Santa Paula Police Department

On Friday, July 27, 2012, at approximately 7:00 a.m. peace officers from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies served multiple search warrants at several locations in relation to recent gang violence that has occurred within the City Santa Paula. SWAT Teams from the Santa Paula Police Department, Ventura County Sheriff's Department, Simi Valley Police Department, Oxnard Police Department, and Ventura Police Department participated in the service of the search warrants, as well as peace officers from the ATF, Department of Homeland Security, Glendale Police Department, Pismo Beach Police Department, Guadalupe Police Department, UC Santa Barbara Police Department, Port Hueneme Police Department, Lompoc Police Department, State Parole, and Investigators from the Office of the Ventura County District Attorney.

Helicopters from the Ventura County Sheriff's Department and the Glendale Burbank-Pasadena regional Air Unit participated in this detail and provided enhanced safety for the ground officers.

As a result of this collaborative effort, seven criminal street gang members and associates were arrested for various felony and misdemeanor violations relating to weapons, a firearm, and narcotics. All of those arrested are adult males, and residents of Santa Paula. The subjects were lodged at the Ventura County Jail pending a court appearance.

Gang violence will not be tolerated within Santa Paula. The City will continue to use all available resources to investigate and apprehend those who chose to engage in violent criminal behavior and endanger the citizens of this community.

Ryan Smith # 1021
Police Sergeant