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.
Theft of Catalytic Converters, Felony Evading Arrest
On March 2, 2021, at about 4:00am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a resident in the 1100 block of Buena Vista St. The reporting party (RP) heard a vehicle pull up in front of the residence. The RP noticed two cars, a sedan, and an SUV, double-parked near their neighbor’s Prius. The RP heard a “saw” and called 911. Both vehicles fled the area.
Patrol officers dispatched to the area located the sedan and attempted to pull it over. The vehicle fled, and officers pursued. The vehicle fled onto the 101 Freeway, where CHP took over the pursuit. The car fled south to the area of Camarillo Springs, where CHP disabled the vehicle and took three suspects into custody.
Officers located several stolen Toyota Prius catalytic converters inside the vehicle. All three suspects( Saul Ramos, 31yo, Los Angeles resident, Gustavo Diaz Rodriguez, 21yo, Los Angeles resident and Anthony Castillo, 21yo, Los Angeles resident) were arrested for Grand Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft. The driver (Castillo) was also arrested for Felony Evading. The suspects were transported and booked at the Ventura County Jail.
SCU Detectives have located two victims. If you own a Toyota Prius and were a victim of a catalytic converter theft from 3/2/21, please contact Ventura Police Street Crimes Unit. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ventura Police Department.
