspect on 12-21-08
Enlarge Photo

Female Suspect on 12-16-08
Enlarge Photo

Female Suspect on 12-21-08
Enlarge Photo

Location: 50 W. Daily Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010

Date & Time/ RB#: 12-21-08 at 1150 PM / 12-16-2008 Report
#: 08-34465

(S)uspects:
Suspect #1: Hispanic Female, 30-35 years old (see picture) Suspect #2: Hispanic Male, 35-40 years old (see picture)

On 12-21-08, at 11:50 p.m., a man and woman wearing sunglasses and “Santa hats,” robbed the Hampton Inn. The man was armed with a large “kitchen” type knife. No one was hurt in the robbery but the suspects got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

A Hispanic male, 35-40 years old, 6’-2”, 240 pounds, and wearing a black coat and pants, and white tennis shoes, along with a Hispanic female, 30-35 years old, 5’-7”, heavy-set, wearing a long brown trench coat, went into the Hampton Inn lobby and robbed the night clerk at knife point. The suspects left the scene in a smaller, light
colored, sedan type vehicle (similar to a Honda Civic).

Last week (12-16-08), two suspects, matching the above suspects’ description, took money from Hampton Inn by going behind the front counter and grabbing money. No weapon was displayed during this incident. The female was not wearing a hat or sunglasses during this incident and it appears she has brown eyes and short curly brown hair.

The Camarillo Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying these suspects. Anyone who has any information that might help with this investigation is asked to please call Detective Eric Tennessen at 805-477-7000.

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 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or WebTip at www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org, or Text "tip375" plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 164 Moorpark Ave., Moorpark

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses
(V) Victor Hugo Hernandez, Moorpark, 25
(S) Male Juvenile, Moorpark, 16
(S) Carlos Rodriguez, Moorpark, 18
(S) Guillermo Flores, Sr., Moorpark, 44

On 12/20/2008 at about 10:00 P.M. members of the Moorpark Police Department Special Enforcement Unit stopped a vehicle in the alleyway behind Ralph’s after seeing two males who were running west from the 100 block of Moorpark Ave. get into the vehicle. The two males had blood on their clothing and faces, which led the deputies to believe they had been involved in a fight.

As this was unfolding, the Sheriff’s Communication Center began receiving calls of a stabbing that had just occurred at a residence in the 100 block of Moorpark Avenue. Additional deputies assigned to the Cities of Moorpark and Thousand Oaks assisted in the investigation that involved interviewing approximately 30 witnesses.

The investigation revealed all three suspects and the victim were attending a birthday party nearby. An altercation took place at which time the 16-year-old suspect furnished Carlos Rodriguez with a knife. Carlos Rodriguez stabbed the victim several times in the torso, and then he and juvenile fled the scene, hiding nearby. Guillermo Flores drove to where the suspects were hiding and attempted to transport them away from the location when Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit deputies intercepted them.

The male juvenile suspect was booked at the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Center for California Penal Code sections 664 / 187, Attempted Murder.

Carlos Rodriguez was booked at the Ventura County Jail, East Valley Station, for California Penal Code sections 664 / 187, attempted murder. His bail is set at $500,000.00.

Guillermo Flores was booked at the Ventura County Jail, East Valley Station for California Penal Code sections 32, 664 /187, Accessory-after-the-Fact, Attempted Murder. His bail is set at $10,000.00.

The victim, Victor Hugo Hernandez, was transported by ambulance to Los Robles Hospital for treatment of multiple stab wounds. His injuries do not appear to be life threatening.

Assault Suspect.

Date & Time: 12-16-08 9:30 AM

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department / Thousand Oaks Police Department is releasing additional information regarding the assault of a California Lutheran University student that occurred on the campus this past Tuesday, December 16th.

In addition to the composite sketch below, the Thousand Oaks Police Department believes this suspect may be related to several indecent exposure/ lewd act incidents that have occurred in the Northwood Parkway/ Pederson Road area over the last two years. Common descriptors have been given in the cases, most notably that the Caucasian suspect is tall and slender with pale or yellowish skin tone. The suspect usually wears a cap or hat. In the most recent incident, the suspect was wearing a brown “derby” style hat.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department believes someone in the community knows this suspect based on his unusual skin tone and the fact that he wears hats/caps regularly. The public’s assistance in identifying this suspect is immediately being sought before his actions escalate to potentially causing physical harm.

Those knowing or suspecting they know the identity of this suspect may call and remain anonymous. For an immediate police response if the suspect is seen, please call Sheriff’s Communications at (805) 654-9511. To provide other suspect information regarding the individual’s identity, please call Detective Greg Tougas at (805) 371-8397.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Moorpark High School Tierra Rejada Road, Moorpark, Ca.

A 38-year-old mathematics teacher at Moorpark High School was arrested Monday, after he showed a 15-year-old student a nude image of himself.

Investigators arrested Christopher Wright after investigating an allegation by one of his former students that he had shown the victim a nude image of himself, which he had stored on his cellular telephone.

The two were discussing the modeling business, when Wright offered to show the girl images of his friends, who work as models. Instead, he showed the girl a nude image of himself.

Investigators arrested Wright for a single felony count of sending harmful matter with the intent of seducing of a minor. Wright was booked at the East County Jail in Thousand Oaks and was released on bond.

Because of Wright’s access to minors, investigators are concerned there may be other victims of this type of behavior. Anyone with information about similar activities by Christopher Wright is asked to contact the East County Sexual Assault Unit at (805)494-8201.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Nordhoff Ridge and Pratt Trail, Ventura County, Ca.
Date & Time: 12-17-2008 / 6:15 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff's Search And Rescue, Aviation Unit.
Victims: Kevin Henne Age: 22 yrs City of residence: Oak View
Allen Thrift Age: 22 yrs City of residence: Ojai

At approximately 6:15 p.m., on 12/17/2008, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department
received a report of two overdue mountain bikers. The reporting party, who is a friend of the
victims, said he was in Rose Valley where he was supposed to pick up the victims but the
victims were not at the pick up location. He called Henne on his cellular phone and learned
Henne and Thrift were lost somewhere on Nordhoff Ridge in the area of the Pratt Trail. Henne
also said they did not have any flashlights, food, or cold weather clothing. Due to the cold
weather and the time of day, the reporting party called the Sheriff’s Department to report the
victims as overdue.

Sr. Dep. Guilin, from the Ojai Sub-Station, was dispatched to the call and met with the reporting
party in the area of Hwy 33 and Rose Valley Road. After contacting the reporting party, Sr. Dep.
Guilin and the reporting party attempted to access Nordhoff Ridge via a fire break in Rose
Valley. Access was impossible due to muddy ground conditions and snow.

At approximately 7:15 p.m. the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Team
was activated and responded to assist. Ground teams were deployed from Ojai, Upper Ojai, and
Rose Valley. A Search and Rescue supervisor spoke with the victims over the cellular telephone
and learned they were very cold and exhausted. Fearing the victims may become hypothermic, a
Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue helicopter was dispatched.

The Sheriff’s Air Unit was contacted and a rescue helicopter was dispatched, which included an
onboard Flight Medic. The helicopter arrived on scene at approximately 9:35 p.m. and located
the victims, at approximately 9:37 p.m., with the use of night vision goggles. The helicopter
landed and rescued the victims. The victims did not require medical attention and were flown to
Rose Valley were they were re-united with the reporting party.

With the winter months upon us, please remember a few safety tips if you are going to be out in
the backcountry:

• Always check the weather reports for the areas you plan to visit.
• Have a full tank of gas in your vehicle.
• Keep warm clothing with you at all times.
• Bring a fully charged cellular phone on your outings.
• Have some food and water in a small back pack.
• If you are going to be away from you vehicle, take a flashlight.
• Always be prepared.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Employment frauds typically prey upon people whose desire to secure lucrative work blinds them to the scams being run on them. The promise of easy-to-perform labor that pays very well often appears to be the answer to their prayers, despite the potential financial ruin that can result.

Secret Shopper Scams
A common form of the employment scam is the “Secret Shopper” job posting. These ads claim eas work, short hours, and lots of money to be made from merely visiting stores each day to make purchases. According to these scams the applicant will be working on behalf of manufacturers and retailers who are interested in knowing more about how products are displayed and marketed in stores. Those hired will be making purchases from specific retailers, afterward turning in reports about their experiences and collecting a big paycheck for their efforts.

The Secret Shopper Scam Example
Someone who answers a secret shopper ad is sent an employment packet which typically contains a variety of items, including a training assignment and a cashier’s check made out for a large amount of money, normally a few thousand dollars. The assignment explains that the “shopper” is to pose as an ordinary bank customer, cash the check at a bank, then wire the funds they receive, from the teller to an address that has been supplied in the information package. The “shopper” will be entitled to a small portion of the monies for themselves. The “shopper” will also be told it is imperative they complete the task within one to two days, or they will not be paid for their work ever again.

The pressure put upon them to get the check cashed and the monies shipped off quickly works to keep the “shopper” from discovering that the check they were given is counterfeit. Once this information comes to light, the “shopper” is left with an outstanding debt to the bank for the value of the counterfeit money order and that small amount they were allowed to keep.

The Secret Shopper Scam Prevention Tips
1. Remember that anyone can place a newspaper or Internet ad. Do not confuse the appearance of such ads in reputable forums as proof of their legitimacy.

2. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security by official-sounding corporate names. The scammers do their homework and count on this.

3. Don’t pay a company to hire you, not even if such payment is represented as your buying necessary training materials or certifications.

4. Be wary of companies that ask you to disburse money from your own pocket for the goods you buy as their secret shopper.

5. Do not wire money to strangers or to firms that have supposedly hired you. Remember wiring cash is exactly that. Once it is sent it is gone forever.

6. If you have questions about legitimacy of a job listing, contact your Better Business Bureau or Federal Trade Commission.

In our current economic times, it is important for each of us to be cautious of any offer that is seems too good to be true. As it has been said many times before, “Nothing is for free”.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 800-block of Avenida De Las Flores, Thousand Oaks, Ca.
Date & Time/ RB#: Dec. 5, 2008 / 9:09 p.m. / 08-32871
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit

Victims, Address, Age:
Sarafin Lucio, Thousand Oaks, 24
Rubin Ambriz, Thousand Oaks, 23

Investigators have released the names of two men who were hospitalized Friday night after a confrontation left one stabbed and the other severely beaten during a melee.

Sheriff’s investigators have learned that Sarafin Lucio and Rubin Ambriz have been involved in an ongoing dispute since their childhood years in Mexico. Within the past three years, both men moved to the same neighborhood in Thousand Oaks, and have continued their long-running feud.

The situation escalated when Ambriz went to Lucio’s home Friday night with a group of men. The ensuing confrontation left Lucio hospitalized in serious condition with multiple stab wounds, and Ambriz hospitalized with major head injuries. Both men remain in intensive care at Los Robles Regional Medical Center, but are expected to survive their injuries.

Initially, investigators believed the incident was gang related, based on information received soon after the assault. However, after interviewing witnesses, they determined that the long-running feud between the two men was the catalyst for the assault.

The investigation is continuing.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at (805) 494-TALK (Thousand Oaks / Moorpark) or (805) 385-TALK (Camarillo / Oxnard / Port Hueneme).

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Two men were hospitalized late Friday night with serious injuries after being involved in a confrontation in front of a home in Thousand Oaks.

Deputies were called to a disturbance on Avenida De Las Flores, where an assault had occurred. When they arrived, they found a 23-year-old man lying on the sidewalk with serious head injuries, and a 24-year-old man with multiple stab wounds.

The incident began when a group of men arrived at the residence and confronted one of the occupants. The ensuing assault resulted in one victim being stabbed and another being severely beaten.

Investigators have confirmed the incident is gang related. Both men have undergone surgery at Los Robles Hospital. The names of the victims are being withheld at this time.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 2000 Block West Los Angeles Avenue, Camarillo, CA
Date & Time: December 6, 2008, 12:30 am
Unit Responsible: Major Crimes Bureau

Victims, Resident Of, Age
Martin Mendoza, Ventura, 27 years
Male Juvenile, Port Hueneme, 15 years

On December 6, 2008, Martin Mendoza and a male juvenile were attending a party in the 2000 block of West Los Angeles Avenue in the unincorporated area of Ventura County north of the City of Camarillo.

Both victims left the party to walk to their cars, which were parked some distance away. As each victim was headed toward his separate vehicle, a group of unknown assailants approach each from behind, at different locations, and attacked them. As a result of the attacks, Mendoza suffered stab wounds to both arms and multiple stab wounds to his back. The male juvenile was initially hit in the head with a beer bottle and stabbed numerous times. After falling to the ground, the male juvenile was kicked in the head.
Both victims were transported to area hospitals for medical treatment. Their wounds are not life threatening.

This case is under investigation. Any witnesses who saw the attacks are urged to call Sheriff’s Major Crimes at (805) 477-7039.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Sheriff’s Department, Headquarter’s Detective Bureau is investigating the theft of a trailer and elaborate play house that occurred on 11-21-08. The trailer has been recovered, but the play house is still missing. The play house belonged to Habitat For Humanity and was in the process of being sold for the proceeds to benefit Habitat for Humanity. The loss of the play house is a tremendous loss for the charitable organization who assists with less fortunate members of the community.

The play house is 8’ by 12’ by 10’. It’s light blue with white trim and a red door. There are two dormers on the roof of the building. A picture is attached for review.

Anyone having information regarding this case is urged to contact Sheriff’s Detectives at (805) 662-6770.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at (805) 494-TALK (Thousand Oaks / Moorpark) or (805) 385-TALK (Camarillo / Oxnard / Port Hueneme).

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Suspect: Stanley Speer, 53 years old, Ventura
Victim: Vincent David Gutierrez, 24 years old, Ventura

On August 20, 2008, Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau arrested Stanley Speer for the murder of Vincent Gutierrez. Gutierrez was shot to death in a field near the 600 block of Rocklite Road in the unincorporated area of Ventura on May 20, 2003. The Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau conducted an extensive investigation into the murder, which lead to the arrest of Speer.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s office filed murder charges against Speer, along with special allegations of committing a crime for the benefit of a street gang. There is no evidence linking the victim to any gang. Speer is in custody at the Ventura County Jail with a bail amount of $610,000. Speer’s case is set for a preliminary hearing on December 12, 2008.