Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Agoura Hills, CA
Date & Time: February 28, 2009 / 11:00 a.m.
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff's Department Administration

Name, City of residence, Age
Michael Murray, Agoura Hills, 30

Ventura County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Murray was found dead on Saturday morning inside his Agoura Hills home by sheriff's deputies checking his well-being after he failed to report to work. His passing was unexpected, and there was no obvious cause of death or evidence of foul play. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Coroner’s Office are investigating.

Deputy Murray joined the Sheriff's Department in July 2002. Upon graduation from the Regional Training Center, he worked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura and later at the East County Jail. Deputy Murray began his field-training in patrol in Thousand Oaks in November of 2008 and was in that assignment at the time of his passing.

Funeral services are yet to be determined. The Ventura County Sheriff's Department and Thousand Oaks Police Department are deeply saddened by this event. The Department thanks the community for its ongoing support, particularly during this difficult time.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Redwood Middle School, 233 W. Gainsborough Rd., Thousand Oaks, Ca.
Date & Time/ RB#: Feb. 17, 2009 8:15 a.m. / 09-4142
Unit Responsible: Special Enforcement / Gang Unit, East County Major Crimes Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(V) male juvenile Thousand Oaks 13
(S) male juvenile Thousand Oaks 15
(S) male juvenile Thousand Oaks 15

Investigators arrested two Thousand Oaks High School students last week for painting swastikas on
the locker of a Jewish student at Redwood Middle School, during the President’s Day holiday
weekend.

The investigation began Tuesday morning when sheriff’s deputies were called to the school
regarding the graffiti.

The investigation led to the service of six search warrants at the homes of several students suspected
of being involved. Ultimately, two students were identified as being the primary suspects in the
case.

Both students were arrested for conspiracy, vandalism, and the commission of a hate crime. They
were released to the custody of their parents. The investigation is continuing.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Sage Publications- 2400 block of Teller Road, Newbury Park, CA.
Date & Time/ RB#: Feb. 4, 2009 / 9:30 a.m. / 09-1260
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department-East County Property Crimes Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses, Address, Age
(S) Hernandez, Jose G., Simi Valley, 46
(S) Hernandez, Risa, Simi Valley, 38

Investigators from the Thousand Oaks Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Department concluded an investigation of a theft from a publishing company in Newbury Park. Detectives arrested a Simi Valley couple, Jose and Risa Hernandez, for stealing and selling thousands of books from Sage Publications, a publishing company based in Newbury Park.

Sage Publications recently filed a grand theft report with the Thousand Oaks Police Department after noticing thousands of books were missing from storage containers outside the company’s warehouse. The thefts occurred over a period of at least 18 months. The stolen books had been placed in bins intended for a recycling company, which contracted with Sage Publications to properly dispose of the books. Instead, Jose Hernandez removed the books without permission and ran an Internet-based business selling the used books to customers around the country. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 11420 North Ventura Avenue, Ojai, CA.
Date & Time/ RB#: 02/22/2009 @ 1035 am
Unit Responsible: Ojai Police Department, Patrol / Investigations

Arrestee(s), Address, Age
Reyes Estrada, Ojai, CA., 26 yrs
Ricardo Gutierrez Chavez, Ojai, CA., 24 yrs

Sheriff’s Deputies from the Ojai Police station were dispatched to investigate two suspicious subjects sitting in a car near the Subway Store in Mira Monte. Deputies contacted the two males and found them to both be on probation with search terms for stolen property, burglary, and assorted other criminal acts. During the investigation, deputies located stolen property from vehicle and residential burglaries in the Ojai Valley and the city of Ventura. Detectives are continuing with their efforts to locate and contact additional victims.

Deputies arrested the two subjects on charges of possession stolen property, possession of burglary tools and being under the influence of controlled substances. The two subjects were booked into Ventura County Jail.

The Ojai Valley has been experiencing an increasing number of vehicle burglaries and thefts from unlocked vehicles. The arrest of these two subjects is the result of community members working with law enforcement in reporting suspicious activity, vehicles and subjects. Deputies and investigators wish to reinforce the need for community members to lock their cars and keep any valuables hidden from plain sight to help reduce the risk of being victimized.

Chris Godfrey

Chief Deputy Chris Godfrey has been a member of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department for 30 years and worked varying assignments in all four divisions during that time. As a part of the Sheriff’s management team for the last 13 years, Godfrey has managed the Todd Road Jail, the Regional Training Center, the Fillmore Police Department, acting as Chief of Police for that city, Patrol’s East County Bureau with oversight responsibility for the City of Moorpark and the unincorporated areas of East County Patrol, and Commander of the Professional Standards Bureau encompassing the Regional Training Center, Internal Affairs, and the Internal Audits Units.

Currently, Godfrey was assigned to the Support Services Division where he had oversight of the department’s budget as well as two bureaus, Professional Standards and Human Resources. Chief Godfrey has a Masters Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge.

Chief Godfrey retired from the department on Friday, February 6, 2009 and was honored by approximately two hundred family, friends, and coworkers in attendance to enjoy a pictorial review of his career and an evening of dinning and friendship. CONTINUED »

California Highway Patrol

On February 17, 2009, at approximately 6:30 a.m., a solo vehicle traffic collision occurred on Ventura Avenue, just south of Canada Larga Road. The driver, later identified as Eric Hull, was found in the vehicle and was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigation shows that Eric Hull, 47 years of age from Ventura, CA, was driving his 2004 Ford pick-up truck northbound on Ventura Avenue, just south of Canada Larga Road. For unknown reasons, the vehicle drifted from the roadway and into a ditch located on the right side of the road. A passerby who saw the vehicle stopped at the scene and called 911 for help. The California Highway Patrol, along with the Ventura County Fire Department responded to the area. Mr. Hull was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene. The incident is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility, Ventura, CA
Date & Time: 02/16/2009 at 4:30 pm
Name of Subject: HERNANDEZ, Daniel Tidoso

A Ventura County Jail inmate was found unresponsive in his cell at approximately 4:30 pm on Monday, the victim of an apparent suicide. He was found during one of the regular checks of each cell in the jail. Sheriff’s deputies and jail medical personnel immediately initiated Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation and worked to revive him. Ventura City Fire and AMR Paramedics arrived and continued to provide care for Hernandez. Paramedics pronounced him dead at approximately 5:04 pm. Hernandez, a 28-year-old resident of Oxnard, had been in custody for several months.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit responded to the jail and is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the inmate’s death. The preliminary investigation indicates foul play is not suspected. Hernandez was housed alone at the time.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office will be conducting an autopsy to establish the manner and cause of death.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 1322 Las Posas Road, Camarillo
Date & Time: Friday, February 20, 2009 / 1300

Sheriff Bob Brooks is pleased to announce the graduation of the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center’s Academy Class #2008-3. The graduation ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2009, at the Camarillo Community Church Auditorium, Camarillo, California. The guest speaker for the graduation ceremony will be County Executive Officer Marty Robinson.

Please see below for the names of the graduating recruits and their respective agencies.

The recruits have completed 22 weeks of instruction provided through the combined efforts of local law enforcement agencies and other criminal justice entities. The intense training and education prepares these officers for the responsibilities of serving the community.

ACADEMY ROSTER

Basic Academy Class #2008-3

Graduating Recruits CONTINUED »

Effective immediately, the Camarillo Police Department’s Traffic Unit will begin a new traffic program, called Sheriff’s Teen Traffic Offender Program (S.T.T.O.P.) The Camarillo Police Department is proud to team up with other Ventura and Los Angeles County cities in offering this service to it’s residents.

According to recently published statistics, sixteen to eighteen year-olds account for approximately 12% of the driving population, yet are involved in 25% of all traffic collisions. In fact, sixteen year-olds are 20 times more likely than seventeen and eighteen year-olds to be involved in a traffic collision of some type during their first year of driving. Sadly, 6,000 teens nationwide will lose their lives in traffic collisions this year and it is believed many needless traffic deaths could have been prevented if someone had taken an active interest in their reckless driving habits. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Hollywood Beach, Rincon, Silver Strand Beach, El Rio, Saticoy and Nyeland Acres

There has been a recent increase of reported thefts and burglaries from vehicles and residences in the listed locations. The following are a few steps that each and every person can take to avoid becoming a victim:

First, always lock and secure your vehicles and residences.

Second, don’t leave valuables (purses, wallets, laptops, GPS systems, gift-shopping bags, briefcases-to name a few) in your vehicles, especially in plain view from outside the vehicle.

Thieves are basically opportunistic individuals and will victimize you if you give them the opportunity. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 2600 block of Balboa St., El Rio
Date & Time: 2-5-2009
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Gang Unit

Suspects Charge, City of residence, Age
Horacio Morales Attempt murder/Robbery Oxnard 18
Martin Cervantez Attempt murder/Robbery Oxnard 19
Male Juvenile Attempt murder/Robbery Oxnard 15
Gustavo Vargas Attempt murder/Robbery Oxnard 18

Outstanding Suspects
Eduardo Heredia 19 yrs old, Hispanic male 5’10” 140 pounds

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Gang Unit arrested a fourth suspect for the attempt murder and robbery of two juveniles in the unincorporated area of El Rio.

On 1-6-2009, Three male juveniles, ages 15 to 16, were walking in the 2600 block of Balboa St., El Rio. They were approached by five males who identified themselves as Oxnard gang members. The five suspects began removing money and property from the juvenile victims. One of the suspects obtained a knife and stabbed two of the three juvenile victims. One of the victims suffered a stab wound to the arm and the second suffered a stab wound to the abdomen. All five suspects fled after the incident. The victims were transported to the hospital and treated for their wounds. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: U.S. 101 at Las Posas Road, Camarillo
Date & Time: 02/02/2009 9:00 p.m.

Suspects: Address: Age:
Adrian Ochoa City of Long Beach 25
Alysha Martinez City of Long Beach 19
German Ochoa City of Long Beach 19
Male Juvenile City of Long Beach 17

On Saturday, February 7th, 2009, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Ventura County Sheriff's Canine Deputy Damian Alvarez stopped a vehicle on the northbound 101 freeway north of Las Posas Road, for a speeding violation. Upon contacting the driver, Adrian Ochoa, Deputy Alvarez discovered a 12-gauge shotgun shell in Adrian’s pants pocket. There were two other adult occupants in the vehicle, Alysha Martinez and German Ochoa, and one male juvenile. All four occupants were determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance and subsequently arrested.

Deputies searched the vehicle and found a loaded sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun concealed in the trunk. A loaded Cobray M-11 assault pistol, a loaded .380 semi-automatic handgun, and a large capacity M-11 magazine were also found concealed under the rear passenger bench seat. All three weapons were un-registered. The three adults were booked at the Ventura County Main Jail, and the juvenile was booked at the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Center for the following felony charges:

• Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine
• Possession of an Assault Weapon
• Possession of a Concealed Firearm in a Vehicle
• Possession of a Rifle with a Barrel Less Than 16" in Length
• Carrying a Loaded Firearm
• Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance While in Possession of a Firearm

It was later determined that Adrian Ochoa gave a false name to avoid arrest on several out of county arrest warrants. Adrian Ochoa was additionally arrested and booked for providing a false name to a peace officer and driving with a suspended driver's license.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department’s Part I crime statistics for the first six months of 2008 are now available. Some highlights are as follows: Total Part I crime rate per 1,000 population for the entire Sheriff’s jurisdiction decreased from 8.62 in the first six months of 2007 to 8.11 during the same period in 2008, a decrease of 6%.

Total Part I violent crime rate per 1,000 population decreased from .75 to 69, a decrease of 8%. Within this grouping, robbery decreased 15% and rape decreased by 28%. Homicides did show an increase, going from one homicide in the Sheriff’s jurisdiction in the first half of 2007 to four homicides in the first half of 2008.
Total Part I property crime rate per 1,000 population decreased from 7.87 to 7.42, a decrease of 6%. Within this grouping, residential burglary and all other burglaries showed the greatest decrease while arson showed an increase. CONTINUED »

California Highway Patrol

On February 3, 2009 at approximately 12:51 p.m., a major injury traffic collision occurred on SR-150, west of Loma Drive. The drivers of both vehicles were transported to Ojai Valley Community Hospital.

Kenneth Ballard, 49 years of age from Ojai, was driving his 1999 Porsche Boxster and was stopped facing eastbound on the south (bottom) shoulder of SR-150, just west of Loma Drive. Julie Gaynor, 27 years of age from Oak View, was driving her 2006 Nissan Pathfinder westbound on SR-150 and was approaching Ballard from his left side. For unknown reasons, Ballard failed to observe Gaynor’s vehicle approaching from his left and he attempted to make a left turn across the traffic lanes. As he did so, his vehicle traveled directly in front of Gaynor, who was unable to stop in time. The front of her Pathfinder then collided into the left side of Ballard’s Porsche.

Emergency crews responded to the scene, and both Ballard and Gaynor were later transported to Ojai Valley Community Hospital for their injuries. Ballard suffered a broken neck and several broken ribs. Gaynor had minor injuries and complained of pain to her upper body. The cause of the collision is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 14720 Roscoe Blvd., Panorama City (Los Angeles)
Date & Time: January 30, 2009 @ 2010 hours
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit

Arrests: Name, Age, City of Residence
Tamayo, Sergio, 30, Panorama City
Colli, Jose, 25, Newbury Park
On January 30, 2009, narcotics detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Thousand Oaks Police Department, and the Oxnard Police Department concluded a three-month investigation into the sales of narcotics taking place in city of Thousand Oaks.

During this investigation, detectives made undercover purchases of cocaine from two drug dealers suspected of dealing narcotics in the Newbury Park area of Thousand Oaks. Detectives later served a search warrant at the suspect’s residence in Panorama City and seized a total of six ounces of cocaine and approximately $4,200 in cash. The two suspects were arrested and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail on charges of possession of cocaine for sale and the sales of cocaine. Bail for Tamayo was set at $250,000 and Colli was set at $55,000.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Hillcrest Drive @ San Carlos, Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: 2/2/09, 1930 hours
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Traffic

Involved Parties, City of residence, Age
Jolanna Freitas, Oxnard, 30
Male Juvenile, Thousand Oaks, 15

On February 2, 2009 at approximately 1930 hours, Jolanna Freitas was driving her 2005 VW GTI westbound on Hillcrest Drive just west of San Carlos. Freitas observed a male juvenile crossing the street with his back to westbound traffic. Freitas applied the brakes, but was unable to avoid a collision.

The juvenile suffered serious injuries in the collision and was transported via ambulance to Los Robles Hospital for treatment. Freitas did not sustain any injuries.

The investigation is continuing.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Hillcrest Drive @ Boardwalk Avenue, Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: 2/2/09, 2:50 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Traffic

Involved Parties, City of residence, Age
Denis Liu, Westlake, 61
Ambrosio Rodriguez, Thousand Oaks, 33

On February 2, 2009, at approximately 2:50 p.m., Denis Liu was driving his 2003 Buick Rendezvous out of a parking lot on Hillcrest Drive. Ambrosio Rodriguez was riding his 1994 Ducati Motorcycle eastbound Hillcrest
approaching Boardwalk Avenue. As Liu proceed straight across Hillcrest Drive approaching southbound Boardwalk Avenue, Rodriguez’ motorcycle collided with the passenger side of Liu’s vehicle. The impact from the motorcycle caused the Buick to overturn, coming to rest on its side.

Rodriguez suffered serious injuries in the collision and was transported via ambulance to Los Robles Hospital for treatment. Liu sustained minor injuries. The investigation is continuing.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Day Spa Hairways Salon 2130 Newbury Road, Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: 1/30/09, 1230 hours

Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Traffic

Involved Parties, City of residence, Age
Rina Berney, Thousand Oaks, 69

Rina Berney was parking her 1995 Jaguar in a handicapped-parking stall in front of the Day Spa Hairways Salon when her foot slipped off the brake pedal and hit the accelerator. This mistake caused the Jaguar to drive over the sidewalk and through the front windows of the business. Dianne McCormick and her grandson, who were seated inside the business, received minor lacerations from flying pieces of glass. Others were visibly shaken up from the incident, but no one was seriously injured.

Mrs. Berney will have to complete a re-certification examination to retain her driving privilege.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 100 block Donna Dr, Oak View
Date & Time: 1-30-2009 / 8:30 p.m.

Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Gang Unit

(S)uspects Charge, City of residence, Age
Archie Schaffer Assault with Deadly Weapon, Oak View, 35
Brandishing firearm from vehicle
Street Terrorism

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Gang Unit arrested the president of the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Hell’s Angels for a road rage incident that occurred on 1-16-2009.

On 1-16-2009, Archie Schaffer was driving a pickup truck behind a group of motorcycles, northbound on State Route 33 at Casitas Springs. Schaffer began tailgating the motorcycles at an extremely close range and forcing them to move from one lane to another. Schaffer forced one of the motorcycles into oncoming traffic and brandished a firearm at another. A witness who was following the vehicles, captured pictures of the incident as it occurred. CONTINUED »