Santa Paula Police Department

On 07-28-12 at approximately 7:40PM, Santa Paula Police received a call of a family disturbance in the 1100 Block of New St. Santa Paula. The caller stated that the disturbing party identified as Edgar Garcia 25 years, Santa Paula, was armed with a handgun. This was the second call at this address on this day regarding the disturbing party brandishing a handgun and threatening other family members. When Officers responded the first time, the disturbing party had left the location. When Officers arrived at the location the second time, they saw Garcia fleeing inside the garage and into the residence.

As the Officers approached the garage area, Garcia suddenly appeared from within the residence and fired at the Officers striking Reserve Officer Chad Peplinski. Reserve Officer Peplinski a four year Reserve veteran suffered no life threatening injuries. Garcia then fled inside the residence and to the rear yard area where Officer Hector Ramirez was confronted by Garcia. Garcia brandished a handgun at Officer Ramirez, who then fired at Garcia striking and injuring Garcia. Garcia was later pronounced deceased at the scene. Officer Hector Ramirez is a 12 year veteran officer with Santa Paula Police.

At the request of Santa Paula Police, the Ventura County Sheriff's Department Major Crimes Unit and the Professional Standards Bureau were called in to assist Santa Paula Police in conducting the investigation.

The investigation is continuing and both Officer Ramirez and Reserve Officer Peplinski have since been cleared to return to duty as of last week.

Ismael Cordero
Interim Police Chief