Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 4300 Block of Vineyard Avenue, El Rio
Date & Time: 10/19/09 @ 9:04 a.m.
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit

Shortly after 9:00 a.m. this morning, Sheriff’s deputies reported that shots had been fired at the entrance to the courthouse at the JJC. Just within the entrance to the courthouse is a security area that is equipped with a metal detector and x-ray machine that are used to screen visitors attending court. Unarmed security personnel monitor this area. A partial wall constructed of safety glass and wood material faces the entrance of the building, and acts as a barrier for security personnel as they screen visitors.

The safety glass portion of the wall shattered causing a loud noise and pieces of glass to hit the floor. It was first believed the broken glass was caused by gunfire. Interestingly, there was no observed damage to the glass doors that lead into the court building. Witness accounts led investigators to believe that a male Hispanic subject with a moustache was seen leaving the front of the building shortly after the shot had been fired. Possibly three additional gunshots had also been reported outside the courthouse after the security glass had been shattered. A suspect description was immediately broadcasted, and based on the information known to be true at the time, the Sheriff’s Department responded to this as an active shooter incident.

In addition to the Sheriff’s Department resources, which included a helicopter and K-9 Units, scores of personnel from the Oxnard Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and a California State University Channel Islands K-9 Unit responded to assist, as an extensive search was undertaken. The JJC was secured and placed in a lockdown as was Juvenile Hall and nearby local schools as authorities continued searching for the suspect.

Personnel from the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, and Forensic Science Analysts arrived on scene and assumed the investigation. Forensic Analysts concluded that a projectile had not broken the safety glass. The cause has been attributed to faulty glass that spontaneously shattered for unknown reasons. Further investigation revealed that video surveillance footage captured the described suspect opening the doors to the courthouse after the glass had shattered. He then left the immediate area after numerous people are seen exiting the building during the ensuing commotion. It is believed the described male Hispanic suspect had nothing to do with this incident, but was identified by witnesses because he was last seen leaving the immediate area. Investigators also believe that any additional shots heard were likely mistaken as a nail gun was being used in a nearby commercial area. Once this information was learned, the search was terminated and lockdown precautions were lifted.