by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Identity Theft, Commercial Burglary Arrest

On November 30 at 10:00 am, Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Detectives (SCU) began an investigation into 25 year old vagrant Eric Wimberley, who was a suspect in several uses of stolen credit cards over the weekend. During the investigation, SCU located Wimberley at a motel in Ventura along with 50 year old vagrant Lisa Preciado and 43 year old vagrant Shawntelle Martinez. Preciado was also a suspect in identity theft using credit cards stolen from unlocked vehicles over the weekend. Martinez was a suspect of a commercial burglary from the Pacific View Mall.

While searching the motel room, detectives located the stolen credit cards, property purchased with the stolen credit cards, stolen property, and identification from the victims of thefts from unlocked vehicles.

Wimberley and Preciado were arrested for multiple counts of Identity Theft. Martinez was arrested for Commercial Burglary. All three were transported and booked at the Ventura County Jail.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Wimberely has prior convictions for grand theft, identity theft with a prior conviction for identity theft, and petty theft. Preciado has previous convictions for possession of a controlled substance and identity theft with a prior conviction of identity theft. Martinez has prior convictions for shoplifting, giving false information to a police officer, and petty theft.

Negligent Discharge of a Firearm, Carrying a Loaded Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Unlawful Firearm Transfer

On December 7, at approximately 8:45 pm, VPD officers responded to a call of a man firing a handgun into the air at the intersection of Mission Ave and Ventura Ave. Multiple officers responded in an attempt to locate the armed subject.

After officers arrived and were conducting a search, additional gunfire could be heard in the neighborhood. Officers continued to search the area. Eventually one of the officers on the call located a subject matching the description a short distance away from the original call. The officer safely detained the suspect with the assistance of other officers and K9 unit. The subject was found in possession of a loaded, concealed semi- automatic handgun. The recovered firearm was determined to be obtained through an unlawful transfer.

The subject, 25 year old Ventura resident Christopher Montoya–Bogarin, was ultimately arrested for Negligent Discharge of a Firearm, Carrying a Loaded Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, and Unlawful Firearm Transfer.

No involved parties were injured as a result of this crime or arrest.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the crime should contact the Ventura Police Watch Commander at (805) 339-4416.

Narcotics Arrest

On December 9 at 10:00 am, members of the Ventura Police Department SCU unit conducted a search warrant at the above address as a result of a month-long investigation into narcotics sales. Narcotics detectives using investigative tools were able to identify a primary suspect as Justin Spinelli.

SCU detectives found and detained 27 year old Ventura resident Justin Spinelli. During the execution of the search warrant and the subsequent investigation, detectives discovered that a large quantity of Alprazolam, a homemade or improvised firearm, and inside Spinelli’s apartment.

As a result of the investigation, Justin Spinelli was arrested for 11375(b)(1) H&S – possession of Alprazolam for sales and 29800(a)(1) PC – possession of a firearm by an addict, both of which are felonies. He also was booked in on an active misdemeanor warrant.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Justin Spinelli has a prior arrest for vehicle theft and shoplifting.

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Narcotics Arrest

On November 13, at approximately 4:00 pm, members of the Ventura Police Department SCU unit conducted a search warrant as a result of a month-long investigation into narcotics sales. Narcotics detectives using investigative tools were able to identify the primary suspects as 32 year old Ventura resident Kylee Shane and 36 year old Ventura resident Blake Dutter.

During the subsequent investigation, detectives discovered that a large quantity of narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamines, and a large amount of currency.

As a result of the investigation, Blake Dutter and Kylee Shane were arrested for possession of narcotics for sales, transportation of narcotics, and conspiracy.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows both Dutter and Shane have previous arrests for narcotics sales and property related crimes. Dutter was out on bail for a narcotics sales arrest, and Shane had an arrest warrant for a narcotics sales case.

Stolen Vehicle Arrests

On November 26, at approximately 12:00 pm, the Ventura Police Department received information that a stolen vehicle was in the area of Harbor Blvd and Schooner Drive. Officers searched the area and located the vehicle near Harbor Blvd and San Jon Rd. Officers conducted a traffic stop and identified 41 year old Oxnard resident Liliana Reyes as the driver. The vehicle she was driving had been reported as stolen from the City of Oxnard earlier the same day. Reyes was arrested for unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle, as well as an existing arrest warrant for the same charge.

About an hour later, the Ventura Police Department received information that another stolen vehicle was being driven in the area of Mills Rd and Main Street in Ventura. Officers searched the area and located the vehicle, which had been reported stolen from the City of Oxnard on November 25, driving on Thompson Blvd near Five Points. When officers attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle, the driver, later identified as 24 year old Oxmard resident Jorge Peralta, failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. Peralta drove a circuitous route through a residential neighborhood at slow speeds. During the pursuit, he drove on the wrong side of the road, drove up onto the lawn of a residence, struck a tree, and rammed into a police car. Officers successfully deployed spike strips and disabled some of the vehicle’s tires. Peralta eventually stopped the car and tried to flee from officers on foot but was taken into custody as he tried to scale a fence. Peralta was arrested for felony evading, assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle, possession of stolen property, and a parole violation.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Liliana Ramirez Reyes (AKA Arlene Ramirez) has two previous convictions for unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows Jorge Peralta has been arrested 10 times since 2015 for various charges, including robbery, burglary, prowling, possession of a controlled substance, and giving false information to peace officer.

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Residential Burglary and Battery Arrests

On November 4, at 1:45 pm, the Ventura Police Department received a call of a battery that had just occurred on the 5400 block of Ralston Street. The victim, an adult female, had been sitting in her parked vehicle with her teenage daughter, waiting for a scheduled appointment in a nearby office building when the suspect, 41 year old vagrant Seth Dees, approached the vehicle. They had their windows partially down and Dees shouted at them for no known reason. When the victim shouted at Dees, asking him to leave, Dees poured his beverage into the open window and onto the victim. Dees left the area on foot and the victim called police.

As police were responding to and investigating the battery, Dees committed a residential burglary at a home in the 5500 Block of Ralston Street. The residents had left the front door open while doing chores and were in a rear area of the home when they heard noises near the front door. They walked to the front of the residence and found Dees, a stranger, in their home. They confronted him and he left the residence. After Dees was gone, they noticed a wallet had been stolen. The victims called police and gave a description of Dees, who officers located nearby. Dees was identified as the person who battered the first victim and burglarized the residence. He was arrested for both crimes. The stolen wallet was in Dees’ possession at the time of his arrest.

Dees has a lengthy criminal history. The Ventura Police Department arrested him on 10/29/20 for a sexual battery on Victoria Avenue. He was released from the Ventura County Jail on 11/2/2020. A review of the Ventura County Superior Court public records website revealed Dees has over 25 other prior arrests since 2004. The arrests include but are limited to Criminal Threats, Possession of a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Concealed Dirk or Dagger, Resisting Arrest, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Vehicle Tampering, Trespassing, Engaging in Lewd Conduct, and Aggravated Trespassing.

Firearms and Narcotics Arrest

On November 8, at approximately 10:30 pm, a Ventura Police patrol officer pulled over a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. The officer determined that the driver, 35 year old Ventura resident Aaron Sheridan, was driving on a suspended license. During the course of the investigation, officers located a concealed and loaded handgun, methamphetamine, and additional ammunition inside the vehicle.

Sheridan has multiple prior felony convictions precluding him from owning or possessing firearms. He was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for several felony firearms violations including possession of a controlled substance with a firearm.

Hot prowl residential burglary, vehicle theft, petty theft, hit and run arrest

On November 9, at approximately 2:00 am, officers responded to suspicious circumstances involving a hit and run that occurred when a reporting party saw their neighbor’s vehicle leave the victim’s home erratically and strike a parked car. The vehicle then fled the area.

Responding officers arrived and determined that the suspect in this case had entered the victim’s unlocked car parked in the lot adjacent to their home. The suspect removed a garage door opener from the unlocked car, opened their garage, and burglarized the home while the victims were inside sleeping. The suspect loaded property into a pickup truck that was parked in the garage and fled, committing the hit and run on a parked car in the process.

Shortly after, an unrelated reporting party called the Ventura Police Command Center to report a hit and run in the area of Telephone Rd and Wells Rd. The vehicle description matched the stolen truck. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the vehicle initially.

While searching for the vehicle, an officer observed the stolen vehicle parked in an alley southeast of Telephone Rd and Portola Ave. Additional officers responded to assist. While standing by for additional officers, the suspect came out from a nearby apartment and entered the truck. Officers safely detained the suspect, 18 year old Ventura resident Joseph Key. Evidence linking the suspect to the burglary, vehicle theft, theft, and both hit and runs were obtained through the investigation. The suspect was booked for first degree residential burglary, vehicle theft, petty theft, and two counts of VC hit and run. The vehicle and property taken from the home were returned to the owner.

Additional garage door openers not related to the initial victim were located but their owners are currently unidentified.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Terrorist Threats Arrest

On November 10, at approximately 6:45 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 9-1-1 call reference the suspect throwing various items on his neighbor’s lawn. While officers were enroute, the suspect threw a hatchet at his neighbor, almost striking him in the head, while also verbally threatening to harm him.

When officers arrived on-scene, the suspect ran inside his residence and refused to exit. The suspect then began throwing items outside through open windows, and he could be heard breaking items inside. After negotiating with the suspect for almost an hour, he opened his garage door and was taken into custody. The suspect, 50 year old Jeffrey Karrh, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and terrorist threats. Nobody was injured as a result of this incident.

Felony DUI with injury, felony hit and run with injury

On November 10, at approximately 10:00 pm, VPD officers responded to a hit and run in the area of Webster St and Hill Rd. Officers located a victim who was retrieving items from his parked vehicle when a white sedan struck him as well as two parked cars. Fortunately, the victim sustained only minor injuries. The suspect vehicle sustained heavy damage as a result of the collision, but the driver was still able to flee in the vehicle.

Within a few minutes, VPD and CHP received a call of a possible collision in the area of Wells Rd and Citrus Dr. A CHP unit located a heavily damaged white sedan in the area of Carlos and Pajaro. VPD officers arrived and made contact with the driver of the vehicle, 44 year old Ventura resident Lamarvie Valentine.

Investigation on scene determined that this was the vehicle and driver involved with the collision on Webster St and Hill Rd. The driver was given field sobriety tests and determined to be driving impaired, with a BAC of over twice the legal limit of .08.

The driver was arrested for DUI causing injury, BAC over .08 causing injury, hit and run from an injury collision, and hit and run causing property damage.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the crime should contact the Ventura Police Watch Commander at (805) 339-4416.

Recovery of Stolen Property, Possession of Stolen Property Arrest, Possession of Controlled Substance Arrest

On November 12 at 11:00 am, the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Detectives (SCU) and Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department were in the Santa Clara River Bottom on a stolen property investigation. The detectives located a vagrant camp belonging to 44 year old Jason Garner. Inside the camp were two stolen motorcycles, reported stolen from the city of Ventura. Garner was arrested for possession of the stolen vehicles and possession of narcotics. Garner was transported and booked at the Ventura County Jail.

Detectives continued searching the river bottom vagrant camps and located another stolen motorcycle, reported stolen from the city of Ventura. They also found a high-end stolen mountain bike taken from the harbor area and multiple industrial propane tanks stolen from a nearby business. All the stolen property was returned to the right rightful owners.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Garner has a prior arrest for assault with a deadly weapon and prior convictions for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, petty theft, and possession of a dirk or dagger.

SCU would like to remind everyone to register their bicycles online, document any serial numbers on power tools, and take photographs of expensive property. Having a record of serial numbers helps VPD return any recovered stolen property to the owner. Please also remember to lock your vehicles and leave nothing valuable in your cars.

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Residential Burglary Arrests

On October 22 at 5:45 pm, Ventura Police Command Center received a 9-1-1 call from a resident in the 1900 Block of E. Thompson Blvd. The resident reported that he returned home to find two suspects, later identified as 35 year old vagrant Stephan Fedo and 24 year old vagrant Tyrone Brown, inside of his home, ransacking it. The resident left the home to contact police and the suspects remained inside. Upon police arrival, Fedo and Brown exited the apartment and climbed onto the roof. They remained on the roof for several minutes and appeared to be trying to gain access to other areas of the building by attempting to remove an air conditioning unit. After several minutes, Brown came to the edge of the roof and complied with officers’ orders to come down. Brown was arrested for Residential Burglary and Resisting/Delaying Arrest.

Fedo fled onto a neighboring rooftop, forced open a window, and entered a second apartment, which was occupied by two residents. He exited through another window and came down off the roof wielding a large stick. Officers quickly took Fedo into custody and arrested him for two counts of residential burglary and Resisting/Delaying Arrest.

No residents or officers were injured during this incident. Fedo was treated at the Ventura County Medical Center for minor injuries sustained during the arrest.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Brown has previous arrests for Grand Theft, Petty Theft, Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle, Vehicle Tampering, Trespassing, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. A search of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Fedo has prior arrests for Trespassing, Vandalism, Resisting Arrest (two arrests), Giving False Information to a Peace Officer, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance (3 arrests), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (4 arrests), and evading an officer in a vehicle.

Overdose Furnishing Narcotics Arrest

On October 23, at approximately 11:30 pm, patrol officers responded to the 1500 block of S. Saticoy Ave. regarding a subject overdosing on Fentanyl. Officers performed CPR until Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel responded; however, they could not revive the overdosed victim, who was pronounced dead on scene.

During the initial investigation, narcotics paraphernalia, a small amount of methamphetamines, and burnt residue of an unknown opiate were located at the scene.

Ventura Police Department Narcotics SCU detectives completed the investigation into narcotics sales of Fentanyl, resulting in an overdose. Detectives using investigative tools were able to identify, detain, and arrest suspect 34 year old Ventura resident Christopher Macias for furnishing narcotics.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Courts shows that Christopher Macias has prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance and possession for sales of a controlled substance.

Narcotics Arrest

On October 28 at 12:30 pm, members of the Ventura Police Department SCU unit conducted a search warrant at the above address as a result of a month-long investigation into narcotics sales. Narcotics detectives using investigative tools were able to identify a primary suspect as Yurri Seals.

SCU detectives found and detained 51 year old Ventura resident Yurri Seals. During the execution of the search warrant and the subsequent investigation, detectives discovered that a large quantity of narcotics, which included fentanyl and methamphetamine, inside Seals’ motel room. They also located a firearm, ammunition, and a large amount of US currency.

As a result of the investigation, Yurri Seals was arrested for 11378 H&S, 11351 H&S, 11370.1 H&S, 12022(b) PC, and 12022(c) PC which are all felonies.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Yurri Seals has a prior arrest for evading, narcotics sales, battery, and receiving stolen property.

Residential Burglary, Possession of Stolen Property, Warrant Arrest

On November 1, Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Detectives (SCU) were informed that there had been a commercial burglary over the weekend at a workshop in the Ventura Harbor Area in the 1400 block of Spinnaker. The victim found many of his stolen tools were being sold online. On November 2, SCU Detectives began surveillance in the 1600 block of Thompson Blvd and identified a possible suspect, Jon Clift, who was also wanted on several arrest warrants. Detectives followed Clift to a motel room on Thompson Blvd, and along with Patrol, took him into custody without incident.

During a search of the motel room, detectives located the stolen tools from the burglary on Spinnaker, along with additional stolen property, including a firearm from a residential burglary on Seahorse Blvd. Clift was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for six outstanding warrants from Ventura County, Possession of Stolen Property, and Residential Burglary.

Detectives also located several possibly stolen bicycles but are unable to identify the owners. The bicycles are mountain bikes and are newer models with front suspensions. If you are the victim of a theft of a newer mountain bike, please contact the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Clift has prior convictions for possession of stolen property, trespassing, giving false information to a peace officer, petty theft, possession of controlled substance, child endangerment, and DUI.

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Incident: Prowling Arrest

On October 9, at approximately 9:30 pm, Ventura Police Patrol officers responded to a call of a prowler in the backyard of a residence. As officers responded, the homeowner confronted the suspect, 21 year old vagrant Felix Ramirez. Ramirez was holding a can of spray paint and sprayed the homeowner in the face before fleeing. Officers located Ramirez nearby and arrested him for prowling and battery.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On October 10 at approximately 5:00 pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a vehicle driving recklessly in the 3300 block of East Main Street. Ventura Police Patrol Officers responded to search for the vehicle and located it in the 4200 Block of Market Street. The vehicle was determined to have been reported stolen in Oxnard. Officers conducted a stop on the vehicle and took the driver, 29 year old Oxnard resident Angel Perez, into custody without incident. During the investigation, officers determined that Perez was under the influence of alcohol.

Ramirez was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol, and an outstanding felony warrant.

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Furnishing Narcotics Arrest

On July 21, at approximately 11:15 am, patrol officers responded to the 1300 block of Buena Vista St. reference a subject overdosing on Fentanyl. Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel responded; however, they were unable to revive the overdosed victim, who was pronounced dead on the scene.

During the initial investigation, narcotics paraphernalia, a small amount of methamphetamines, and burnt residue of an unknown opiate were located at the scene.

On September 9, members of the Ventura Police Department Narcotics SCU unit completed the investigation into narcotics sales of Fentanyl, resulting in an overdose. Detectives using investigative tools were able to identify, detain, and arrest the suspect, 36 year old Ventura resident Thomas Landucci, for furnishing narcotics.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Courts shows that Thomas Landucci has prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance and possession for sales of a controlled substance.

Narcotics Arrest

On September 10, at approximately 11:00 am, members of the Ventura Police Department SCU unit conducted a probation search at the above address as a result of a week-long investigation into narcotics sales. Detectives using investigative tools were able to identify a primary suspect as 26 year old Ventura resident Casey Cravey.

During the execution of the probation search, SCU detectives found and detained Casey Cravey. During the subsequent investigation, detectives discovered that a large quantity of narcotics which included, heroin, methamphetamine, and alprazolam, inside Cravey’s hotel room.

As a result of the investigation, Casey Cravey was arrested for possession of narcotics for sales.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Casey Cravey has numerous prior arrests for drug-related crimes, including narcotics sales.

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Furnishing Narcotics Arrest

On August 26, at approximately 5:00 pm, patrol officers responded to Macy’s department store reference a subject overdosing on Fentanyl. Ventura City Fire personnel responded and were able to revive the overdosed victim by administering Narcan (naloxone HCI), which is used for the treatment of an opioid emergency.

During the investigation, officers learned the overdose victim was told he bought Heroin but was actually sold Fentanyl. He used too much of the narcotic and quickly overdosed. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine.

Fentanyl is often added to other drugs to increase their potency. Many users believe that they are purchasing Heroin and do not know that they are buying Fentanyl – which often results in overdose deaths.

On August 28, members of the Ventura Police Department Narcotics SCU unit completed the investigation into narcotics sales of Fentanyl, resulting in an overdose. Detectives using investigative tools were able to identify, detain, and arrest suspect 58 year old Ventura resident Robbin Parks for furnishing narcotics.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Courts shows that Parks has prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance and possession for sales of a controlled substance.

Theft of Bike and Warrant Arrest

Over the past month, there have been approximately 45 bikes stolen throughout the city of Ventura. On September 2 at 6:00 pm, the Ventura Police Department Patrol Task Force and the Street Crimes Unit conducted a crime suppression theft sting at two Ventura locations. The units left bicycles unattended in shopping areas while officers surveilled the bikes.

In the 4700 block of Telephone Rd, Cody Brown approached one of the bikes and then took it and began riding away. Officers stopped Brown and took him into custody. Brown also had several outstanding warrants for his arrest. Brown was arrested and subsequently booked at the Ventura County Jail.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Brown has been arrested for drunk in public, under the influence of a controlled substance, petty theft, and resisting arrest.

The Ventura Police Department would like to remind everyone not to leave their bikes unattended, even for a short time, without locking them. Please register your bicycles online through the Ventura Police Department website under the tab for Services.

Arson

In the evening hours of September 2, Ventura Police communications center received multiple reports of fires along the Ventura Avenue corridor as well as the Olive Street both north and south of Main street. Ventura City Fire Department responded with patrol officers and quickly extinguished the fires.

Detectives with the Ventura Police Major Crimes unit were able to identify the suspect, 35 year old vagrant Hugo Santiago, from video surveillance located in the area of one of the fires.

Detectives found Santiago and detained him without incident. Detectives were able to link Santiago with 4 different intentional fires set on September 2. Santiago was booked at the Ventura County Jail for Arson.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Santiago has previous arrests for being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and driving without a license.

Hot Prowl Residential Burglaries / Sexual Assaults: Arrest and Update

On April 21, 2016, at approximately 5:00 am, the Ventura Police Patrol Officers responded to 6600 Block of Webster St. in reference to a female victim reporting that an unidentified male made entry into her residence sliding glass door, sexually assaulted the victim, and fled when the victim awoke. The suspect was wearing gloves, dark clothes and had a ski mask.

On May 7, 2016, at 5:00 am, the Ventura Police Patrol Officers responded to 600 block Atlanta Ln. in reference to a female victim reporting that an unidentified male was peeping through her bedroom window. The suspect was wearing all dark clothing and wearing a ski mask.

On June 11, 2016, at approximately 5:30 am, the Ventura Police Patrol Officers responded to 1500 block of Echidna Ln. in reference to a female victim reporting that an unidentified male made entry into her residence through a sliding glass door, groped the victim’s buttocks, and fled when the victim awoke and screamed. The suspect was wearing gloves, dark clothes and had a ski mask.

On August 8, 2016, at approximately 5:30 am, the Ventura Police Patrol Officers responded to 700 block of Hill St. in reference to a female victim reporting that an unidentified male made entry into her residence through a sliding glass door left open for a cat, sexually assaulted the victim, and fled when the victim awoke and screamed. The suspect was wearing gloves, dark clothes and had a ski mask.

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Prowling and Theft Arrest

On August 12, at 8:25 am, several residents on Woodstock Lane observed a subject, later identified as 28-year-old vagrant Trace Mullen, enter the open side yard of a home in the 900 block of their street. They watched as Mullen entered and exited the rear yard several times. The last time Mullen left, he was in possession of a mountain bike. The residents called 911 and Mullen was detained a short distance away by Patrol Task Force Officers. Mullen was still in possession of the stolen bike. The homeowner was contacted and confirmed the bike belonged to them, and Mullen did not have permission to be in the yard. Mullen was arrested for prowling and theft.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website revealed Mullen has been arrested over thirty times since 2014. His most recent charges include lewd conduct, vehicle tampering, violation of a court order, possession of drug paraphernalia, prowling and burglary.

Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Hit and Run, Resisting/Delaying a Peace Officer, Parole Violation

On August 18, at approximately 3:45 pm, Ventura Police received a call of a stolen vehicle in the 900 Block of Weber Circle. The owner had left the vehicle unlocked while working in the area and returned to find it missing. At approximately 3:45 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center began receiving several 9-1-1 calls about an erratic driver, later identified as 24 year old vagrant Jonathan Coronado, driving the stolen vehicle. The calls started in the 500 Block of Ventura Avenue and reported Coronado moving east through the city. One caller reported being rear- ended by the vehicle at the intersection of Seaward Avenue and Ocean Avenue.

A patrol officer saw the vehicle traveling on Seaward Avenue near Harbor Blvd and initiated a traffic stop. Coronado yielded at Harbor Blvd & Beachmont St but did not comply with officers’ commands. He engaged in a standoff of about 30 minutes before he was successfully taken into custody. Coronado was arrested and transported to the Ventura County Jail where he was booked for possession of a stolen vehicle, hit and run, resisting/delaying arrest, and a parole violation.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Coronado has previously been convicted of Trespassing and Resisting/Delaying a Peace Officer.

On August 18, at approximately 3:30 am, the victim was involved in an altercation with an acquaintance of his in the area of Montgomery Rd. and Telephone Rd. The suspect attacked the victim with a camping type axe causing lacerations to the victim’s legs. The suspect fled and the victim stayed in the area until he was located by a Ventura Patrol Officer who was driving by. The victim was transported to the hospital with non-life- threatening injuries. Ventura Police Detectives were able to identify the suspect as 23-year-old Ventura resident Elizer Castro.

On August 19, Ventura Police detectives served a search warrant at Castro’s residence where he was taken into custody. During a search of the residence, detectives located the weapon used in the crime along with additional evidence. Castro was later booked in the Ventura County jail for assault with a deadly weapon.

On August 18, at approximately 3:30 am, a Ventura Police Patrol officer located a male subject injured as a result of an assault near the intersection of Telephone and Montgomery. Officers tended to his injuries until Fire and AMR personnel arrived.

The victim was transported to a local hospital and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Due to the investigation, there is currently a delay in traffic at the intersection. The intersection is expected to be completely open within the next few hours.

This is an on-going investigation, anyone with information is asked to call Ventura Police Detectives at (805) 339-4467.

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Attempt Grand Theft, Felony Vandalism, Vehicle Tampering, Possession of Stolen Property, and Conspiracy Arrests.

On July 28 at 3:30 am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call about two suspects tampering with a car in the 1000 block of Santa Clara St. The suspects fled in a vehicle before finishing stealing the catalytic converter, leaving the victim’s car damaged. Ventura Police Patrol officers located the suspect vehicle and pulled it over. Inside officers contacted the three suspects, 32 year old Los Angeles resident Sergio Casteneda, 35 year old Los Angeles resident Erik Gomez-Diaz and 41 year old Los Angeles resident Luis Ramirez-Nunez, who had four stolen catalytic converters with them.

Ventura Police Street Crimes (SCU) detectives responded to assist in the investigation. Detectives were able to identify two additional victims in Ventura. One catalytic converter was stolen from Howard St and one from Evergreen Dr. The three suspects had tools, a cordless saw, and a car jack with them. There has been a dramatic increase in Ventura County in this type of theft over the last six months. Though this type of crime is hard to protect against, there are mechanics that can modify your vehicle with aftermarket products that make it more difficult for criminals to steal car parts.

All three suspects are from the Los Angeles area. They were arrested and transported to the Ventura County Jail, where they were booked for attempted grand theft, felony vandalism, vehicle tampering, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy.

This is an ongoing investigation. If anyone has information or was the victim of catalytic converter theft from July 27 – July 28, please contact the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit.

Drug Sales Arrest

During several months of investigation, detectives from the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit identified William Clay as a subject selling illegal drugs in Ventura. On July 28, at 3:00 pm, detectives located and detained Clay and served a search warrant at his residence. During the search warrant, SCU detectives found a large quantity of methamphetamine and a large amount of currency inside Clay’s home.

As a result of the investigation, 63 year old Ventura resident William Clay was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sales. Clay was transported and booked at the Ventura County Jail.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that William Clay has prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance, under the influence of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Prowling Arrest

On July 31, at approximately 10:00 am, a resident in the 2700 block of Channel Drive observed an unknown subject (later identified as 38 year old vagrant Daniel Freitas) in her backyard. As the resident was watching Freitas, he walked up on to the rear patio. The resident called 911 and Freitas exited the side yard and began running westbound on Channel Dr.

Patrol officers were on-scene quickly and detained Freitas. Freitas was positively identified by witnesses and arrested for prowling and an outstanding felony warrant. No one was injured as a result of this incident.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website revealed Freitas has been arrested numerous times since 2016. His most recent charges include possession of narcotics, burglary, and under the influence of a controlled substance. Additionally, Freitas is currently on PROS (Post Release Offender Supervision).

Stabbing with Arrest

On August 3, at approximately 9:45 am, a concerned resident living in the 200 block of Salinas Walk, called 911 due to hearing a female subject yelling for help. Patrol officers arrived on-scene quickly and determined the victim was near a vagrant encampment in the barranca area west of Wells Rd, north of Citrus Dr.

The investigation revealed the victim and suspect (32 year old vagrant Kristy Hernandez) knew each other and got into an argument. Hernandez stabbed the victim one time in her right arm with an unknown sharp object. After the stabbing, Hernandez immediately fled the scene on foot. A detective driving an unmarked police vehicle saw Hernandez on Wells Rd., and assisted patrol officers with taking her into custody. Hernandez was arrested for felony assault with a deadly weapon. The victim was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website revealed Hernandez has prior convictions for vehicle theft, under the influence of a controlled substance, vandalism, petty theft and resisting arrest.

Willfully Discharge of a Firearm, Resisting Arrest, Vandalism, and Arson Arrest

On July 30, at approximately 3:45 am, officers responded to a call of possible gunshots in the area of Sherwin Ave and Ventura Blvd. While officers were responding to the scene, a resident on Sherwin Ave called Ventura Police Command Center to report a subject who appeared to be armed with a sword running through the business complex on Sherwin. Officers arrived and detained 39 year old Ventura resident Brenton Edward Cherrie, who matched the description of the suspect. The officers located an empty handgun magazine on Cherrie as well as an empty shell casing. Cherrie began to physically resist officers and was taken into custody.

Based on the investigation, Cherrie was arrested for felony discharging a firearm and resisting arrest and was transported and booked at the Ventura County Jail. No one was injured as a result of the arrest or the shooting.

Based on the incident, Ventura Police Special Enforcement Team (SET), along with the Street Crimes Unit (SCU), served a search warrant at Cherrie’s business in the 2800 block of Sherwin Ave. During the service of the warrant, detectives located and seized multiple firearms and ammunition. Cherrie was served with paperwork revoking his right to own and possess firearms.

On August 3, at approximately 8:30 pm, Cherrie was released from VCJ. On 8/3/20, at approximately 2340 hours, Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call about a subject lighting a fire in the 2800 block of Sherwin Ave. When officers arrived, they located a medium-sized fire near the business and detained Cherrie. During the investigation, it was determined Cherrie had lit the fire near the business, which had endangered the building and people inside it. Cherrie had also damaged the business’ doors and broke a vehicle’s window parked in the area. No one was injured as a result of the arson or vandalism.

Cherrie was arrested for arson and vandalism and booked at the Ventura County Jail.