Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On February 20, 2012, at about 9:50 p.m., an off-duty Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy confronted thieves in a vehicle on private property. The deputy fired his weapon at the vehicle, in defense, fearing he was going to be run over by the fleeing suspect vehicle. The suspects fled the area in a dark-colored sport utility vehicle (SUV). An extensive search involving ground units, canines, and Air Unit failed to locate the suspects. The deputy was not injured. Area hospitals were alerted in the event the suspects struck by gunfire sought medical attention.

Investigators with the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit, Sheriff’s Internal Affairs, and the District Attorney’s Office began an investigation, which is standard whenever a Sheriff’s Office employee deploys deadly force. The involved deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is also standard procedure in such cases. The name of the deputy is not being released at this time due to the very active early phase of the investigation.

Nature of Incident: Officer Involved Shooting
Report Number: 12-4093
Location: 13300 block Broadway Road, Unincorporated area north of Moorpark
Date & Time: February 20, 2012 / 9:50 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Unknown Suspects Unknown
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Captain Ron Nelson
Media Release Date: February 21, 2012
Follow-Up Contact: Sheriff’s Major Crimes (805) 477-7000
Approved by: Captain Mike Aranda

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).