Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On the evening of 6-23-13, Kenneth Baron was driving his gray Ford Crown Victoria on Smoketree Ave. in Oak Park when he stopped two juveniles who were walking in the area. Baron activated a flashing red and blue light on the dashboard of his car, and yelled at the juveniles to stop. He then directed the two juveniles to come over to his car, had them empty the contents of their pockets and searched them. Baron then allowed the juveniles to leave. At the time of this incident Baron was wearing clothing and gear similar to those worn by legitimate peace officers, and made statements that led the two juveniles to believe he was a law enforcement officer.

The incident was reported to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, who began a criminal investigation. Investigators learned Baron had a history of similar incidents in both Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. On 7-18-13, Kenneth Baron was arrested for false imprisonment and impersonating a peace officer.

Based on the circumstances of this case, investigators have reason to believe Baron was involved in similar, unreported incidents. Anyone with information about this, or similar instances, is asked to contact Detective Roger Kelley at (805) 494-8216.

Nature of Incident: False Imprisonment and Impersonation of a Peace Officer
Report Number: 13-15118
Location: 100 Block of Smoketree Ave. Oak Park, CA
Date & Time: 6-23-13 / 11:15 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: East County Major Crimes / Thousand Oaks PD Special Enforcement Unit
Prepared by: Detective Roger Kelley
Media Release Date: 7-18-13
Follow-Up Contact: Det. Roger Kelley 805-494-8216
East County Investigations 805-494-8201
Approved by: Captain Mike Hartmann

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 800-222-TIPS (8477).