Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Camarillo Police Department is continuing to receive reports of catalytic converter thefts from vehicles. Catalytic converter thefts continue to be on the rise due to the high price of precious metals. They are easy targets since they are located on the outside of vehicles and often only need to be unbolted. The stolen catalytic converters are then sold to unscrupulous scrap metal dealers.

The most recent thefts occurred during the night on October 5th through the morning of October 6th. Three vehicles were targeted and all were mini vans that were parked in front of the owners’ residences.

Vehicle owners can reduce the possibility of having their catalytic converters stolen by having them welded on. They can also etch into their catalytic converter an identifying number such as a vehicle license plate number.

If anyone observes suspicious activity or what they believe to be a catalytic converter theft in progress, please call 911 immediately.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay a reward up to $1,000 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 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Ventura County Fire Department

CAMARILLO, Calif. – Fire Prevention Week begins on Sunday, October 5, and the Ventura County Fire Department is reminding the public that this year’s theme is “Prevent Home Fires.”

In 2007, the Ventura County Fire Department responded to more than 2,200 fires. Many of these were residential structure fires. Nationwide, the figures are even more serious. In 2006, fire departments responded to almost 400,000 structure fires in homes and these fires killed more than 2,500 people.

“The good news is, many home fires are preventable,” said Fire Marshal Christina Jamison. “The leading cause of home fires is cooking and, in most cases, the fires occur when cooking is left unattended. By simply paying attention while you’re cooking, you can save your home and possibly your life.”

Smoking materials, heating equipment and electrical equipment account for most of the deaths in home fires, but there are simple measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of death in a home fire.
“The easiest thing you can do to protect yourself from a home fire is to install smoke detectors,” said Jamison. “These inexpensive devices unquestionably save lives, and, new regulations requiring fire sprinklers in homes will further reduce the loss of lives and property in home fires.”

To help residents prevent fires in their homes, the Ventura County Fire Department will be setting up information booths in two local malls during Fire Prevention Week. A booth will be open in the Thousand Oaks Mall on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm and in the Simi Valley Town Center on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 3 pm.

Fire department personnel will be in the booths to talk about smoke detectors, home escape plans, cooking safety, heating safety, electrical safety, candle safety and many other fire prevention topics.
A home fire was reported somewhere in America every 80 seconds in 2006. The Ventura County Fire Department wants to be sure the next fire isn’t at your home.

Left to right: Sheriff Bob Brooks, Renee Artman, and John Neuner
Enlarge Photo

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department Forensic Sciences Laboratory (FSL) was formally recognized during the October 7, 2008 session of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. The recognition took place as a result of two very significant accomplishments achieved by the Laboratory in 2008. John Neuner, the International Program Manager for ASCLD/LAB, was on hand to make the official presentation of the accreditation certificates to Sheriff Bob Brooks and FSL Manager Renee Artman.

In June of this year, the FSL became the first laboratory in the world to achieve accreditation for its Breath Alcohol Calibrations through ASCLD/LAB- International. The ASCLD/LAB-International accreditation program of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/ Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) is a program the laboratory participated to demonstrate that its technical operations and overall management systems met the over 400 criteria of the ISO/IEC 17025:2005, the 2007 ASCLD/LAB-International Supplemental Requirements for Breath Alcohol Calibration, and the laboratory’s own documented management system.

In August of 2008, the FSL followed up by receiving ASCLD/LAB-International accreditation in the Field of Forensic Science Testing. The FSL was the second full service laboratory in the state to receive this accreditation and the first in the nation to receive International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accreditation for both its testing and breath alcohol calibration programs.

The accreditation validated the FSL’s competency in providing forensic science testing service for breath alcohol, controlled substance, general toxicology, blood/urine alcohol, blood/urine drug, post mortem toxicology, alcohol beverage analysis, nuclear DNA, serological body fluid identification, paint, fiber and textiles, glass, hair, fire debris, general physical and chemical analysis, impression evidence, firearms, toolmarks, physical comparisons and impression evidence.

When asked about the significance of these accomplishments, an obviously proud Artman first acknowledged her highly talented staff and then commented, “The FSL and the Department celebrate this achievement and are committed to continuing in the quest to provide quality state-of-the-art forensic science services to the community we serve. The Laboratory’s goal is to provide service to all law enforcement agencies in a timely manner.”

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

At approximately 7:30 a.m., on October 3rd, deputies from the Ojai Station responded to Villanova Preparatory School regarding a vandalism. Officials from Villanova and Nordhoff were present when deputies arrived. Deputies began an investigation and discovered that unknown suspects had vandalized Villanova’s campus by painting sidewalks, buildings, and a statue with blue and yellow paint. Blue and yellow are the colors for Nordhoff High School. The graffiti was extensive and a majority of the painted words were in reference to Nordhoff High School and the upcoming football game. The suspects also vandalized Villanova’s pool and football field.

Villanova Preparatory School and Nordhoff High School were scheduled to play each other in football Friday evening, October 3rd, at Nordhoff High School. This was the first scheduled game between the two schools in 33 years.

The initial estimates by Villanova officials are that the vandals caused thousands of dollars in damage. Ojai Station detectives are actively investigating this case. Anyone with information about this event is encouraged to contact Ojai Station Detectives at (805) 646-1414.

California Highway Patrol

(Sacramento) Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading killers in California for children ages 14 years and under, with unrestrained or improperly restrained children being the number one contributing factor.

“You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your children,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “The best way to keep your child from becoming a grim statistic is make sure they are properly secured in their safety seat.”

According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) statistics, statewide for 2005 to 2007, out of the 148 passenger vehicle occupant fatalities among children under 6 years of age, an estimated 89 (60 percent) were totally unrestrained.

To help combat the problem, the CHP has obtained a $1 million dollar federal grant from the Office of Traffic Safety. The money will provide the CHP with the means to strengthen its enforcement and education efforts statewide with a combination of seat belt and safety seat usage surveys, in addition to child passenger safety presentations.

“This grant will help us arm parents and child care providers with valuable information and equipment that can save their child’s life,” said Commissioner Farrow.

In addition to the 20 check-up events and 125 safety presentations, 25 of which will be to individuals for whom English is a second language, the Statewide Highway Restraint Enforcement Campaign (SHREC) II will provide for safety seats to be distributed to parents whose seats don’t measure up to current safety standards. Money from the federal grant will also be used to increase the number of technicians certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to perform child safety seat inspections at CHP Child Safety Seat Fitting Stations. Check with your local CHP office to find a technician or "fitting station" near you.

“And remember to set a good example for your little one by buckling up yourself,” Commissioner Farrow added.

You may report unrestrained children in a motor vehicle to the California Highway Patrol by calling 1-800-TELL CHP.

California Highway Patrol

On October 3, 2008 at 6:10 a.m., a roll-over collision involving a heavy-duty tow truck occurred on US 101 southbound, at the Telephone Road under-crossing.

Juan Zavala, 33 years of age out of Oxnard, was driving a heavy-duty tow truck in the fast lane of US 101 southbound, just north of the Telephone Road under-crossing. For unknown reasons, the tow truck swerved to the left and collided into a metal guard rail at the Telephone Road under-crossing. The truck then skidded out of control within the fast lane and eventually tipped over onto its left side within a dirt center median, just south of Telephone Road.

The collision ruptured fuel tanks on the truck, causing approximately 120 gallons of diesel fuel to spill into the center median. CHP officers responded to the scene, as well as personnel from Cal-Trans and the Ventura City Fire Department. Personnel from the fire department were able to contain the spill within the center median without incident. The collision forced a closure of the fast lane at this location for several hours while emergency crews worked to clear up the scene and to remove the vehicle.

Zavala, who was the sole occupant of the tow truck, suffered only minor injuries. There were no other vehicles involved in this collision. The incident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

California Highway Patrol

The California Highway Patrol is offering a traffic safety program for teenage drivers and their parents. The Start Smart program is designed as an educational tool for parents and teenagers in an effort to reduce the number of teenage injuries and deaths resulting from traffic collisions.

Traffic collisions are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds. The primary objective of the program is to provide teens and parents with an understanding of how poor choices behind the wheel can affect the lives of numerous people. The Start Smart program also provides teens and parents with information on defensive driving, traffic laws in California, dynamics of traffic collisions, tips on avoiding traffic collisions, and DUI awareness.

Officer Tony Pedeferri will be the guest speaker at this month’s presentation. Officer Pedeferri was critically injured in a traffic collision while on an enforcement stop on December 19th, 2007. The driver responsible for the collision was arrested and had been driving while under the influence of controlled substances. The collision caused the death of one driver and left Officer Pedeferri, a thirteen-year veteran of the CHP, as a paraplegic. “Tony has spoken at previous Start Smart presentations and the impact he’s had on attendees has been huge,” Officer Untalan stated. “His story serves as a reminder that tragedy can happen at any time and to anyone,” Officer Untalan added.

Smart Start classes are free of charge and are held at the Ventura CHP Area office.
The next class will be on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 6:30 pm. To make a reservation, please contact Officer Mike Untalan at (805) 477-4130.

On September 30, 2008, at 6:00 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department will graduate 15 local residents from its citizen’s academy program, at 512 Main Street, Fillmore Santa Clara Valley Station, at 6:00 p.m.
The graduation ceremony will be followed by a dinner, and the media is welcome to attend.
This six-week public safety course is taught in English and Spanish and designed to give citizens an overview of the police department’s function and operational procedures.
During the weekly classes, the citizens attending the academy received instruction from court services deputies, canine deputies, S.W.A.T. team members, bomb squad deputies, fraud investigators, narcotics officers, and many others. Participants interfaced with the local Fillmore deputies and received one-on-one training in police techniques.
Potential academy candidates must be at least 21 years-of-age, live or work in the Fillmore - Piru area, have no felony convictions, and have no misdemeanor convictions within one year of applying. At this time, no future academy classes have been scheduled, however, interested candidates are encouraged to telephone Max Pina, at the below-listed number, for additional details. Officer preparing release: Captain Tim Hagel

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 620 West Ojai Avenue Ojai, CA

On Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m., members of the Ojai Police, Fillmore Police and Thousand Oaks Police Departments initiated a driver’s license checkpoint in the city of Ojai. The checkpoint was operated until 11:00 a.m., on West Ojai Avenue, east of El Paseo Road. During that two-hour period, deputies contacted 540 drivers and checked them for valid driver’s licenses.

Deputies cited 20 drivers for being unlicensed drivers, driving on a suspended or revoked license and not having their driver’s license in their possession. Deputies stored and impounded 8 vehicles during the checkpoint operation.

The checkpoint was initiated to promote public safety, educate the public on the laws governing driver’s licenses and to ensure community members have completed a driver’s training program for the safe operation of motor vehicles.

This checkpoint is the first of its kind in the Ojai Valley since the sobriety checkpoint earlier this year. Ojai Police and Sheriff’s Deputies are aware there are people driving without licenses and are taking enforcement efforts to stop it from continuing. Additional checkpoints are anticipated in the near future.

1. Begin with infancy to give the child everything he wants. In this way he will grow up to believe the world owes him a living. NEVER let him feel disappointment, frustration, or failure, shelter him from these experiences.

2. Quarrel frequently in the presence of your children. Make sure he sees resentment, demeaning remarks, and hostiliy. In this way they won’t be so shocked when the home is broken up later.

3. When he picks up bad words, laugh at him. This will make him think he’s cute.

4. Give the child all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his own.

5. Never give him any spiritual training. Wait until he is twenty-one and then let "him decide for himself".

6. Satisfy his every craving for food, drink, and comfort. See that his every desire is gratified.

7. Avoid the use of "wrong". He may develop a guilt complex. This will condition him to believe later, when he is arrested, that society is against him and he is being persecuted.

8. Let him read any printed material, and listen to any music he can get his hands on. Be careful that the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized, but let his mind feast on garbage.

9. Pick up everything he leaves lying around. Do everything for him so that he will be experienced in throwing all responsibility on others.

10. When he gets into real trouble, apologize to yourself by saying, "I could never do anything with him."

11. Take his part against neighbors, teachers, and policemen. They are all prejudiced against your child.

12. Prepare for a life of grief. You will likely have it.

Taken from a pamphlet entitled Twelve Rules for Raising Delinquent Children distributed by the Houston Police Department.

On September 22, 2008, Santa Paula Police Officers, acting on an anonymous tip, arrested Yanira Camargo, age 22, and Gerardo Rodriguez, age 24, both of Fillmore, on suspicions of theft and child endangerment.

The arrests stemmed from an incident that occurred on September 14, 2008 at the Kohls Department Store in Ventura. During that incident, a store security officer observed Rodriguez and Camargo stealing items from the store. As the guard attempted to stop them, they fled on foot, leaving their 4-year-old daughter rolling in a cart through the parking lot, nearly being struck by a vehicle.

The Ventura Police Department issued probable cause wants for Camargo and Rodriguez. On September 22, 2008, an anonymous citizen called the police to report a sighting of Camargo and Rodriguez at the “Rite Aid” in Santa Paula. Santa Paula Police Officers responded to the area and attempted to locate the subjects. As officers checked the 200 block of S. Palm Avenue, they observed Camargo and Rodriguez. Rodriquez fled on foot and hid in a nearby bush. A pursuing officer apprehended him. Both subjects had outstanding arrest warrants from an unrelated incident. Camargo and Rodriguez were arrested and lodged at the Ventura County Jail pending a court appearance.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Suspect, Address, Age
Travis Potter, Camarillo, 24

On 9-22-08, Camarillo Detectives completed an investigation of a sexual battery that occurred on 9-16-08, at the 1200 block of Crestview. The investigation led to the arrest of Travis Potter.

On 9-16-08, at about 6:30 pm, a 24-year old Camarillo woman was walking in the 1200 block of Crestview when a man unknown to her approached and asked her for the time. The man grabbed the victim by the waist and fondled parts of her body. While restraining the woman, the man kissed her on the mouth. The woman attempted to push the man away from her as he continued to restrain her. After a second effort, the woman was successful in escaping from the man. He fled the area on foot.

A thorough investigation led to the arrest of 24 year old, Travis Potter of Camarillo. Potter is a sex offender registrant, pursuant to California Penal Code section 290. He has been charged previously in another state for a similar offense.

Potter was arrested for two felonies, including sexual battery by restraint and assault with intent to commit rape. Potter was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. His bail is set at $100,000.

The Camarillo Police Department would like to remind everyone who walks or jogs alone:

• Always take a cell phone with you.
• Tell someone when you are leaving, what your route will be, and when you expect to return.
• If you feel suspicious about anyone, immediately run away and call 9-1-1.
• Whenever possible, run or walk with a partner.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Locations:
1) 600 Block Collins Drive, El Rio
2) 4800 Block Joan Way, El Rio
3) 3400 Block Orange Drive, Nyeland Acres

(S)uspects, Age, City of residence, Charge
1) Ruben Flores, 28, El Rio, Robbery/Kidnapping
2) Abel Contreras, 37, El Rio, Robbery/Kidnapping
3) Lizbeth Contreras, 27, El Rio, Robbery/Kidnapping

On 9-18-2008, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit served two search warrants as part of an investigation into an El Rio robbery where the suspects fired a shotgun round into a vehicle. During the service of the search warrants, three suspects were arrested for a variety of charges that include robbery and kidnapping.

On 9-16-2008, at about 9:45 PM, deputies were called to a residence in the 600 block of Collins Drive to investigate a report of shots fired. When they arrived, they found the residents were the victims of a robbery. Witnesses reported that shortly before the robbery, a female resident (victim) and her 6-year-old son were
sitting in a vehicle parked in their driveway when two males and two female approached the victim. The two females attacked the victim and stole her purse.

During the attack, the victim’s family members walked out of their house to investigate the sounds of a fight. They were confronted by one of the male suspects. The male suspect pointed a shotgun at the family members and forced them back into the house. As the suspects fled, the male suspect fired one shotgun round into the victim’s car. No one was injured during the attack.

The Sheriff’s Gang Unit was able to identify three of the four suspects and obtain a search warrant for their residences. On 9-18-2008, they served the search warrants and were able to arrest all three suspects. Ruben Flores, Abel Contreras, and Lizbeth Contreras were all arrested for a variety of offenses that include robbery
and kidnapping. They were booked into the Ventura County Jail and are all being held on $100,000 bail.

Investigators are still looking for the unidentified second female. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call the Sheriff’s Gang Unit at 654-2856.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 1200 block of Crestview Avenue, Camarillo, CA.

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses:

(S) White male, late 20s early 30s, short brown hair, bluish-green eyes, 5’07” to 5’08” tall, 150
to 160 lbs, thin medium build, white T-shirt with unknown design on front, blue jean shorts,
black shoes.

(V) 24 year old female from Camarillo, California.

On 09-16-2008, at approximately 1820 hours, an unknown suspect approached the victim in the 1200 block of Crestview Avenue in Camarillo. The suspect confronted the 24-year-old female victim, during her evening walk, and grabbed her by the waist. The suspect pulled the victim toward him and kissed her on the mouth. The victim pushed the suspect away and he fled. If you have any information that may assist investigators in this investigation, please contact Detective Guillermo Valencia with the Camarillo Police Department at (805) 388-5149.

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

Arrestees, Resident of, Age
Timothy Dalrymple, City of Camarillo, 30

On 9/17/2008, Detectives from the Camarillo Special Enforcement Detail developed information of the whereabouts of Timothy Dalrymple who was wanted for an outstanding felony warrant for burglary and forgery.

Camarillo SED Detectives located Dalrymple at the intersection of Kingsbridge Way and Costa De Oro in the city of Oxnard. Dalrymple was seated in his vehicle when detectives attempted to take him into custody. Dalrymple ran from his car to elude the detectives and jumped over a small fence. On the other side of the fence was the marina, and Dalrymple entered the water and tried to swim away from the detectives. A quick perimeter was established with the help of the Oxnard Police Department.

Harbor patrol responded to the marina in a boat and was able to pull Dalrymple to the boat docks where he was taken into custody. Dalrymple was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for the warrant, identity theft, resisting arrest, and a parole violation. His bail is set at $155,000.00.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

(A)rrestee, City of Residence, Age
Jonathan Mosqueda, Ojai, CA., 22 years

On Monday night, at approximately 2200 hrs, Ojai Police Units were dispatched to a battery in progress call in the area of Shady Lane and East Ojai Avenue. The reporting party stated that a male subject was beating a female in a parking lot. As Deputy Dike approached the area, he observed the male suspect driving away in a vehicle similar to that described by the witness. When Deputy Dike attempted to stop the driver of the vehicle, he sped away eastbound on East Ojai Avenue. With his emergency lights and siren activated, Deputy Dike pursued the suspect vehicle at high speeds and observed the suspect violate numerous traffic violations in his attempt to evade police. The suspect failed to negotiate a curve in the area of Grand Avenue and Signal Street, causing his vehicle to leave the roadway and overturn. The vehicle came to rest approximately 6 inches from a residence at the northwest corner of Summer and Signal Streets. The suspect ran from the accident scene but was quickly apprehended by Deputy Dike and a bystander. The suspect vehicle, and the fence to the residence sustained major damage.

The suspect, identified as Jonathan Mosqueda, was arrested for evading a police officer, driving under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of an accident. Mosqueda sustained minor injuries when his vehicle overturned and was transported by ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center for treatment. The traffic collision is under investigation.