Ventura County Sheriff's Department

An on duty Camarillo Police Detective and a 49 year old Somis resident, were victims of a hit and run accident early this morning. Detective Julie Novak was travelling westbound through the intersection of Adolfo and Flynn Roads in an unmarked police vehicle, when her vehicle was struck by a gold Honda Odyssey van. The van was travelling southbound through the intersection when the collision occurred. After colliding with Detective Novak’s vehicle, the van then struck a vehicle driven by Thomas Cogswell. Cogswell was in the eastbound lane of Adolfo Road when his vehicle was struck. The van fled the scene and was later located to the rear of 743 Flynn Road. The Camarillo Police Traffic Bureau is investigating the possibility that the driver of the van may have failed to stop for a red signal. Detective Novak suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Mr. Cogswell was not injured as a result of the collision. The driver of the van, Mariel Recendiz, was arrested for Felony hit and run driving, and driving on a suspended license. Recendiz, who suffered no injuries, was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility, in Ventura.

Nature of Incident: Hit and Run Injury Accident
Report Number: 12-018877 [RB#]
Location: Adolfo / Flynn Road, City of Camarillo
Date & Time: 08/21/2012 / 0700
Unit Responsible: Camarillo Traffic Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims,
V – Julie Novak
V- Thomas Cogswell
S- Mariel Recendiz
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant John Franchi
Media Release Date: 08/21/2012
Follow-Up Contact: Sr. Deputy John Popp @ 388-5146
Approved by: Captain Bruce Macedo

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).