On Saturday, May 22, 2010, at approximately 11:15 p.m. Santa Paula Police Officers were investigating a disturbance at a restaurant in the 900 blk. of E. Main St. While the officers were contacting several subjects in the rear alleyway, unknown gunmen fired several bullets at police officers and the subjects being contacted. Several officers and citizens at the scene were nearly hit by the gunfire.

Several residential neighborhoods were contained, and a response from multiple Ventura County law enforcement agencies occurred. Officers spent the early morning hours conducting an extensive search for the gunmen, utilizing SWAT team members, canine units, and a Ventura County Sheriff’s Department helicopter. The gunmen were not located within the perimeter. This shooting does not appear to be associated with the initial disturbance call at the restaurant.

Investigators remained at the scene throughout Sunday. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Santa Paula Police Department Investigations Unit, Sergeant Ismael Cordero at (805) 525-4474 Ext. 220

Ryan Smith # 1021
Police Sergeant