California Highway Patrol

On November 9th, 2008 at approximately 3:05 p.m., a minor injury traffic collision occurred on southbound SR-1, south of Calleguas Creek. The collision involved a marked, California Highway Patrol unit, and a 2004 Ford Mustang.

Ian Matthew Roven, twenty years of age from Malibu, CA, was driving a 2004 Ford Mustang southbound in the #1 lane on SR-1 (Pacific Coast Highway) at an unknown rate of speed, and was approaching the Calleguas Creek under crossing. Officer J. Perry was in his marked patrol vehicle and was arriving on scene to a separate roll-over collision which occurred in the center divider. Officer Perry’s vehicle was partially within the #1 lane as he was turning into the center divider. The emergency lights of the patrol vehicle were activated at the time. For unknown reasons, Mr. Roven failed to see the patrol vehicle in front of him and was unable to stop in time. The front of Mr. Roven’s vehicle then struck the left rear side of the patrol vehicle. The impact caused the patrol vehicle to spin around, and caused moderate damage to the Mustang.

Officer Perry was taken to the Ventura County Medical Center but was later released with only minor injuries. Mr. Roven was uninjured from the collision. The incident is still under investigation at this point in time.

Units from the Moorpark Police Department responded to the parking lot of the Target Store on Los Angeles Avenue for a report of a subject being battered. Upon arrival they found Javier Feliz, 18, Fillmore, and David Polito, 20, Moopark, in the parking lot and that they had been battered by 2 Hispanic male suspects. In addition to battering Polito, they also demanded money and threatened to harm him if he called police. The suspects fled in a vehicle prior to arrival of deputies.

Based upon a vehicle description provided by Polito, the area was checked and the vehicle was located in Miller Park. When the suspects saw deputies approaching, they fled on foot into the park. A subsequent search of the area led to the apprehension and arrest of Jeffrey DePaz, 21, Moorpark, and Henry Perez, 22, Moorpark, for battery, attempted robbery and intimidating a witness. In addition to the criminal charges, DePaz was charged with a variety of traffic violations. Both were subsequently booked into the Ventura County Jail. Bail for Perez is $100,000 and $116,000 for DePaz.

Preliminary investigation indicates the attack on Felix was motivated by animosity as he and the suspects are known to one another. The attack on Polito appears to have been random and motivated by money.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department has added a new feature to its website (http://www.vcsd.org). Now, both crime and arrest data can be retrieved for specific geographic areas within the Sheriff’s jurisdiction. By clicking on “Crime Stats” and selecting either crime or arrest information by specific area, the user can isolate data from a region of the Sheriff’s jurisdiction known as a Reporting District. Once the selection is made, a map of the county will open. The user can then select a specific Reporting District within the larger geographical area. Each Reporting District is fairly small; therefore, this will give the user far more precise information regarding crime and arrest information for that area. Instructions on how to use the system are also included on the website.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Acting on information received from the community, Sheriff’s Narcotics detectives initiated an investigation into David Samaniego for narcotics sales. The investigation led to the issuance of a search warrant for Samaniego’s residence in the 900 block of Coronado St, Oxnard. On October 29, Samaniego was seen driving from the residence and was detained. The search warrant was served on the vehicle and the residence. Detectives located nearly one ounce of methamphetamine and a small amount of cocaine. Samaniego was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and cocaine for sale, and transporting methamphetamine. He was booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

(S)uspects, Address, Age
Calderon, Cecilia, Oxnard, 27

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department has recently seen a rash of fraudulent “Sheriff’s Department” checks circulating not only in Ventura County, but outside the County as well. Local stores, markets and check cashing businesses are cashing these checks and do not discover that they are fraudulent until the bank receives them and refuses payment. Businesses are urged to contact the Ventura County Treasury Office (654-3746) during business hours if they receive a check that they feel is suspicious. After hours, businesses can contact the Sheriff’s Central Inmate Records at 654-3300.

In a recent case, Oxnard PD arrested the listed individual for possession of one of these fraudulent checks, and several other suspects have been identified. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Detective Christine Rettura or their local police department.

City of Fillmore

The City of Fillmore is pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Herrera as the new chief of the Fillmore Fire Department.

Mr. Herrera has been with the Fillmore Fire Department since 1999. In 2005 he was promoted to Captain and served in that capacity for three years. Since June 2008 he has served as interim chief.

The appointment is effective Thursday October 30, 2008.

Herrera said he is committed to continuing the strong traditions of the department, which responds to approximately 1,000 medical and fire emergency calls annually. “I look forward to meeting the challenges of the community, and working with the City Council, City staff, and our firefighters. I am committed to ensuring a strong future for the fire department.”

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Although children look forward to tricks, treats, and ghoulish garb, Halloween can be very stressful for parents, with candy given to their kids by strangers and a legion of masked and costumed trick-or-treaters at the door. However, following a few safety tips can ensure safe fun for kids and candy-givers alike.

To ensure that trick-or-treaters, you, and your house stay safe, remember the following tips:

• Clear your yard and sidewalk of any obstacles or decorations that may be hard to see in the dark, lest someone go bump in the night.

• Keep your house well lighted, both inside and out; you wouldn’t want to miss any particularly good costumes, would you?

• Ask your Neighborhood Watch or local citizen’s group to haunt (patrol) your community.

• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your police or sheriff’s department.

• To make sure even the scariest costumes are safe, keep the following in mind when buying or designing one:

1. Try makeup instead of masks; it’s more comfortable and doesn’t obstruct vision the way masks can.

2. Check to ensure that costumes are flame-retardant so that young ones are safe around jack-o’-lanterns, candles, and other flames.

3. Keep costumes short to ensure that the only trip taken is the one around the neighborhood.

4. Look for brightly colored costumes, attach reflector strips to costumes and bags, and remind trick-or-treaters to carry glow sticks and flashlights.

5. If a costume involves any sort of fake weapon, make sure that it is made of a flexible material such as cardboard or foam. Or, avoid the whole problem of weapons by challenging your child to design a costume that is scary without one.

• Older kids should trick-or-treat in groups; kids walking around alone are never as safe as those in groups, and especially not at night. Younger kids should be accompanied by a parent or trusted neighbor.

• Review the route for trick-or-treating beforehand and set a time when kids should be home. Also, have a plan if your child gets separated from his or her friends or from you.

• Remind your children not to enter strange houses or cars.

• After a successful and safe night around the neighborhood, remember that the treats still need scrutiny before anyone eats them.

• Remind your children not to eat treats until they’ve come home. To help ensure this, feed them a meal or a substantial snack before they go out.

• Check all treats at home in a well-lighted place. Be especially wary of anything that is not wrapped by the factory or that is no longer sealed.

• Take a cellular phone with you if possible.

• Wear a watch.

• Carry a flashlight.

So remember, following these few safety tips can ease stress and ensure safe fun for everyone. Happy Halloween…

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued the following statement today regarding the death of Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Randy Hamson of Simi Valley:

“Maria and I join all Californians in mourning the loss of Deputy Sheriff Randy Hamson. Randy went above and beyond the call of duty and risked his own life to protect the lives of those in the community, and we will always remember his selfless dedication and sacrifice. We send our deepest condolences to Randy’s family, friends and fellow officers during this difficult time.”

Hamson, 44, died October 24 as a result of injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle on August 16, 2004. At the time of the accident, he was a five-year veteran of the department. He is survived by his wife, three children, parents and two brothers.

In honor of Deputy Hamson, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Sheriff Bob Brooks is pleased to announce the graduation of the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center’s Academy Class #2008-2. The graduation ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2008, at the Camarillo Community Church Auditorium, Camarillo, California. The guest speaker for the graduation ceremony will be Patrick Hunter, Mayor of Moorpark.

Please see the attached pages 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 #2008-2
Graduating Recruits

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Jonathan Robert Ballow
Shawn G. Dagnan
Anthony Jashaun McCowan
Alvaro Pulido

VENTURA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
John Barbic
Brian L. Campbell
James Douglas
Jason Havelka
Cameron Henderson
George A. Hernandez
Camille Jensen
Richard Maertz
James Mongeon
Axel M. Morales
Mark Plassmeyer
Rico Rinaldi
Eric A. Veloz

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Involved Parties, City of residence, Age
Female Driver, Thousand Oaks, 21
Michael Maki, Thousand Oaks, 42

On 10/10/08, Michael Maki was riding his bicycle eastbound in the #2 lane of Hillcrest Drive approaching Eric Place. A solo female driver was driving a Toyota Solara was also eastbound on Hillcrest Drive.

The female driver’s vehicle veered to the right side of the roadway causing it to collide with Maki’s bicycle. Maki was thrown from his bicycle and struck the rear of a pickup that was parked on the side of the roadway. Maki suffered serious injuries in the collision and was transported via ambulance to Los Robles Hospital for treatment.

On 10/22/08, Michael Maki succumbed to his injuries while at Los Robles Hospital. Neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in the collision. The investigation is continuing.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Throughout Thousand Oaks and Ventura County

The price of recycled metals has skyrocketed in recent years due to high demand and surging commodity prices. Although prices have eased since the recent economic downturn, thieves have capitalized on the trend by stealing manhole covers, bronze statues, irrigation pipes, and copper wiring. One item that has captured the attention of thieves is the catalytic converter. The emission control device found on all modern gas-powered cars is being removed from parked cars across the country.

Our local communities are no exception. There have been 56 thefts of catalytic converters throughout Ventura County since June 1, 2008. Forty seven of the thefts were from Toyota vehicles, and 17 occurred in Thousand Oaks. Thieves typically target sport utility vehicles, since the ground clearance allows them to easily work underneath the vehicle. They either cut the device off the vehicle with power tools, or unbolt it, depending on the configuration.

Catalytic converters contain small amounts of platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which are highly prized metals. They can be sold to metal recyclers for amounts that vary between $25.00 and $100.00 apiece, depending on market prices. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Walnut Street @ High Street Moorpark, Ca.

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(S) Sanchez, Roman Moorpark 27

A 27-year-old Moorpark resident was arrested Sunday after being identified as the man responsible for exposing himself to several women during the past four months in the city of Moorpark. Roman Sanchez frequently drove his black 2001 Ford Explorer around the Mountain Meadows and Peach Hill neighborhoods in recent months looking for women.

When he found a target, he would pull up alongside her and expose himself, hoping the woman would want to engage in sex acts with him. Instead, the women reported the incidents to sheriff’s deputies, who began an investigation. Information from witnesses and victims led to Sanchez, who works as a window installer for a company in Simi Valley.

Sanchez told investigators he targeted at least six different women. The first incident occurred in Simi Valley approximately four years ago. The other incidents began in July 2008 and occurred in Moorpark.

Anyone with information about Sanchez’ criminal activity is asked to contact the East County Sexual Assault Unit at (805)494-8201.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department is pleased to announce a new crime prevention program to the city of Ojai and the unincorporated areas of the Ojai Valley. Starting in October, friends, neighbors and local business can participate in a program that brings the concerned citizens, local businesses and local deputies together, working as a team to create safer neighborhoods in the Ojai Valley. This will encourage better communication and problem solving on a variety of issues in your community.

The City Watch Program simply put is an e-mail based program that allows citizens to communicate with an officer at their local police station. This program will give residents and the business community a personal contact in the Police Department that serves the community. Together we will become a strong team, creating a safer and healthier environment for us all to live and work.

The program will provide information to citizens and businesses about criminal activities in their neighborhoods. This information will be of sufficient detail as to allow the individual to help identify crime patterns in their area and relay information about those crimes directly to police and their neighbors.

Our goal is to have 15,000 people in the Ojai Valley, who are willing to receive information and use that information to help us catch criminals and stop them from committing crimes in our neighborhoods.

How does this all work?

You will be receiving three different types of City Watch Alerts. This information will come directly from Deputies and Detectives who work in your neighborhoods.

City Watch Alert- This is an alert about a crime or a series of crimes occurring in your neighborhood. This type of alert is important and should be read and forwarded to all your neighbors and friends as soon as possible. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Del Taco 591 N. Ventu Park Rd. Newbury Park / Shell Gas Station 56 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks.

Clerks at two local businesses were surprised early this morning when a man reached out and grabbed money from the cash drawers at both locations while pretending to buy food. The first incident occurred at Del Taco in Newbury Park. The suspect entered the drive through and ordered a soft drink. When he got to the clerk’s window, the suspect demanded money. As the clerk stepped away from the window, the suspect reached inside and took cash from the open cash register drawer. The suspect did not display a weapon, and he drove away after taking the money.

Approximately ten minutes later, apparently the same suspect entered the Shell gas station on Thousand Oaks Boulevard. He selected several food items and put them on the counter. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, the suspect immediately reached across the counter and grabbed cash from the open register. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Piru Community, Ventura County, CA

What do an ice cream shop, a pre-school and local sheriff’s deputies have in common? Answer: Pride in their community and zeal to help young children with reading skills that will carry them to great heights.
The Police Community Literacy Project aims to reach people of all ages within the community of Piru. Our project is simple and grass roots. Increase literacy, promote reading and build police & community friendships by delivering quality books to children of all ages.

On May 12th, 2008, Sheriff’s Department personnel contacted Westlake Village based Support for the Kids Foundation and solicited assistance for this project. The foundation mobilized their volunteers who bought up nearly every book in Thousand Oaks thrift shops. Within 48 hours the organization delivered five hundred books to our Piru Community Police Station.

Within a day, Sheriff’s police cars were stocked with books and sent to the U-Scream Ice Cream Shop at 3940 Center Street, Piru. This ice cream shop is a local meeting place for residents young and old. Shop owner Stephanie Acosta loved the idea and joined forces. Since that very first day in the spring of 2008, Stephanie has passed out nearly six hundred books free of charge.

The stockpile of books we thought would last a year were quickly distributed. Lynda Miller from Support for the Kids Foundation put us in contact with the Book Ends Organization. Since 1993, Book Ends has passed out more than 1.5 million free books. The organization is dedicated to putting books directly in the hands of our youth. Fortunately, Book Ends came to our rescue, and provided us with eight hundred brand-new incredible books for the Piru community. CONTINUED »

California Highway Patrol

On October 18, 2008, at approximately 3:06 a.m., a hit-and-run traffic collision involving a Nissan Titan into a power pole, occurred on SR-118 (Los Angeles Avenue). The collision caused widespread power failure to many residents within the area and forced a closure on SR-118 while crews worked to clean up the scene.

Michael Ryan Herron, 25 years of age from Simi Valley, was driving his 2005 Nissan Titan pick-up truck westbound on SR-118 at an unknown speed, east of Santa Clara Avenue. Mr. Herron allowed his vehicle to cross into eastbound traffic and subsequently onto the right shoulder. His vehicle then struck a power pole which was located on the shoulder, causing a widespread power outage throughout the area. Following the collision, Herron fled from the scene and went back to his residence. Mr. Herron was contacted at his residence, questioned by officers, and was later arrested for driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage.

There were no other vehicles involved in the collision and no injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(S) Travis Tucker 1043 Ortega Street Fillmore 22
(V) Protect Marriage.Com

On 10/14/08, at approximately 1330 hours, Dave Star (the ZIP Code Supervisor for the organization of Protect Marriage.Com) reported the theft of approximately 80 political signs asking for the public to vote ‘Yes’ on Proposition 8. These thefts occurred at various locations throughout the City of Fillmore.

An investigation into the thefts led to the identification of the suspect, Travis Tucker, who admitted committing the theft of the signs. Tucker said he disposed of the signs by throwing them away. Tucker was arrested for petty theft.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 10-14-2008, Investigators from the East County Narcotics Street Team arrested Omar Santos for sales of cocaine. Investigators found approximately 28 grams of cocaine in the vehicle Santos was driving. An investigation confirmed Santos was operating a cocaine delivery service in the City of Thousand Oaks. After arresting Santos, Investigators served a search warrant at Santos’ residence in the 900 block of Avenida De Las Flores, Thousand Oaks. Investigators found approximately 18 additional grams of cocaine and approximately $10,000 inside Santos’ residence. Santos’ girlfriend, Hellen Sanchez, was arrested for being an accessory to the cocaine sales. Sanchez attempted to hide the currency after she was alerted that Santos was arrested by the police. Santos and Sanchez were booked into the Ventura County Jail pending their arraignment in Ventura County Superior Court.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

(S)uspects, City of residence, Age
Alfred Hines, Port Hueneme, 49
Retina Jefferson, Port Hueneme, 47
Shatoya Wilson, Oxnard, 23
Brenda Nance, Soledad, 47

The Sheriff’s Narcotic Unit completed a two-week investigation into narcotics sales occurring from a residence in the 200 block of East A St., Port Hueneme. Acting on information obtained during this investigation, narcotics detectives contacted Alfred Hines and subsequently arrested him for possession of rock cocaine. A search warrant was served at the residence where additional cocaine was located. Arrested at the residence were Retina Jefferson for being under the influence of cocaine, Shatoya Wilson for a felony warrant, and Brenda Nance for being under the influence of cocaine. All were booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 4542 Las Posas Road, Camarillo

A sixty-four year old male was found dead inside his sport utility vehicle Friday evening. The vehicle was parked behind the vacant commercial complex at 4542 Las Posas Road in Camarillo.

At approximately 5:00 pm, a family member located the victim and reported the incident to the Sheriff’s Department. Deputies arrived within minutes and the victim was pronounced dead by medical personnel a short time later. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending a review by the Medical Examiner. The cause of death has not been determined.

The circumstances surrounding this incident are very suspicious and it is being treated as a homicide. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit at (805) 477-7000 or the Sheriff’s Communications Center at (805) 654-9511.