Child Molest Investigation
VPD Detectives were actively investigating a child molest allegation on Sean Curtis, owner/operator of the United Studios of Self Defense, located at 1746 South Victoria Avenue.
Upon entering the business to serve the search warrant Detectives from the Ventura Police Department Major Crimes Unit encountered Curtis who immediately armed himself with a handgun. Detectives retreated from the business and upon doing so a gunshot was heard coming from inside. A camera-equipped robot was used to examine the scene to see if anyone was in the business with Curtis. Curtis was later found deceased inside the business from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Two ten year old girls were allegedly molested by Curtis. The most recent incident was reported in the past week.
6-Year Old Arrested
On March 18, at 2a.m. the VPD observed a car speeding and swerving on the 101 Freeway. When the officers pulled the driver over they were shocked to find that he was only 6-years old and under the influence of an illegal substance (12 candy bars). He was also driving on a suspended license.
He was taken to juvenile hall and picked up by his parents who grounded him for one week for being out past his curfew. Because of his age his name cannot be revealed.
Stolen Vehicle Recovery
On Thursday, March 17th, at 5:36 p.m., a VPD Patrol Officer witnessed a vehicle commit a traffic violation near the intersection of Darling and Petit.
The officer attempted to turn his vehicle around in order to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle for the violation. As the officer attempted to catch up to the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle accelerated quickly and ran two stop signs, before losing control of the vehicle which came to rest in the front yard of a residence at the intersection of Medford and Sterling.
James Moug, who was found to be the driver of the vehicle, was taken into custody without further incident. The vehicle he was driving was stolen, reported earlier that day. Moug was also found to have an active warrant for his arrest.
Moug was transported to the VCMC where he was treated for minor injuries. He was later booked into the VC Jail.
Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle
On Saturday, March 19th, at 8:19 p.m., a K9 officer attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of Alyssum Lane and Zinnia Way for a vehicle code violation. The vehicle did not stop for the officer and continued driving into a nearby neighborhood. After initially failing to stop, the driver did yield and pulled into a driveway of a residence. The driver provided the officer with a false name and he was also found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana without having a medical recommendation. During the investigation, his real name was discovered, Jeffrey Forehand, and a records check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest out of San Diego County. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a loaded handgun hidden in the front seat area as well.
Possession of a Handgun
On Sunday, March 20th, at 8:57 a.m., VPD officers conducted a probation search at a room at the Motel 6 located on 3075 Johnson Drive. The occupants, Jose Machado and Sean Quolas, initially denied the officers entry to the room, but the officers were able to gain entry. The officers found a loaded handgun hidden inside the room and additional ammunition for the gun was found in Quolas’ possession. A large quantity of methamphetamine, along with evidence of drug sales, were also found inside of the room.
Vehicle Burglary with Arrest
On Monday, March 21st, at 12:11 a.m., an alert citizen returned to his vehicle to retrieve miscellaneous property. As the citizen approached his vehicle, he observed the passenger door open and a suspect moving around inside his vehicle. The victim returned to his residence and contacted the police. Within minutes officers arrived and the victim directed them to his vehicle. As officers approached the victim’s vehicle, the suspect exited the front passenger door.
The suspect, David Rixman, was detained by officers. At the conclusion of the investigation, it was discovered that the suspect had observed the victim’s vehicle parked along the south curb line of Telegraph Road. The suspect parked his vehicle approximately one hundred feet east of the victim’s vehicle. The suspect returned via foot where he gain access into the vehicle and removed the dashboard and vehicle stereo as officers arrived. The suspect was arrested and later booked into VC Jail.
Death Investigation
On Sunday, March 20th, at 10:40 a.m., the VPD received a call in reference to a deceased male found in a residence located in the 400 block of South Evergreen Street. Officers responded to the location along with VC Fire and located the victim who had suffered a gunshot wound. VP Major Crimes Detectives and an investigator from the VC Coroner’s office responded to the scene and are conducting an investigation.
VPD investigators discovered information that on the 20th, there was an argument at the victim’s residence between the hours of 6:30am-7:00am. Witnesses heard what appeared to be a gunshot followed by a vehicle leaving the area. The Ventura County Coroner’s Office has ruled Arnold Ikeda’s death as a homicide. The autopsy concluded that Ikeda died from a single gunshot wound to his leg. Investigators do not have any suspects at this time.
Resisting Arrest
On Wednesday, March 23rd, at 4:30 p.m., the VPD received a call from a family member of the suspect, Antonio Ramon, reporting that he was acting delusional and threatening to harm himself. It was also reported he was armed with a screwdriver.
One officer arrived on scene and confronted Ramon outside of the business. When Ramon saw the officer approaching him, he went to a parked vehicle and retrieved a hammer from inside. Ramon then raised the hammer and began advancing towards the officer while making threats to harm him. The officer drew his firearm, at which time the family member stepped between Ramon and the officer. After several commands to drop the hammer, Ramon complied and was taken into custody without incident.
Ramon was also found to be in possession two screwdrivers. He was arrested and later booked into the VC Jail for felony resisting an officer and criminal threats.
Commercial Burglary
On Thursday, March 24th, at 2:50 a.m., VPD officers responded to a burglary alarm at the Cabrillo Pharmacy located at 146 North Brent Street. The alarm company verified they could see a subject inside of the business as officers were responding to the scene. Once on scene, the officers surrounded the business and discovered the point of entry by the suspect. He had used a large rock to break the glass the door and enter the business.
The suspect took several bottles of Promethazine/Codeine and a small amount of money from the pharmacy before making their escape. The alarm company could not provide a description of the suspect, and the surveillance video footage was unavailable.
