Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility, Ventura, CA
Date & Time: 05/01/2008 at 12:37 am

Name of Subject: WOOD, Joel S.
Unit Responsible: Detention Services Division

The inmate, a 37-year-old resident of Ventura, was found not breathing in his cell at approximately11:44 pm on Wednesday, during one of the frequent and 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. The Fire Department and Paramedics arrived at the jail and transported the inmate to Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura. The inmate was pronounced dead at the hospital at approximately 12:37 am Thursday morning. He had been arrested by the Ventura Police Department and booked into the jail Tuesday on an outstanding warrant for petty theft and battery.

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.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 100 Blk of Moorpark Ave, Moorpark
Date & Time: Thursday, 5/1/2008, 2:00 pm

Unit Responsible: Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit &
East County Major Crimes

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age

(S) Gutierrez, Gilbert Joseph Moorpark 47
(V) Ruiz, Gregory Allan Camarillo 19

On 4-6-08, deputies responded to a call of a stabbing on Moorpark Avenue in the city of Moorpark. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that Gregory Ruiz had been stabbed in the back with a kitchen knife. Ruiz and other witnesses reported that Gilbert Joseph Gutierrez was the person who actually stabbed Ruiz. Just prior to the stabbing, Ruiz and Gutierrez’s son were arguing, which angered Gutierrez who then walked up behind Ruiz and subsequently stabbed Ruiz causing serious injury, including a punctured lung and nearly striking Ruiz’s heart. Gutierrez fled the scene, but was located today (5-1-08) and was subsequently taken into custody by sheriff’s deputies from the Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit & the East County Major Crimes Unit for the crime of attempted murder. Gutierrez is currently being held at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in lieu of $500,000 bail.

California Highway Patrol

Sacramento -- May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in California. In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of drivers and motorcyclists sharing the road, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will release the video “Thrill or Buzz Kill?” at the upcoming Motorcycle Safety Summit.

“Sharing the road with many types of vehicles is necessary for safe highways,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “While drivers need to watch out for bikers, motorcyclists need to be defensive riders and watch their surroundings as well.”

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer, president of the California Police Chiefs Association reminded motorists, safety is a two-way street off the highway as well.

“Whether it be on the highway or on the streets, drivers need to be aware of their surroundings, especially when encountering motorcycles. Oftentimes, motorcycles are harder to see than cars and are more vulnerable when on the road. Motorcycle riders always need more time and
room to avoid hazards and drivers should make every effort to give riders as much room on the road as possible,” Chief Dyer said.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) more Californians are sharing the roadways. “Among the more than 23 million licensed drivers in the state, there are roughly 1.1 million licensed riders,” said DMV Deputy Director of Licensing Operations Mimi Khan.

The CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) statistics show the number of motorcyclists killed in collisions statewide has increased more than 140 percent during the past 10 years.

"With motorcycle rider deaths increasing at an alarming rate, everyone needs to take note," said California Office of Traffic Safety Director Christopher J. Murphy. "OTS, the CHP, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are convening the first ever Motorcycle Safety Summit later this month in California with representatives from motorcycle riders, law enforcement, industry and public agencies to address this problem and reduce these tragic deaths."

With a motorcycle, safety accessories are limited to equipment like helmets, jackets, boots and gloves -- not much stands between the rider and serious injury in case of a collision.

In addition to safety equipment, education is crucial for new motorcyclists and riders who have been off the road for a length of time.

“Even as a veteran rider, I know it’s important to take a refresher course and sharpen your skills, especially if you haven’t ridden in a while,” said CHP Assistant Commissioner Ramona Prieto.

Last year, nearly 63,000 students attended training courses at one of the 114 California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) training sites throughout California. CMSP is California’s official motorcycle safety and training program administered by the CHP.

To enroll in a CMSP course, call 1(877) RIDE-411 or visit their website at www.ca-msp.org .

CMSP will be one of several potential avenues for statewide distribution of the CHP’s “Thrill or Buzz Kill?” The motorcycle, “Red Asphalt”-type, video, which was funded by a federal grant issued through the Office of Traffic Safety, will be distributed to CHP area offices throughout the state for use in educational presentations in local communities.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 1800 Block of Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo
Date: April 28, 2008
Time: 2:00 A.M.
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses, (P)arties Age
(S1) Alejandro Tayam, Oxnard Resident 23 Years
(S2) Eduardo Mora, Oxnard Resident 23 Years

On April 28, 2008, at about 2:05 A.M., patrol deputies contacted Alejandro Tayam and Eduardo Mora walking in the area of the 1800 block of Ventura Blvd. Deputies confirmed that both Tayam and Mora were on probation for vandalism. Upon further investigation, both subjects were found to be in possession of a police scanner, gloves, a flashlight and several master keys designed to defeat locks. Both suspects were subsequently arrested for possession of burglary tools.
Deputies later discovered that Tayam and Mora were responsible for burglarizing a business on Arneill Road and one on Ventura Blvd during the night. Camarillo Detectives assisted with this investigation and revealed Tayam and Mora were responsible for burglarizing two businesses in the Mission Oaks area of Camarillo on April 4, 2008. Both Tayam and Mora were transported to the Main Jail and booked for Burglary and Possession of Burglary Tools. Bail was set at $50,000.00.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Camarillo City Library and Pleasant Valley Park
Date & Time: 4-25-2008/ 1630 Hours
Unit Responsible: Camarillo Police Department – Special Enforcement Detail – Graffiti Investigations
Arrestees: Resident of: Age:
Male Juvenile Camarillo 14

Over the last thirty days, several acts of graffiti vandalism have occurred at the Camarillo City Library and at various locations within Pleasant Valley Park. The investigation revealed that one person was responsible for these acts of vandalism. A total of eight separate graffiti incidents were identified through the course of the investigation. On 4-25-08, the Camarillo Police Department’s Special Enforcement Detail (SED) conducted a surveillance at Pleasant Valley Park specifically targeting the suspected graffiti suspect. Deputies assigned to the Special Enforcement Detail were successful in apprehending the suspect in the act of vandalizing park property. The suspect was arrested for three felony and five misdemeanor counts of vandalism. The suspect was released with a citation to his parents with a pending court date in the future.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

(S)uspects
(S) Christie, George Ventura 60
(S) Cerezo, Joe Ventura 34

The Sheriff’s Gang Unit served three search warrants on Friday as part of its ongoing investigation into the Hells Angels criminal street gang.

The first warrant was served at the home of George Christie who lives in the 400 block of Ventura Ave. George Christie is a long time member of the Hells Angels. During the service of the warrant, a small quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine were found. An investigation found the illegal drugs belonged to George Christie who was arrested at that location. Christie was also found to be under the influence of cocaine and methamphetamine. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail for possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, and being under the influence of a controlled substance. He was later released on his own recognizance.

The second warrant was served at the residence of Hells Angel member Joe Cerezo, who lives in the 2900 block of Apache Avenue. Cerezo was arrested after a stolen shotgun was found in his bedroom. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail for possession of stolen property. He was released from jail after posting $10,000 bail.

The third search warrant was served at the Hells Angels criminal street gang clubhouse located at 65 Fix Way. Several members were detained at the location but no arrests were made.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Avenida Valencia @ Via Jacara, Camarillo
Date & Time: 4-24-2008 / 11:00 AM
Unit Responsible: Camarillo Police Department/Special Enforcement Detail – Graffiti Investigations
Arrestees: Resident of: Age:
Male Juvenile Santa Paula 14
Male Juvenile Santa Paula 14

On 4-24-08, at around 11:00 AM, members of the Camarillo Police Department’s Special Enforcement Detail (SED) conducted surveillance on two juveniles who appeared to be involved in graffiti crimes. This surveillance started in the area of Lewis Road and E. Elma Street, Camarillo. SED watched the two juveniles as they went into a drainage channel, which runs from Lewis Road to the Calleguas Creek. SED members observed the two juveniles commit several acts of graffiti on a bike path, which runs along the west side of Calleguas Creek. In addition, SED observed the two juveniles commit acts of graffiti on a community metal mailbox located near the intersection of Avenida Valencia and Via Jacara. The two juveniles were taken into custody without incident for several acts of graffiti vandalism and conspiracy.

SED attempted to release the two juveniles to a responsible adult family member, but the two juveniles ran way from the family member. The two juveniles were booked into Juvenile Hall at the request of their parents.

The Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association is proud to announce the endorsement of Kathy Long for Ventura County supervisor of the Third district.
For the last 12 years Kathy Long has demonstrated her dedication to the safety of Ventura County’s citizens and the men and women who protect them. The safety of our citizens is a priority Firefighters share with Kathy Long according to Chris Mahon, President of the Firefighters Association. “Kathy has the experience and the proven track record to handle the challenges that the county will face in coming years.”
The Firefighters Association made the endorsement with a unanimous vote at its February 6 Board Meeting. The Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association represents 425 active members throughout Ventura County including the Ventura County and Santa Paula City fire departments.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 17700 Block South Mountain Road, Santa Paula
Victim, City: Thrasher Ranch, Santa Paula
Suspects, Age:
Abraham Valencia, Santa Paula, 21
Arthur Lara, Santa Paula, 65

Our local farmers are in the avocado harvesting season that will extend through early summer. Theft suspects have been seen casing Ventura County farms but they are not alone. Sheriff’s agriculture crimes detectives have been conducting surveillances of many avocado groves. Stealing more than $100 of agricultural crops is a felony. Last year, Sheriff’s detectives arrested 29 suspects and charged them with stealing over $115,000 dollars worth of local produce.
On April 10, at about 2:00 p.m., the Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes / Agricultural Detail concluded an avocado theft investigation that resulted in the arrest of two suspects. Detectives obtained suspect information from local farmers and arranged to purchase stolen avocados from two subjects who were trying to sell the stolen fruit. A Sheriff’s detective was placed undercover and posed as a buyer. Abraham Valencia and Arthur Lara had a small but organized theft operation in which they secretly entered local Santa Clara Valley farms and stole avocados for later resale. They would then conspire to sell them to any buyer interested in purchasing. Valencia and Lara would search for buyers throughout the community, including local restaurants and markets. Mere possession of stolen fruit is also a felony.

A six-person Sheriff’s surveillance team made arrangements to buy stolen fruit from the theft ring. After brief negotiations, Lara and Valencia advised they had 120 pounds of fresh fruit that they needed to unload. Detectives set up a meet to inspect the fruit. The suspects were arrested during the meet. Detectives recovered the fruit and found additional stolen crates from a Santa Paula market.

Abraham Valencia and Arthur Lara were arrested and booked at the Main Jail for felony grand theft and felony possession of stolen property. The case is being presented to the District Attorney.

Local residents are encouraged to provide agricultural theft tips to the Major Crimes Unit at 805-477-7029. Typical theft operations involve small vans or trucks parked in orchards and along roadways that border them during late evenings or off hours. Farmers rarely pick or load fruit during the night. If you see an obvious theft in progress, call 911. Do not confront any suspects.

Four more Fillmore citizens join the ranks of CERT Team members. Successfully completing training are Katrina Douglas, Connie Serna, Marcia Grande, and Ana Maria Quiroz. We thank them for their willingness to help their neighbors in time of need. The Community Emergency Response Training course is provided by the Fillmore Fire Department. Those interested should contact Deputy Chief Royce Davis Sr. at 524-1500 ex316. Leave your contact information.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Sheriffs Technical Communications Specialist 11 (STCS II) Debbie Castro, with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, will receive the 2008 Dispatcher of the Year Award on May 3, 2008. Debbie was selected by her peers and supervisors to receive this award and it will be presented during the Annual Dispatcher Awards Banquet at the Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura. The Ventura County Board of Supervisors will also recognize Debbie on April 15, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. when they present a Resolution for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
Debbie joined the Sheriffs Department on June 6, 2004. During her time with the Sheriffs Department, Debbie has become an accomplished dispatcher and has established herself as a team player. She takes pride in doing everything possible to help the public and she is also a trainer for new dispatchers. Debbie has also become an integral part of the Sheriff Department's Tactical Dispatch Team.
"Understanding and compassionate", "a prime example of team work", "an involved team member who goes the extra mile during stressful situations" are just a few of the phrases that are commonly used to describe Debbie. She has an exceptional attitude and is empathetic with callers, often making the extra effort to provide them with comfort and assistance. During critical incidents, Debbie can be relied upon to jump in and assist her co-workers in bringing the incident to a successful conclusion.
In an environment where reliability is crucial, Debbie has done an excellent job to help ensure that vacant shifts are covered. In addition to maintaining a very good attendance record, Debbie works more than her share of overtime and can often be relied upon to hold over or come in on her day off to cover a vacancy caused by sick leave.
For these reasons, and many others, the Ventura County Sheriffs Department is proud to honor Debbie Castro as the 2008 Dispatcher of the Year.