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.
Stabbing Homicide
On July 23, at about 2pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a stabbing that just occurred on the bike path west of Victoria Av on the extension of Montalvo Hill Park. Responding officers located one male adult suffering from multiple stab wounds to the upper torso. The victim, Marcos Guzman Reyes 26 years of Ventura, was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Ventura Police Department Major Crimes Detectives are currently investigating the incident. The ensuing investigation revealed that one suspect approached the victim on the bike path and stabbed him numerous times. The suspect fled across Victoria Av into Montalvo Hill Park, as well as the adjacent shopping center and into the neighborhood east of the shopping center on Tanager St. The suspect continued south on Hill Rd., then into the Montalvo area. It appears that the suspect also sustained injuries during the altercation. The suspect is still outstanding and is described as an Hispanic male, 5’-8”-5’10”, 180-190 pounds.
Anyone with any information or possible video footage of anyone that matches the description of the suspect is asked to call Detective Tovar at 805-339-4462.
Shooting update
On July 6 and July 7, officers with the Ventura Police Department executed multiple search warrants in the city of Ventura related to a year and a half long Attempted Murder investigation. Detectives learned through their investigation that the victim was lured to Ocean Avenue Park where he was shot 5 times. During the execution of the search warrants officers seized multiple firearms including an AK-47 assault weapon.
The following suspects were booked at the Ventura County Jail for their involvement in the crime.
Enrique Medel, 22-year-old Ventura resident, for Attempted Murder, Possession of High compacity magazines, Possession of Assault weapon, Assault with a Firearm, Conspiracy to commit Murder, and Participation in a criminal street gang
Angelo Balbuena, 20-year-old Ventura resident for Conspiracy to commit Murder
Kuwesi Shakur, 25-year-old Ventura resident for Conspiracy to commit Murder, Possession for sales of a controlled substance, and Possession of an unregistered Firearm.
Ismael Zapata, 40-year-old Ventura resident for Conspiracy to commit Murder, and Participation in a criminal street gang
Miguel Ayala, 22-year-old Ventura resident for Conspiracy to commit Murder
Noel Cavasos, 25-year-old Ventura resident for Possession of Brass Knuckles
On January 3, 2021, at approximately 2:00 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call regarding several shots heard in the area of Ocean Avenue Park, 1590 Ocean Ave. As patrol officers responded to the park, the Command Center was notified that a shooting victim had been transported to a local hospital by acquaintances. The victim was shot multiple times and sustained life-threatening injuries. His status is unknown at this time.
The Ventura Police Department, Major Crimes Unit responded and is handling the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sgt. Bill Dolan at 805-339-4444.
Narcotics Sales Arrest while in possession of a firearm
On July 18th, 2022, members of the Ventura Police Department Patrol and K9 units responded to a call of possible narcotics activity in the Marriott hotel parking lot.
During the subsequent investigation, officers with the assistance of their K9 partners recovered Fentanyl, Methamphetamines, and alprazolam. They also found evidence of narcotics sales and a loaded firearm inside Lawson’s vehicle.
As a result of the investigation, Williams was arrested for possession of narcotics for sales and possession of a controlled substance while armed.
Megan Schaffer was arrested for possession of narcotics and outstanding warrants.
A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that both Lawson Williams and Megan Schaffer have prior arrests for narcotics violations.
