Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 11065 Violeta, Saticoy
Date & Time: 4-13-2009 / 1700
Unit Responsible: Gang Unit

(S)uspects, Charge, City of residence, Age
Male Juvenile, 32 P.C., Saticoy, 16
Cota, Luis, Oxnard, 22

The Sheriff’s Gang Unit is looking for 22-year-old Luis Cota in connection with an attempted homicide that occurred two weeks ago in the community of Saticoy. Gang investigators believe Cota is a methamphetamine user, and he is considered armed and dangerous.

On 4-13-2009, Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a call of shots heard in the area of Yeto’s Market, 11065 Violeta, Saticoy. Deputies located evidence of a shooting in the alley behind the market but were unable to locate any victims. A short time later, a male and female victim arrived at Ventura County Medical Center.

An investigation into the shooting revealed that as a 22-year-old female driver and her 26-year-old male passenger drove in the alley behind the market, two male subjects confronted them. During the confrontation, one of the males produced a handgun and fired six rounds into the car. One of the rounds struck the male passenger in the abdomen. The two suspects fled on foot and the victims drove to the emergency room.

The male victim was taken to emergency surgery where he was treated for his injuries. The female victim was treated for injuries sustained from glass fragments. Both victims have been released from the hospital.

Gang investigators served three search warrants in connection with the shooting and arrested a male juvenile accomplice on Friday. On Monday, the District Attorney’s office filed accessory charges against the male juvenile. He is currently in custody at juvenile hall awaiting trial.

Gang investigators identified the shooting suspect as Saticoy gang member, Luis Cota, 22 years. Cota, who is also on parole, was living in the Oxnard area at the time of the shooting. Gang investigators have been unable to locate him or the weapon used in the shooting. Cota currently has a no bail warrant for attempted murder.

Cota is described as a Hispanic male, 5’6” tall, 135 lbs, with a shaved head and mustache. He was believed to be staying in the Santa Paula area shortly after the shooting. Gang investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating Cota. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Sheriff’s gang investigators at 654-3509.