Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Moorpark City
Date & Time/ RB#: December 14, 2009 @ 2140 hours RB#09-30626
Unit Responsible: Patrol Operations
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
Juvenile 17

On 12-14-2009, at approximately 2140 hours, a Moorpark patrol officer was dispatched to a vandalism that had just occurred in the area of Walnut Street and Charles Street. The suspect used black spray paint to vandalize Vaquero Clothing & Music, Moorpark Produce, Whitaker Hardware, ACS Veterinary Clinic, The Fine Print Shop, 690 Walnut, Seasonal Adventures, One More Time, Mayflower Market, and State One Insurance.

An anonymous citizen contacted the officer and stated they saw the suspect spray paint several buildings a few minutes prior to the officer's arrival. The witness provided a detailed description of the suspect.

During a search for the offender, the officer observed the suspect lying on a driveway in the shadows as if he were trying to hide from the officer. As the officer got out of his car to approach the suspect, the suspect ran but was located again in a backyard in the 100 block of Everett Street. The suspect was found hiding behind a car at that address. The subject fit the description provided by the witness.

Through additional investigative techniques, the officer was able to determine that the subject was the suspect involved in the graffiti vandalism affecting the downtown businesses.

The total damages were estimated in excess of $400.00. The juvenile suspect was arrested and booked into Juvenile Hall for felony graffiti vandalism.