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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, August 19th, 2010
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Camarillo detectives are currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred this morning around 8:15 am in Camarillo. The incident at this time is still under investigation and preliminarily appears to be accidental. The 9-year-old male was shot and received non-life threatening injuries. He was transported to Los Robles Hospital for treatment. Camarillo Police wants to take this opportunity to remind the community of the importance of gun safety. When the gun is not in your hands, you must still think of safety. Use a California-approved firearms safety device on the gun, such as a trigger lock or cable lock, so it cannot be fired. Store it unloaded in a locked container, such as a California-approved lock box or a gun safe. Store your gun in a different location than the ammunition. For maximum safety you should use both a locking device and a storage container Free DOJ approved gun locks are available at the Camarillo Police Station. For more information regarding gun laws and safety go online to the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Firearms, www.ag.ca.gov/firearms. RB#: 10-20043 Juvenile Male 13 years old Officer Preparing Release: Senior Deputy Julie Novak 947-6648 Follow-upContact: Novak: 947-6648 Approved By: Captain Monica McGrath |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, August 18th, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 08-17-2010, John Hesson made a donation to the Sheriff’s Department K-9 program through the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Foundation (http://vcsdk9.org/). The donation was in memory of his wife who recently passed away. Mr. Hesson donated $22,000 to the program. The amount was sufficient to pay for a canine and all the requisite training to make the canine patrol ready. The German Shephard, named Renata, was named in honor of Mr. Hesson’s late wife Renee. Renata is the German translation of Renee. Both John and Renee had for years admired the K-9 program run by the Sheriff’s Department. They were both inspired by its ability to be funded by donations. Mr. Hesson had always wanted to be a law enforcement officer, however, his career path took him in a different direction. Mr. Hesson made the decision to make the donation in his wife’s honor as a way to contribute to the program. Location: Sheriff’s Department |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, August 12th, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department In July of this year, Lockwood Valley deputies were told of a marijuana cultivation located in the Wagon Canyon area of the Los Padres National Forest near Lockwood Valley. The Sheriff’s Air Unit confirmed the validity of the report when several plots were observed. A possible access trail was identified leading from Lockwood Valley Road to the grow sites. On August 10, Sheriff’s detectives and United States Forest Service personnel set up surveillance around the area and saw a sedan stop at the trail where a person got out of the vehicle and went into the brush. The vehicle then continued out of the area. Detectives later stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Bravo, who was subsequently arrested for conspiracy to cultivate marijuana. A short time later, a van was seen stopped at the trail. The driver spent several minutes at the location acting in a way that led investigators to believe he was involved with the illegal marijuana cultivation. The van left the area and was later stopped by detectives. The driver, Guiltron, was arrested for conspiracy to cultivate marijuana. Detectives could see a subject walking around the area of the trail to the illegal cultivation. They arrested Ayala when he attempted to flee into the darkness. He was later booked for conspiracy to cultivate marijuana. Ayala is the roommate of Bravo and the uncle of Guiltron. On August 11, members of the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit West County Street Team, the United States Forest Service, and the California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement C.A.M.P. (Campaign Against Marijuana Planting) eradicated the marijuana cultivation in Wagon Canyon. 27,961 marijuana plants were destroyed, this being the largest known single marijuana operation in Ventura County history. Investigators located a campsite although no one else seen in the area. Location: Lockwood Valley Road Date: August 10 & 11, 2010 Unit Responsible: Ventura County Narcotics Bureau, West County Street Team Suspects City of Residence Age Officer Preparing Release: Sgt Mike Horne |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, August 12th, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Twenty-six year old gang member Anthony Beltran pled guilty to assault with a firearm and street terrorism yesterday in connection with a shooting that occurred last year in the unincorporated area of Saticoy. On 10-15-2009, Sheriff’s units responded to a call of subjects shooting from a vehicle in the community of Saticoy. When units arrived, they were unable to locate any witnesses, victims, or physical evidence to show that a shooting had actually occurred. Over the next few days, Sheriff’s gang investigators canvassed the neighborhood looking for anyone who might have seen or heard the shooting. Investigators were able to establish that a shooting had in fact been committed and located two uninjured victims. Gang investigators were able to establish that around 6:45 P.M, the two victims went to 3 Amigo’s Market located at 1191 Alelia Ave., Saticoy. While at the market, they were approached by several gang members who asked the victims where they were from. During the confrontation, the victims were beaten and repeatedly told they were in the territory of the Saticoy gang. As the victims fled, they were shot at several times. During the investigation, investigators searched several homes and known gang hangouts. They seized two shotguns, a rifle, and a handgun. They also recovered a spent bullet believed to have been fired at the victims. Gang investigators were able to identify 26 year old Anthony Beltran and 16 year old Victor Hernandez as the suspects in the shooting. Investigators believed Hernandez shot at the victims at the direction of Beltran. During the first week in December, gang investigators arrested Beltran, Hernandez and a third suspect for the shooting. On 12-4-2009, the District Attorney’s office filed adult criminal charges against 16 year old Hernandez and Anthony Beltran. Hernandez’ charges include attempted murder, shooting at an occupied vehicle, and street terrorism. Beltran’s charges include assault with a firearm, two counts of battery, and street terrorism. On 8-10-2010, Beltran pled guilty to assault with a firearm and street terrorism. He is scheduled to be sentenced on 10-8-2010. He faces up to 18 years in prison. Hernandez remains in custody for attempted murder. He is scheduled to start jury trial next month. RB#:09-26019 Location: 1191 Alelia Ave, Saticoy Date & Time: 8/10/2010 Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Gang Unit Suspects Charge City of Residence Age Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Bill Schierman Follow-up Contact: Sgt. Bill Schierman 654-2856 Date of Release: 8-11-2010 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, August 12th, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On August 10, 2010, the Thousand Oaks Police Department responded to a report of a home invasion robbery. A reporting party, Paulie Kosta, called 9-1-1 at about 9:44 a.m. to report the crime and stated multiple armed suspects were last seen at the residence in the 1200 block of El Monte Drive. Kosta said shots had been exchanged during his escape and a suspect was possibly down at the residence. Kosta appeared to be confused and was acting irrational to dispatchers during the report of the crime. Patrol deputies arrived at 9:49 a.m. and quickly secured the area. Several residences on El Monte Drive in the immediate area were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Deputies searched the victim’s residence but there were no suspects and no other victims. No one was injured in the reported incident. After further investigation, investigators determined the incident reported to be a home invasion robbery did not occur and there were no outstanding suspects. As investigators interviewed Kosta, he continued to display bizarre behavior consistent with symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Investigators recovered the firearm and arrested Kosta for possession of a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance. Kosta was also arrested for shooting a firearm into an inhabited dwelling, the residence he was staying at on El Monte Drive. A number of resources responded quickly to this incident including Patrol, Investigations, Special Enforcement Unit, Air Unit, K-9 units, and Traffic bureau. These valuable resources were committed to the incident for over three (3) hours. Detectives are continuing an investigation into the crime of falsely reporting an emergency, which could result in Kosta paying recovery costs for resources that responded to the incident. Location: 1200 block of El Monte Dr., Thousand Oaks Date & Time/ RB#: August 10, 2010/ 9:44 a.m./ 10-19309 Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Don Aguilar Follow-up Contact: Sgt. Don Aguilar (805) 797-7349 Date of Release: 8/11/10 Approved By: Capt. Bruce Watlington |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, August 9th, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The County of Ventura is required under the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 to update the current Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. This enables the County to be eligible to continue to receive certain forms of Federal disaster assistance. The updated plan will provide a framework to identify local risks, prioritize requests, and seek Federal assistance to institute risk-reducing actions. This plan will also allow the County and the cities to participate in the Community Rating System, which is a proactive flood protection and public outreach program that can help property owners receive flood insurance rate discounts. The updated plan will be submitted to the California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by fall of 2010. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, in cooperation with nine of the county’s cities and over thirty special districts, have launched a countywide effort to re-assess risks posed by man-made and natural disasters and identify ways to reduce those risks. A draft of the updated plan will be presented at the quarterly Emergency Planning Council meeting on October 22, 2010 and there will be an opportunity for public comments on the County website. The current Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, as well as FEMA’s Fiscal Year 2010 and 2011 Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Unified Guidance can be found on the County of Ventura website. To view these documents, residents may go to www.countyofventura.org/disasterinformation, and click on the Hazard Mitigation link. For further information, please contact OES Assistant Director, Laura D. Hernandez at (805) 654-2552 or Gil Zavlodaver at Gil.Zavlodaver@ventura.org. Date & Time: August 6, 2010 11:00 AM Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services Follow-up Contact: Laura D. Hernandez, OES Assistant Director at (805) 654-2552 Approved By: Commander Glenn Sander, West County Patrol Services Date of Release: August 6, 2010 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, August 9th, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 08-01-2010 at approximately 2102 hours, Fillmore Deputies were dispatched to 353 Fourth Street, reference a dispute involving a boat. While investigating the incident, the Deputies learned that (S) Michael Elliot May had battered one of the other involved parties. May was arrested for a violation of PC 242 – Battery. May’s vehicle was towed and during an inventory search of the vehicle, a concealed firearm was located in the glove box. May was also arrested for a violation of PC 12025(a)(1) – Possession of a concealed firearm in a vehicle. May was transported and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura. Location: 353 Fourth Street, Fillmore Date & Time/ RB#: 08-01-2010 @ 2102 hours / 10-18573 Unit Responsible: Fillmore Patrol (6B01) (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age (S) Michael Elliot May Fillmore 60 Officer Preparing Release: Sr. Deputy D. Hendren #3693 Follow-up Contact: Sr. Deputy D. Hendren Date of Release: 08-05-2010 Approved By: Sgt. Wareham |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 7/28/2010, at approximately 1715 hours, deputies assigned to the Lockwood Valley Sheriff’s Sub-Station were dispatched to a battery victim in the 28500 block of Maricopa Highway (State Route 33). Deputies met with Gail Britt, who stated she was inside her home when the three suspects forced entry inside, assaulted and battered her, made death threats against her and her family, and dragged her throughout the home against her will. Deputies found visible injuries on Britt consistent with her statement. Medical personnel were summoned and transported Britt, to the Ojai Hospital Emergency Room for treatment. She was found to have sustained serious injuries. A search of Britt’s residence revealed evidence consistent with her statements. Deputies contacted suspects Robert Chuk and Lori Murphy soon after and subsequently placed them under arrest. Deputies contacted suspect Adam Owen the following morning and placed him under arrest. All three suspects were arrested for felony violations of 459 PC (Burglary), 243(d) PC (Battery resulting in great bodily injury), 422 (Criminal Threats), and 207 PC (Kidnapping). During the investigation, the suspects made statements that corroborated the victim’s statements. All suspects were booked at the Ventura County Jail, where deputies requested a bail increase in the amount of 1 million dollars. This incident stemmed from a landlord / tenant dispute, where the suspects were involved in a legal marijuana cultivation business, authorized by the California Health and Safety Code. This case has been submitted to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for filing. Location: 3800 block Castle Creek. Maricopa (Ventura County) Date & Time: 7/28/2010 / 2035 hours. - 7/29/2010 / 0945 hours Units Responsible: Lockwood Valley Sheriff’s Station Patrol (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)witnesses City of residence Age (V) Gail Britt. Maricopa (Ozena Valley), CA. 59 Follow-up Contact: Detective Mark Burgess. Ojai Police Department. (805) 646-1414 Date of Release: 7/30/2010 |
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By Anonymous — Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Sheriff’s Gang Unit arrested four people yesterday while conducting an anit-gang operation in the unincorporated area of El Rio. All four suspects are believed to be gang members or associates. The Sheriff’s Gang Unit served a narcotics search warrant and conducted several probation searches Thursday morning in the 2400 and 2500 blk of Balboa St. in the unincorporated area of El Rio. The anti-gang operation was in response to a recent rash of gang crimes within a half block area of Balboa St. The crimes included a shooting, arsons and numerous reports of gunshots fired in the early morning hours. During the searches, four people were arrested for narcotics related offenses. Among the arrested was Omar Pacifuentes who was on probation for dissuading a witness in a criminal trial. As part of his probation terms, Pacifuentes was required to submit to a search by any law enforcement officer for firearms, weapons and narcotics. When gang officers contacted Pacifuentes at his residence in the 2500 blk of Balboa St., he was uncooperative and refused to let investigators search him. Pacifuentes fought with the investigators as they attempted to handcuff him. Investigators located a methamphetamine smoking pipe in Pacifuentes’ belongings and found that he was under the influence of methamphetamine. Pacifuentes was arrested for resisting arrest and being under the influence of narcotics. All four people arrested were booked at the Ventura County Jail. RB#: 10-18254 Location:2400 & 2500 Blk Balboa St., El Rio Date & Time:7-29- 2010/ 0930 Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Gang Unit (S)uspects Charge City of residence Age Officer Preparing Release: Sgt Bill Schierman Follow-up Contact: Sgt Bill Schierman 654-3551 Date of Release:7-30-2010 |
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By Anonymous — Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 7/28/2010, at approximately 1715 hours, deputies assigned to the Lockwood Valley Sheriff’s Sub-Station were dispatched to a battery victim in the 28500 block of Maricopa Highway (State Route 33). Deputies met with Gail Britt, who stated she was inside her home when the three suspects forced entry inside, assaulted and battered her, made death threats against her and her family, and dragged her throughout the home against her will. Deputies found visible injuries on Britt consistent with her statement. Medical personnel were summoned and transported Britt, to the Ojai Hospital Emergency Room for treatment. She was found to have sustained serious injuries. A search of Britt’s residence revealed evidence consistent with her statements. Deputies contacted suspects Robert Chuk and Lori Murphy soon after and subsequently placed them under arrest. Deputies contacted suspect Adam Owen the following morning and placed him under arrest. All three suspects were arrested for felony violations of 459 PC (Burglary), 243(d) PC (Battery resulting in great bodily injury), 422 (Criminal Threats), and 207 PC (Kidnapping). During the investigation, the suspects made statements that corroborated the victim’s statements. All suspects were booked at the Ventura County Jail, where deputies requested a bail increase in the amount of 1 million dollars. This incident stemmed from a landlord / tenant dispute, where the suspects were involved in a legal marijuana cultivation business, authorized by the California Health and Safety Code. This case has been submitted to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for filing. Location: 3800 block Castle Creek. Maricopa (Ventura County) Date & Time: 7/28/2010 / 2035 hours. - 7/29/2010 / 0945 hours Units Responsible: Lockwood Valley Sheriff’s Station Patrol (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)witnesses City of residence Age (V) Gail Britt. Maricopa (Ozena Valley), CA. 59 Follow-up Contact: Detective Mark Burgess. Ojai Police Department. (805) 646-1414 Date of Release: 7/30/2010 |
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By Anonymous — Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Shortly before 1900 hrs, Ojai area deputies responded to an injury traffic collision in the area of Cuyama and Del Norte Roads, in the City of Ojai. Witnesses reported that an 18-yr. old female, driving a Jeep convertible, was pulling Doolittle and another 18-yr. old male on their skateboards. While being pulled, Doolittle’s skateboard made contact with the right rear wheel of the Jeep, causing him to be ejected off his skateboard and onto the roadway surface. Doolittle was unresponsive at the scene after sustaining head injuries. Ventura County Fire personnel from Station 21 responded along with Life Line Ambulance to the scene and began treating Doolittle. Doolittle stopped breathing at the scene and CPR was initiated, resulting in Doolittle being revived. Life Line Ambulance transported Doolittle to Ventura County Medical Center for additional treatment. During that treatment, Doolittle succumbed to his injuries. The cause of the traffic collision is currently under investigation. Report Number: Deputy Preparing Media Release: |
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By Anonymous — Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Sheriff’s Gang Unit arrested 22 year old Manuel Camacho last night for the possession of a fully functional machine gun. The weapon was seized last month while investigating a drive-by shooting that occurred in the unincorporated area of El Rio. On June 26, gang unit investigators arrested 21 year old Andrew Robles and 19 year old Daniel Magana for Assault With a Deadly Weapon and Street Terrorism. The arrests were made as part of an investigation into a drive-by shooting that occurred on 4-30-2010. Investigators served a search warrant at Robles’ residence in the 2400 block of Lassen, Oxnard, and recovered a Mac 12 machine pistol. The weapon was found in the bedroom of Manuel Camacho. The weapon was sent to the Sheriff’s Firearms Forensics Unit where it was determined that it was a fully functional automatic machine pistol. The Mac 12 has a firing rate of over 1,000 rounds a minute. On 7-30-2010, gang unit investigators located Camacho at his residence and he was arrested. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail where he remains on $10,000 bail. RB#:10-18406 Location:2400 Blk Lassen St., Oxnard Date & Time:7-30-2010 / 2130 Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Gang Unit (S)uspects Charge City of residence Age Officer Preparing Release: Sgt Bill Schierman Follow-up Contact: Sgt Bill Schierman 654-3551 Date of Release:7-31-2010 Approved by: Capt. O’Hanlon |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department has a long-standing commitment in assisting inmates in custody through a variety of inmate services programs in our jails. On Thursday, August 26, 2010, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department will be sponsoring the first In-Custody Job Fair for female inmates housed at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura. A Job Fair for male inmates was held at the Todd Road Jail Facility in Santa Paula in 2009. Ten to fifteen local employers will be invited to participate in this worthwhile event. In addition to employers, invitations will be extended to county and community-based organizations to provide valuable resources and/or information to those individuals nearing release from custody. Approximately 60 female inmates enrolled in vocational and educational programs will be able to participate in the job fair. This event will give participants an opportunity to fill out applications, turn in resumes and interview with potential employers. All participating inmates have been preparing for the event by attending a variety of in-custody programs that have prepped them with the job skills necessary to interface professionally with potential employers. The Sheriff’s Department is committed to its mission of providing the programs and resources necessary to reduce recidivism and to assist offenders in becoming productive members of our community. We feel strongly that this can only be achieved if there is a collaborative effort between our department and the community. There are a number of State and Federal incentives available to employers who hire ex-felons. The Sheriff’s Department urges all potential employers interested in participating in this event to contact the Inmate Services Unit at (805) 933-8561. Location: Pre Trial Detention Facility Date & Time: August 26, 2010 8:00 AM - Noon Unit Responsible: Detention Services – Inmate Services Unit Officer Preparing Release: Captain Jerry Hernandez Follow-up Contact: Rosa Ramirez, Inmate Services Unit (805) 933-8561 Approved By: Date of Release: 7/29/10 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Situated about halfway between Moscow and Mongolia, Omsk is a modest city of 1.5 million people desperately in need of more vowels. The city will host the upcoming Siberian International Marathon, which will attract runners from throughout the world, including our own group of adventurers: Cops Running for Charity. The group, led by Captain Randy Pentis, has traveled the world to participate in grueling foot races on several continents. Last year, the men ran a marathon on remote Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean. Previous adventures have taken them to Tunisia, China, Iceland, Chicago and New York. Many of their previous trips were not traditional marathons. In the Sahara Desert, the men ran over dunes and Mars-like terrain in a multi-day race. In Iceland, they completed an ultra marathon over a volcanic landscape. When they went to China, the men ran a marathon on the Great Wall. The ambassadors of pain and suffering will once again raise money for medical charities that focus on children. The group includes Captain Randy Pentis, Captain Tim Hagel, Captain Dave Kenney, Sergeant Frank Underlin, Sergeant Paul Higgason, Sergeant Joe Devorick, and Pentis’ brother, Chief Deputy Gary Pentis, who is the “team mom.” The team has raised an impressive $150,000.00 for local charities. This year, the goal is to raise $40,000.00 that will go to Childrens Hospital, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), ALS-Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The men pay their own way when they travel, so 100 percent of the money they raise goes directly to the charities. The team lives by Winston Churchill’s words, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” “What we do is nothing compared to what children and others have to battle with medical issues,” Pentis said. While this trip is fairly straight forward…it’s only a marathon on relatively flat city streets, the preparation revealed some interesting obstacles. Getting their visas approved for the journey was complicated by the concern of Russian officials that the group was going to Siberia as spies. The visa application didn’t help. It included questions about experience with bombs and terrorism training. Some of the questions prompted answers other than “no,” which raised more concern. Captain Pentis had to meet directly with Russian Embassy officials to ease their concerns about the intentions of the group of runners from Ventura County. “If the goal of a spy is to collect blisters on his feet and be attacked by mosquitoes capable of carrying off small children, then we definitely fit the bill,” joked Pentis. “If they’re still concerned, I hope the FSB can keep up with us, because we’re going there to run.” Anyone interested in more information about CRFC can contact Captain Randy Pentis directly at (805)947-8067. Location: Omsk, Russia (Western Siberia) |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
 Thursday afternoon, about 3:00 p.m., the Fillmore Fire Department responded to a small brush fire in the bamboo-like foliage at the northern end of the Highway 23 bridge. About a quarter acre was involved. Minor traffic congestion resulted for about an hour. A Sheriff’s helicopter was dispatched for a short time. Cause of the fire was not disclosed. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On Friday, July 23, 2010, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit arrested an 18 year old gang member for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Street Terrorism. The arrest is the result of a three-month investigation into a gang fight in which one subject stabbed, resulting in the loss of a kidney. On April 18, 2010, deputies responded to a gang fight in the 3300 block of Santa Clara Ave., in the unincorporated area of Nyeland Acres. When they arrived, they found that all of the parties had fled. A short time later, a male victim showed up at Saint John’s Hospital with a single stab wound to his lower back. The victim was examined and it was found that his kidney was lacerated. The victim was taken into emergency surgery and his kidney was removed. The Sheriff’s Gang Unit took over the investigation and was able to identify several witnesses. Investigators found that the victim was stabbed during a fight between rival gangs involving at least 15 gang members. On April 19, 2010, gang investigators identified 18 year old Geovanny Gonzales as a possible suspect. Gonzales was on probation for an armed robbery that he committed in 2008. Gang investigators arrested Gonzales that same day for violating the conditions of his probation while continuing their investigation into the stabbing. Gonzales has been in custody without bail since his arrest on April 19. By July 23, 2010, gang investigators had collected enough evidence to arrest Gonzales for his part in the gang fight. He was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Street Terrorism. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail. Gonzales remains in custody without bail. Sheriff’s Gang investigators expect to make more arrests. RB#:10-9268 Location: 3300 Block of Santa Clara Ave, Nyeland Acres Date: July 23, 2010 Unit Responsible: Gang Unit Suspect City of Residence Age Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Bill Schierman Follow-up Contact: Sgt. Bill Schierman 805-654-2856 Date of Release: July 24, 2010 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, July 26th, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Moorpark Special Enforcement/Gang Unit completed a lengthy investigation into numerous acts of graffiti vandalisms throughout the city of Moorpark, culminating in the arrest of Arturo Mendoza. Mendoza, who claimed to be a member of a local “Tagging Crew” was arrested and booked for 16 counts of felony graffiti vandalism. A tagging crew is a group of individuals who deface public and private property with spray paint, etching tools, and other materials. They typically display their tagging crew name and moniker to give noriety to their specific crew. This tagging crew has defaced public and private property dating back to August 2007. Some areas defaced include several private businesses on High Street, Chaparral Middle School, Arroyo Vista Park, vacant homes, Tierra Rejada Reservoir, businesses on Moorpark Avenue, retaining walls on Everett Street, Moorpark City Library, Moorpark Athletic Club, property belonging to Southern California Edison, Flory Academy Elementary School, and other properties belonging to the Moorpark Unified School District. The Moorpark Special Enforcement/Gang Unit conducted investigations and followed up on anonymous tips from concerned citizens and as a result were able to arrest Mendoza for the crimes he committed. The total damage estimated by the various victims of this tagging crew totaled in excess of $23,000.00. Location: City of Moorpark, CA Date & Time: July 20, 2010 9:30 A.M. Unit Responsible: Moorpark Special Enforcement / Gang Unit (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses / Address / Age Officer Preparing Release: Detective Christopher Starks Follow-up Contact: Detective Christopher Starks (805) 532-2700 Date of Release: July 23, 2010 Approved By: Captain Ron Nelson |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, July 26th, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On Friday, July 23, 2010, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit arrested an 18 year old gang member for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Street Terrorism. The arrest is the result of a three-month investigation into a gang fight in which one subject stabbed, resulting in the loss of a kidney. On April 18, 2010, deputies responded to a gang fight in the 3300 block of Santa Clara Ave., in the unincorporated area of Nyeland Acres. When they arrived, they found that all of the parties had fled. A short time later, a male victim showed up at Saint John’s Hospital with a single stab wound to his lower back. The victim was examined and it was found that his kidney was lacerated. The victim was taken into emergency surgery and his kidney was removed. The Sheriff’s Gang Unit took over the investigation and was able to identify several witnesses. Investigators found that the victim was stabbed during a fight between rival gangs involving at least 15 gang members. On April 19, 2010, gang investigators identified 18 year old Geovanny Gonzales as a possible suspect. Gonzales was on probation for an armed robbery that he committed in 2008. Gang investigators arrested Gonzales that same day for violating the conditions of his probation while continuing their investigation into the stabbing. Gonzales has been in custody without bail since his arrest on April 19. By July 23, 2010, gang investigators had collected enough evidence to arrest Gonzales for his part in the gang fight. He was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Street Terrorism. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail. Gonzales remains in custody without bail. Sheriff’s Gang investigators expect to make more arrests. RB#:10-9268 Location: 3300 Block of Santa Clara Ave, Nyeland Acres Date: July 23, 2010 Unit Responsible: Gang Unit Suspect City of Residence Age Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Bill Schierman Follow-up Contact: Sgt. Bill Schierman 805-654-2856 Date of Release: July 24, 2010 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, July 23rd, 2010
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On July 21, 2010, members of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Narcotics Bureau, West County Street Team, completed a two-month investigation into outdoor marijuana gardens along the Highway 33 corridor north of Ojai. Narcotics detectives identified several large gardens through aerial flights, and reports by responsible citizens. The gardens were located anywhere from a few hundred yards to several miles off the roadway, and often near popular hiking and recreation areas. In order to grow these marijuana plants, it is necessary for the growers to undercut the brush and trim back the overhead canopy to allow sufficient sunlight to get to the plants. The hillsides are terraced to allow for more plants, and as an easier way for the growers to water and fertilize them. Miles of irrigation pipe run from dammed streams or springs to provide water. These gardens wreak havoc on the environment and take years to recover. We have seen old grow sites that are known to be nearly twenty years old that have not fully recovered. Each garden held at least one campsite. Each campsite typically contains clothing, food, sleeping bags, propane stoves, fuel, and miscellaneous chemical fertilizers and poisons that are often illegal in this country. The use of these chemicals and destruction to the environment cause immeasurable damage to the deer, bear, rabbits, and other small animals in these areas. The Sheriff’s Department warns those planning on visiting the Los Padres National Forest to be watchful for these illegal marijuana gardens. If you find yourself in a garden, quietly and quickly back out and call law enforcement as soon as possible. Growers are often armed and are protective of their gardens. Location: Officer Preparing Release: |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
 County and city fire departments responded to a structure fire on Los Angeles Avenue in Bardsdale, Wednesday at approximately 3:00 p.m. A travel trailer caught fire after its owner attempted to ready the refrigerator for a trip. He was able to get the fire under control with a garden hose before firefighters arrived. Damage was moderate. Enlarge Photo |
